Topical Bible: The Sabbath: Saints: Testify Against Those Who Desecrate

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, is a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian tradition, rooted in the creation narrative and the Ten Commandments. Observance of the Sabbath is a sign of covenant faithfulness, and throughout biblical history, saints have been called to testify against those who desecrate this holy day.

Biblical Foundation

The Sabbath is first introduced in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rests on the seventh day after creation, blessing and sanctifying it. The command to observe the Sabbath is later codified in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8). This commandment underscores the importance of rest and worship, reflecting God's own rest.

Prophetic Testimony

Throughout the Old Testament, prophets and righteous leaders are depicted as testifying against the desecration of the Sabbath. Nehemiah, upon discovering that the Sabbath was being violated in Jerusalem, took decisive action to restore its sanctity. He rebuked the nobles of Judah, saying, "What is this wicked thing you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?" (Nehemiah 13:17). Nehemiah's reforms included closing the city gates during the Sabbath to prevent commerce, demonstrating the seriousness with which the Sabbath was to be observed.

Isaiah also speaks to the importance of honoring the Sabbath, linking its observance to blessings from God: "If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD’s holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, then you will delight yourself in the LORD" (Isaiah 58:13-14). This passage highlights the spiritual rewards of Sabbath observance and the consequences of neglect.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the Sabbath, emphasizing its intended purpose for humanity's benefit. While He challenges the Pharisaic legalism surrounding the Sabbath, He does not negate its importance. Jesus declares, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27), affirming the Sabbath as a gift meant to serve human needs for rest and spiritual renewal.

The early church grappled with the application of the Sabbath in light of Christ's resurrection, which led to the practice of gathering on the first day of the week. However, the principle of setting aside time for rest and worship remained integral to Christian life.

Saints as Witnesses

Throughout history, saints have borne witness to the importance of the Sabbath, often standing against societal trends that undermine its observance. Their testimonies serve as reminders of the Sabbath's role in fostering a rhythm of work and rest, aligning believers with God's creative order and covenantal promises.

In summary, the Sabbath is a divine institution that calls for reverence and observance. Saints, both in biblical times and throughout church history, have testified against its desecration, urging the faithful to honor this sacred day as a testament to God's provision and holiness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 13:15,20,21
In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Leap Year Sermon *
... man who had always been a ringleader in the Sabbath sports; he ... after him, there would
be many more saints than in ... We speak that we do know, and testify that we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a leap year sermon .htm

The Shadow of Death
... recalling the words of one of the saints of old ... if it chanced to cross their Sabbath
traditions, who ... wrote many years before our evangelists, testify to this (I ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/viii the shadow of death.htm