The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship observed by Jews and Christians, rooted in the biblical creation narrative and the Ten Commandments. According to Genesis 2:2-3 , "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This divine rest established the pattern for the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and spiritual reflection.

In the Mosaic Law, the Sabbath is enshrined as the fourth commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates" (Exodus 20:8-10). The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, a reminder of God's creation and deliverance from Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15).

In the New Testament, Jesus' approach to the Sabbath often challenged the prevailing interpretations of His time. He emphasized the Sabbath's purpose for human benefit, stating, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). Jesus performed healings on the Sabbath, illustrating that acts of mercy and necessity align with God's intent for the day (Matthew 12:12).

The early Christian church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, especially as Gentile converts increased. While some Jewish Christians continued traditional Sabbath observance, others began to worship on the first day of the week, commemorating Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7). The Apostle Paul addressed the issue of Sabbath observance in Romans 14:5 , encouraging believers to be fully convinced in their own minds regarding the day they esteem.

Legalism

Legalism, in a biblical context, refers to an excessive adherence to law or formula, often at the expense of grace and faith. It is characterized by a focus on external compliance with religious rules and rituals, rather than the internal transformation of the heart. Legalism can lead to a self-righteous attitude, where individuals believe they can earn God's favor through their own efforts.

The New Testament frequently addresses the dangers of legalism, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Apostle Paul. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their legalistic practices, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23). He emphasized that true righteousness exceeds mere outward observance and is rooted in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40).

Paul's epistles, especially Galatians, address the issue of legalism in the early church. He warns against returning to the "yoke of slavery" by relying on the law for justification (Galatians 5:1). Paul asserts that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9). He emphasizes that the law serves as a tutor to lead us to Christ, but once faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatians 3:24-25).

Legalism can obscure the gospel's message of grace, leading to a distorted view of God's character and our relationship with Him. It can create a burdensome religious experience, where individuals strive for perfection through their own efforts rather than resting in the finished work of Christ. The New Testament calls believers to live by the Spirit, producing the fruit of love, joy, peace, and other virtues that fulfill the law's true intent (Galatians 5:22-23).