How the Law of Moses and the Keeping of the Sabbath Relate to Christians Today

The Law of Moses and the keeping of the Sabbath are important topics that are still controversial to some Christians today. Although God originally gave them to Moses for the Israelites, they have no implications for modern-day Christians. The Law of Moses is very comprehensive, in this blog post I will mostly focus on the section of the Ten Commandments. I will explore how the Law of Moses and the Sabbath relate to Christians today.

How the Law of Moses and the Sabbath are related in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses and the Sabbath are related as the Sabbath is one of the key commandments given in the Law of Moses. Keeping of the Sabbath is mentioned as the fourth law in the Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20:8-11.

Also, check out these recommended bible study resources for a better understanding of the Old Testament books: Epic of the Eden, Manners and customs of bible times and The Kregel Pictorial Guide to the Old Testament.

The Law of Moses and its Relevance to Christians Today

The Law of Moses and Its Purpose

The Law of Moses as a whole was a set of rules and regulations given to the Israelites by God through Moses to regulate their relationship with God and with each other. Its purpose was to teach them about God’s character, expose their sins, and guide them in their daily lives and to set them apart as a holy nation. We learn from the scripture in Hebrews 8:5-13 that, the Law of Moses provided a revelation about the system of worship that is in heaven, and was only meant to last until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Law of Moses is Fulfilled in Christ

Accordingly, today Christians are no longer bound to keep the Law of Moses because it has been fulfilled in Christ. This means that the sacrificial and ceremonial laws, such as those related to the temple and priesthood, are no longer necessary because Jesus has become the ultimate sacrifice and the high priest. This is confirmed in Hebrews 10:8-10 which also quotes Jesus as saying, “… ‘You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings’ (these are offered according to the law), then he added, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will.’ He does away with the first in order to establish the second. And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

How the Ten Commandments From the Law of Moses Relate to Christians Today

In Christ, the Ten Commandments which are found in Exodus 20:1-17 from the Law of Moses are fulfilled, and Christians are no longer bound to keep it. For instance the fourth law (which is keeping of the Sabbath) is no longer found in the New Testament. Despite this, some commandments of the Law, such as those related to love and justice, have been summed up in one commandment, which is relevant and applicable to Christians today. For example, the other 9 Commandments, which are found in Exodus 20:1-17, provide a foundation for moral behavior and love for God and others.

As Christians, we are called to follow these principles, not out of obligation to the Law of Moses, but out of love for God and his people, and a desire to live according to his will.  As the bible says “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Romans 13:8-10 ESV.

Therefore, the most important commandment for Christians today is to love God and his people. As taught by Jesus in mark 12:28-31 ESV, “And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

The Sabbath and its Relevance to Christians Today

The Sabbath Day and its Purpose

The Sabbath is known as a day of rest, holy and dedicated to the Lord. This is what God had commanded to the Israelites through Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11). This day was observed on the seventh day of the week by the Israelites as God had commanded. This Sabbath day was meant to be a sign of agreement between God and the Israelites, to remind them that their sanctification comes only from God (Ezekiel 20:12). This was part of a shadow of the coming of Jesus whom through him comes rest and sanctification.

In the New Testament, there are many instances where Jesus challenged the perception of the Sabbath. In Mark 2:27 Jesus emphasized that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Although this day was strictly known as a day of rest and abstinence from work, but Jesus also performed acts of healing and mercy. The Pharisees criticized and saw Jesus’ actions as violating the Sabbath.

However, Jesus was trying to teach them that the true meaning of the Sabbath was not simply about following a set of rules, but about serving God and serving others. Jesus emphasized the importance of showing compassion and doing good deeds on the Sabbath, rather than just abstaining from work. In this way, Jesus fulfilled the true purpose of the Sabbath by bringing healing, restoration, and freedom to those who were suffering.

Jesus Fulfilled the Purpose of the Sabbath  

The scripture reads in Colossians 2:14-17 in NKJV “Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

The death and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the Sabbath, by providing us (the church) with the rest and the sanctification of our souls, which is found in him alone. We became free from the work of the Law of Moses, and attained eternal rest. As the scripture say in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Furthermore, Hebrews 10:10 states, “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” As a result, Christians are not required to keep the Sabbath day anymore as it was part of the Law of Moses which was abolished in the cross.

How the Sabbath Day Relates to Christians Today

As a result, the Sabbath commandment does not apply to us as Christians anymore. Today as a Christian church we worship on the first day of the week (Sunday) in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (as this is the day the Lord was resurrected), not for keeping the Sabbath day. Additionally, we observe this day as a day of worship, out of obedience to God’s word rather than obligation. Sunday meetings are to stir one another to walk in love and to encourage each other as stated in Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Conclusion

The work of redemption relieved us from the burden of adhering to the Law of Moses in order to be sanctified, and provided rest and sanctification for us as the church through Christ alone. Therefore, we are not saved by the works of the Law but through faith in God. For that reason, as Christians, we need to understand that the rest and restoration we need comes through our relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than through strict adherence to the set of rules. We also need to remember that our freedom must be celebrated by walking in love as love is the only true representation of God as the scripture say “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (ESV)