| The Sabbath in the New Testament (Part One) (Copyright) by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) |
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| In the Mar-Apr 2022 issue of “The Sabbath Sentinel” was an article on the Sabbath. In the article some “26 reasons why we should keep the Sabbath”, were presented by an individual named Daniel Liechly. The information came from the teachings of an individual named Andreas Fischer, from Germany, that lived in the 16th century. For the purpose of this article, I am going to quote from four of those points. #1). “There are Ten Commandments of God which constitute the Covenant. The Sabbath commandment is one of these. Therefore, if one breaks the Sabbath commandment, one violates them all.” #2). “Moses and the Old Testament prophets, as well as the Apostles in the New Testament, all teach that one should keep the Ten Commandments, which includes the Sabbath.” #10). “Paul and all the New Testament Apostles held their meetings for worship on the Sabbath.” #13). “Christ, the apostles, and all the earliest church fathers taught Sabbath worship.” Before covering the above four, let’s go to the OT, to clarify some points regarding the Sabbath, and the command to observe it. For, there is indeed a command to “observe” given, but…? First consider that the Ten Commandments, as listed in Ex. 20, are as they are recorded in the “Book of the Law”. Which was “written with ink” by Moses. And said book of the law originated from Mt. Sinai. Note though, that the original giving of the Ten Commandments to all of the peoples of Israel, came to them from the top of Mt. Horeb. Not mount Sinai. It only takes a simple study to see that these are two completely different mounts. Israel heard these Ten Commandments spoken to them with the “VOICE” of the Creator God Almighty. The Almighty recorded his Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. And as the story goes, during the forty days that Moses spent on the top of Mt. Horeb, in the cloud, the children of Israel chose to worship a different God. The God that brought them out of Egypt in the cloud. Or the Angel in the cloud. Thus, when Moses did come down from the top of Horeb, he broke those original stone tablets, because they no more applied to Israel’s peoples. It ought to be noted that the Ten Commandments were recorded again on two tablets of stone. But these were written while Moses was on the top of mount Sinai. And they were later hidden away in the Ark of the Covenant. Which was in turn placed below the Mercy Seat in the inner room of the Tent of Meeting, the Holy of Holies. Thus, leaving Israel with only the book of the law to live by during all OT times. Moving on, keeping in mind that Mt. Horeb was completely covered by the “cloud”. Ex. 19:11. “…The third day the LORD [not the Almighty] will come down in the sight of all the people, upon mount Sinai…V.18. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire. And the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace.” It is important to keep in mind two points in the above. First, the Almighty, as mentioned above, was in the midst of a cloud, while the LORD spoken of was in the midst of smoke from the fire. Since we are dealing mostly with the information on the Sabbath, let’s now go to Ex. 20:8. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy.” The reader can read the definition of “remember” if they wish, but I will cover the meaning from Strong’s Concordance when we get to Part #2 of this article, where we will deal with the Sabbath, as it is taught in the New Testament. Now consider V.’s 9-11. “Six days shall you labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall not do any work…for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. And, rested the seventh day. Wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” If the above is indeed speaking of the Ten Commandments, as they were spoken by, and written by, The Almighty, then where in the above words does one find any “command to observe the Sabbath”? The only command given is to “rest” on this day. Not doing our normal labors. Thus, does it not seem that if any command to “observe” is intended, then is it not the command to “rest”? The reader might ask. “Does it not then command all of Israel’s peoples to assemble on the Sabbath, thus this being the meaning of observe”? Well, it says nothing in the above verses about there being any command to assemble on the Sabbath. And, if the reader will examine “all of the book of the law”, it is not likely that they will find any such command given commanding assembling on the Sabbath day. I have searched it out several times and have not found any supporting evidence for assembling. Though I have found evidence of their not assembling. Now, as will be shown in Part #2, it is good for all believers to assemble. But no command is given to do so. As will be shown in the NT. |
| The Sabbath in the New Testament (Part Two) (Copyright) by Ray Daly (Lincoln, North Dakota) |
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| The basic lesson shown at the end of Part #1 is, that there is no mention in the words of the Law of the Ten Commandments, that even hints to the Sabbath being anything more than “a day of rest”. Yes, it is a very important day, but not as it has been alluded to by most of the various “churches”. “A day of rest”, and no mention of a “day of observance”. If there is any observance being referred to, it seems that said observance is in “resting”. As well, there is also no command given in either the Ten Commandments, or the book of the law, that calls for the citizens to have to “assemble” on the Sabbath. Thus, with the above in mind, then it would seem that there is very little need to discuss observing and assembling on the Sabbath, in the New Testament as well. Of course, claiming that said teachings have changed, and assembling is commanded, would seem to be hiding the Truth. Which, as far as the True Church is concerned, by the end of the 1st century, men like Diotrophes did indeed “change said Scriptural teaching”. However, it is an individual’s choice to make. Still, let’s look at some of the teachings in the NT, concerning the topics of the Sabbath, and observing and assembling. Such topics seem to show that, when Jesus entered the temple or a synagogue, it was simply to witness the new Ten Commandment Gospel message, to those that were sold on the OT book of the law message. If Jesus was a supporter of the book of the law practices, then he would almost certainly have been accepted. With little need of miracles. Consider the words of Heb. 12:23-24. “To the general assembly, and the church of the first born…And, to Jesus Christ, the mediator of a new covenant.” IOW’s Jesus was bringing forth the same message as his Father had given to all Israel when he spoke the Ten Commandments to them. The “new covenant” being taught again, to replace the old covenant law of Moses. Again, when Jesus preached in the synagogues, he was doing what his Father had done from Horeb. However, just as Israel of the past rejected the Almighty’s covenant, so also did they reject the Almighty’s covenant when it was spoken by his son. The message Jesus taught in Judea; the apostles taught to all of the tribes of Israel living in many many other areas. Of course, just as the Judean Jewish leaders had him killed, so also did the Judean and Israelite Jewish leaders killed the apostles. I am going to interject the following teaching, and let the reader choose for himself/herself whether it makes sense or not and is True or not. 1) Moses’ law represents the Tree of the Knowlege of Good and Evil. 2) God Almighty’s Law represents the Tree of Life. True or false? 3) The TKGE leads to death. 4) The Tree of Life leads to life. True or false? It is the individual’s choice to give a yes or a no. (An interjected thought. Consider the women that came to the tomb to see how Jesus body was laid out. They went back to prepare spices, and “RESTED on the Sabbath”.) Lk. 23:56 Let’s now look at an example of what occurred when Paul and Barnabss went to Antioch in Asia Minor. The first Sabbath they went into the synagogue, and Paul began to present his message to the Gentile Jews within said synagogue. Of course, they rejected his message. As those of the same mindset rejected Jesus. Now look at Acts 13:44. “And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.” Seemingly showing us two things. First that, almost all of the gentiles living in Asia Minor were of the old covenant law of Moses. As the “circumcised” gentile Jews in the sanctuary, and the mostly “uncircumcised” gentile Jews living in the city and surrounding areas. Secondly, it shows that, even though they were of the law, the great multitude did “not attend church”. The reader might ask. “How is it possible that all of these gentile peoples could have been of the law of Moses?” The answer is found in the book of Esther. Esth. 8:17. “…And many of the [gentile] people became Jews. For the fear of the [Judean] Jews fell upon them.” Becoming a Jew, basically meant that the gentiles began to practice circumcision, and obedience to the other book of the law teachings. Esth. 9:3. “And all the rulers of the [127] provinces, the lieutenants, deputies, and officers of the kings, helped the Jews. Because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.” As well, likely most of their citizens became either circumcised or uncircumcised Jews. I will conclude with the following two Scriptures, that seemingly puts the topic into clear understanding. Acts 15:5. “There rose up certain of the Pharisees which believed [in Jesus as the Messiah], saying. That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” Acts 15:24. “For as much as we have heard that certain That went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying. You must be circumcised and keep the law [of Moses]. To whom we GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT.” A final thought. NT Scripture tells us that many of the believing Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, either “within or upon” them. These gentiles that were not observing Moses law. Now ask yourselves. How many of the “believing in Jesus Jews, that were keeping the law of Moses, are shown to have the Holy Spirit placed within or upon them”? |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: The Sabbath in the New Testament (Part One) Article by Ray Daly Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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|  Ray’s Article:            In the Mar-Apr 2022 issue of “The Sabbath Sentinel” was an article on the Sabbath. In the article some “26 reasons why we should keep the Sabbath”, were presented by an individual named Daniel Liechly. The information came from the teachings of an individual named Andreas Fischer, from Germany, that lived in the 16th century.             For the purpose of this article, I am going to quote from four of those points.             #1). “There are Ten Commandments of God which constitute the Covenant. The Sabbath commandment is one of these. Therefore, if one breaks the Sabbath commandment, one violates them all.”             #2). “Moses and the Old Testament prophets, as well as the Apostles in the New Testament, all teach that one should keep the Ten Commandments, which includes the Sabbath.”             #10). “Paul and all the New Testament Apostles held their meetings for worship on the Sabbath.”             #13). “Christ, the apostles, and all the earliest church fathers taught Sabbath worship.”             Before covering the above four, let’s go to the Old Testament, to clarify some points regarding the Sabbath, and the command to observe it. For, there is indeed a command to “observe” given, but…?             First consider that the Ten Commandments, as listed in Ex. 20, are as they are recorded in the “Book of the Law”. Which was “written with ink” by Moses. And said book of the law originated from Mt. Sinai.  Laura writes: Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exo 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: Exo 20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.  The book of the law existed from the beginning and is written in the first five books of the bible, which is called the books of the law.  Ray’s Article:            Note though, that the original giving of the Ten Commandments to all of the peoples of Israel, came to them from the top of Mt. Horeb. Not mount Sinai. It only takes a simple study to see that these are two completely different mounts. Israel heard these Ten Commandments spoken to them with the “VOICE” of the Creator God Almighty.  Laura writes: Although most scholars consider Sinai and Horeb to have been different names for the same place, there is a minority body of opinion that they may have been different locations. Mount Horeb – Wikipedia  It does not matter whether you believe that Mount Horeb and Mount Sinai were the same mountain or two different mountains, the Law of God did not change from the Old Testament to the New Testament.  Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Ray’s Article:            The Almighty recorded his Ten Commandments on two tablets of stone. And as the story goes, during the forty days that Moses spent on the top of Mt. Horeb, in the cloud, the children of Israel chose to worship a different God. The God that brought them out of Egypt in the cloud. Or the Angel in the cloud. Thus, when Moses did come down from the top of Horeb, he broke those original stone tablets, because they no more applied to Israel’s peoples.  Laura writes: Exo 32:19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses’ anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.  Moses was angry because they were worshipping a golden calf, not because the tablets no longer applied. Don’t read things into scripture that are not there.  Ray’s Article:            It ought to be noted that the Ten Commandments were recorded again on two tablets of stone. But these were written while Moses was on the top of mount Sinai. And they were later hidden away in the Ark of the Covenant. Which was in turn placed below the Mercy Seat in the inner room of the Tent of Meeting, the Holy of Holies. Thus, leaving Israel with only the book of the law to live by during all OT times.  Laura writes: The ten commandments are also in the book of the law and both sets of tablets were given to Moses on Mount Sinai which is also called Mount Horeb.  Ray’s Article:            Moving on, keeping in mind that Mt. Horeb was completely covered by the “cloud”. Ex. 19:11. “…The third day the LORD [not the Almighty] will come down in the sight of all the people, upon mount Sinai…V.18. And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire. And the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace.”             It is important to keep in mind two points in the above. First, the Almighty, as mentioned above, was in the midst of a cloud, while the LORD spoken of was in the midst of smoke from the fire.  Laura writes: Exo 19:11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.  Exo 19:18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.  The Lord spoken of in both verses is Christ.  Ray’s Article:            Since we are dealing mostly with the information on the Sabbath, let’s now go to Ex. 20:8. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy.” The reader can read the definition of “remember” if they wish, but I will cover the meaning from Strong’s Concordance when we get to Part #2 of this article, where we will deal with the Sabbath, as it is taught in the New Testament.             Now consider V.’s 9-11. “Six days shall you labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall not do any work…for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them. And rested the seventh day. Wherefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”             If the above is indeed speaking of the Ten Commandments, as they were spoken by, and written by, The Almighty, then where in the above words does one find any “command to observe the Sabbath”? The only command given is to “rest” on this day. Not doing our normal labors. Thus, does it not seem that if any command to “observe” is intended, then is it not the command to “rest”?             The reader might ask. “Does it not then command all of Israel’s peoples to assemble on the Sabbath, thus this being the meaning of observe”? Well, it says nothing in the above verses about there being any command to assemble on the Sabbath. And, if the reader will examine “all of the book of the law”, it is not likely that they will find any such command given commanding assembling on the Sabbath day. I have searched it out several times and have not found any supporting evidence for assembling. Though I have found evidence of their not assembling. Now, as will be shown in Part #2, it is good for all believers to assemble. But no command is given to do so. As will be shown in the NT.  Laura writes: When people don’t want to do something, they will weave many fables in order to get out of it. The command to assemble on the Sabbath is here:  Lev 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. (KJV)  Lev 23:3 Work is to be done six days, and in the seventh day shall be a sabbath of rest, a holy gathering; you shall do no work; it is a sabbath to Jehovah in all your dwellings. (LITV)  Lev 23:3 Six days you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a sacred assembly. You are not to do any work. It’s a Sabbath to the LORD wherever you live. (ISV)  Lev 23:3 “’For six days work is to be done, and on the seventh day shall be a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy assembly; you shall not do any work; it shall be a Sabbath for Yahweh in all your dwellings. (LEB)  Lev 23:3 For six days work may be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of complete rest, a day of sacred assembly. You must not do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. (BSB)  Lev 23:3 You have six days when you can do your work, but the seventh day of each week is holy because it belongs to me. No matter where you live, you must rest on the Sabbath and come together for worship. This law will never change. (CEV) |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: The Sabbath in the New Testament (Part Two) Article by Ray Daly Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
|---|
| Ray’s Article: The basic lesson shown at the end of Part #1 is, that there is no mention in the words of the Law of the Ten Commandments, that even hints to the Sabbath being anything more than “a day of rest”. Yes, it is a very important day, but not as it has been alluded to by most of the various “churches”. “A day of rest”, and no mention of a “day of observance”. If there is any observance being referred to, it seems that said observance is in “resting”. As well, there is also no command given in either the Ten Commandments, or the book of the law, that calls for the citizens to have to “assemble” on the Sabbath. Laura writes: Lev. 23:3 gives you the command to assemble on the seventh day Sabbath. Why are you ignoring that said command is in the books of the law. Leviticus is one of the five books of the law. Ray’s Article: Thus, with the above in mind, then it would seem that there is very little need to discuss observing and assembling on the Sabbath, in the New Testament as well. Of course, claiming that said teachings have changed, and assembling is commanded, would seem to be hiding the Truth. Which, as far as the True Church is concerned, by the end of the 1st century, men like Diotrophes did indeed “change said Scriptural teaching”. However, it is an individual’s choice to make. Laura writes: That would be true, all people have been given free will to choose what they will and will not do, however it is a sin if your free will leads you to break the laws of God. There is a command to assemble on the Sabbath and it is in the book of the law and if you have people you can meet with and you intentionally break that command then you will answer to God for that at some point. Ray’s Article: Still, let’s look at some of the teachings in the NT, concerning the topics of the Sabbath, and observing and assembling. Such topics seem to show that, when Jesus entered the temple or a synagogue, it was simply to witness the new Ten Commandment Gospel message, to those that were sold on the OT book of the law message. If Jesus was a supporter of the book of the law practices, then he would almost certainly have been accepted. With little need of miracles. Laura writes: The entire bible is the inspired word of God, and you are trying to tell everyone that Christ was not a supporter of His own laws. Who are you trying to fool with all this foolishness? Ray’s Article: Consider the words of Heb. 12:23-24. “To the general assembly, and the church of the first born…And, to Jesus Christ, the mediator of a new covenant.” IOW’s Jesus was bringing forth the same message as his Father had given to all Israel when he spoke the Ten Commandments to them. The “new covenant” being taught again, to replace the old covenant law of Moses. Again, when Jesus preached in the synagogues, he was doing what his Father had done from Horeb. However, just as Israel of the past rejected the Almighty’s covenant, so also did they reject the Almighty’s covenant when it was spoken by his son. Laura writes: Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Christ was the one who gave the ten commandments on Mount Siani/Mount Horeb (same mountain). The Law of Moses is still the law of the New Testament. The Law has not changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. There is no change of the law, just how it is administered. Ray’s Article: The message Jesus taught in Judea; the apostles taught to all of the tribes of Israel living in many many other areas. Of course, just as the Judean Jewish leaders had him killed, so also did the Judean and Israelite Jewish leaders killed the apostles. I am going to interject the following teaching, and let the reader choose for himself/herself whether it makes sense or not and is True or not. 1) Moses’ law represents the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. 2) God Almighty’s Law represents the Tree of Life. True or false? 3) The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (TKGE) leads to death. 4) The Tree of Life leads to life. True or false? It is the individual’s choice to give a yes or a no. Laura writes: Let’s hope no one believes any of this. God’s Law is not Good and Evil. Moses does not have a law. Moses is the one that delivered God’s Law on God’s command, and that is the only reason it is called Moses Law. Ray’s Article: (An interjected thought. Consider the women that came to the tomb to see how Jesus body was laid out. They went back to prepare spices, and “RESTED on the Sabbath”.) Lk. 23:56 Laura writes: Luk 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment. Lev 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. In Luke 23:56 it says she rested according to the commandment. That means she kept Lev. 23:3 which is the Sabbath commandment. Ray’s Article: Let’s now look at an example of what occurred when Paul and Barnabas went to Antioch in Asia Minor. The first Sabbath they went into the synagogue, and Paul began to present his message to the Gentile Jews within said synagogue. Of course, they rejected his message. As those of the same mindset rejected Jesus. Now look at Acts 13:44. “And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.” Seemingly showing us two things. First that, almost all of the gentiles living in Asia Minor were of the old covenant law of Moses. As the “circumcised” gentile Jews in the sanctuary, and the mostly “uncircumcised” gentile Jews living in the city and surrounding areas. Secondly, it shows that, even though they were of the law, the great multitude did “not attend church”. Laura writes: Act 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Acts 13:44 shows that they assembled on the sabbath day. The Law of God has not changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament, so the Sabbath Command found in Leviticus 23 is still in effect today. Ray’s Article: The reader might ask. “How is it possible that all of these gentile peoples could have been of the law of Moses?” The answer is found in the book of Esther. Esth. 8:17. “…And many of the [gentile] people became Jews. For the fear of the [Judean] Jews fell upon them.” Becoming a Jew, basically meant that the gentiles began to practice circumcision, and obedience to the other book of the law teachings. Esth. 9:3. “And all the rulers of the [127] provinces, the lieutenants, deputies, and officers of the kings, helped the Jews. Because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.” As well, likely most of their citizens became either circumcised or uncircumcised Jews. I will conclude with the following two Scriptures, that seemingly puts the topic into clear understanding. Acts 15:5. “There rose up certain of the Pharisees which believed [in Jesus as the Messiah], saying. That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” Acts 15:24. “For as much as we have heard that certain That went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying. You must be circumcised and keep the law [of Moses]. To whom we GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT.” A final thought. NT Scripture tells us that many of the believing Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, either “within or upon” them. These gentiles that were not observing Moses law. Now ask yourselves. How many of the “believing in Jesus Jews, that were keeping the law of Moses, are shown to have the Holy Spirit placed within or upon them”? Laura writes: The issue here was circumcision and not the law of Moses. Ray, this whole story you just told us is nothing but a fable. If you don’t want to keep the Sabbath that is fine and totally within your free will to do so, but teaching others to break the Sabbath command is not right. Do you honestly believe that Moses wrote his own law? Christ taught the Law of Moses because it was God’s Law. |
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