Phil, you write -
I hope you and I will be able to always share our views in peace.
Why should it be anyother way ? are we not both trying to serve God
to the best of our Knowledge and ability ?
My problem with the Sabbath, is that according to Neh 9:13-14 and 10;29-33.
the Sabbath is part of the Law of Moses.
The Law of Moses is not required to be observed (to my mind) for salvation
under the terms of the new covenant brought in by the death of Jesus.
This was the issue at Antioch and Jerusalem, when the believing Pharisees
'stood up and said, the Gentiles must be cercumcised and required to keep the
law of Moses Acts 15: 1-5. this was not about the offering of sacrifice, as
there was no Temple at Antioch.
This attempt to bring believers in Christ under the Law of Moses is described
as a disturbance which troubled the minds of the converts to Christianity
Acts 15:24.
Our obedience to the word of Christ Jesus is the essential basis of true faith
Matt 13:19. Col. 3:16. Rom. 10:17. John 12:48. 2 John 7-9. 1 Tim 6:3.
I see Sabbaths and holy days as shadows and do not compare with rest or the
sabbatism in Christ, a cessation from our own works continuously as Heb.4:10.
commands. Just my views Phil, you may not see it so. James.
Gerard you ask re- the Sabbath, I studied it for a number of years.
I came to the understanding (mine) that there was God's Sabbath,
Where He rested from all His work.
The Sabbath given to the Jews by God through Moses ( part of the Law )
but which some Gentiles kept when they Joined together with the Jews.
A Sabbath that could be broken when it came in conflict with other parts
of the Law, ie- if a circumcision due fell on a Sabbath the priest had to
break the sabbath to perform it.
This Sabbath was ordained for Israel in Exodus 16. ( but not for Mankind )
Jesus said of this, Mark 2:27 " the sabbath was made for man." the man or men
in question being Israel of whom it is also said " they rebelled against Me...
nor were they careful to observe My ordinances, by which, if a man (Jew)
observes them,he will live" Ezek 20:21. ( this man being to whom it was given)
The words of Paul in Col 2:16-17. inform us that the New Testament Sabbath
consists of a permanent rest in Christ who is the substance of the Old
Covenant shadows found in the holy days,new moons and Sabbaths.
There is a freedom in Christ which we can enjoy and pass on to others.
A rigid holdinf on to Old Testament festivals hinders the spirit of Christ and
the Gospel.
We are no longer under the Law Rom 6:14. we have been released from the Law
Rom. 7:6. We have died to the Law through the body of of Christ, that (we)
might be joined to another, to him that was raised from the dead, in order
that we might bear fruit for God" Rom 7:4.
It also helps to read Gal.4. & Gal.5. Hope this helps you see how I see
It. James.
