Beginning at the Beginning

Genesis 2:3 Here we see the Sabbath was before the law. God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. He set it apart as holy.

Paul, a Hebrew of Hebrews who was sent by God to declare the Good News of overwhelming grace to the nations had this to say in his letter to the Colossians. Chapter 2: 16 - “Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day- 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come ; but the substance belongs to Christ.”

The Sabbath is a mere shadow of what was to come. The substance belongs to Christ. The Greek transliteration of the word “substance” is “soma”. “Soma” is best defined as “body”. The body is Christ. The shadow He cast was a special day. The shadow was extending out from the body. We saw the shadow first and now we see the body. It is in Christ that we find true rest. As Jesus Himself promises, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Of course we need to take some time off to rest and recharge. That is simply part of our physical makeup. It is how God made us. But whether it is true rest, peace, hope, love or joy; all of these are found only in Christ.

It is so sad to me to know there are millions of believers who think that in order to please God that they must “keep the Sabbath”. Whether it is Saturday or Sunday, are we “required” by God to treat one day as special above another? I believe the answer is a clear and resounding No! But that’s alright. God is in complete control to open their eyes to the wonders and completeness of His grace. When He decides to open our eyes, they will be opened.