Sacred time in the Bible is a concept that reflects the divine order and rhythm established by God for worship, rest, and remembrance. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of setting aside specific times for spiritual reflection and connection with God.

Creation and the Sabbath

The concept of sacred time is introduced in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "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." The Sabbath, therefore, is the first instance of sacred time, a day set apart for rest and holiness, reflecting God's own rest after creation.

The Mosaic Law and Festivals

The Mosaic Law further develops the idea of sacred time through the institution of various feasts and festivals. Leviticus 23 outlines these appointed times, including the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Each of these festivals serves as a reminder of God's covenant, His deliverance, and His provision for Israel. For example, Leviticus 23:4-5 states, "These are the LORD’s appointed feasts, the sacred assemblies you are to proclaim at their appointed times: The Passover to the LORD begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month."

The Year of Jubilee

Another significant aspect of sacred time is the Year of Jubilee, described in Leviticus 25. Every fiftieth year, the Israelites were to proclaim liberty throughout the land, allowing for the redemption of property and the freeing of slaves. This year was a time of restoration and rest, emphasizing God's sovereignty over time and His desire for justice and mercy.

The Prophets and Sacred Time

The prophets often called the people back to a proper observance of sacred time, warning against neglect and idolatry. In Isaiah 58:13-14 , the prophet exhorts, "If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, 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, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

The New Testament and Fulfillment in Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the fulfillment of sacred time. He is Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28), and through His death and resurrection, He inaugurates a new covenant. The early church began to gather on the first day of the week, the Lord's Day, to commemorate Christ's resurrection (Acts 20:7). This shift highlights the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacred times in the person and work of Jesus.

Eschatological Time

Sacred time also has an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The Book of Revelation speaks of a future time when God's kingdom will be fully realized, and His people will enter into eternal rest. Revelation 21:3-4 declares, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"

Sacred time, therefore, is a divine gift that structures the life of faith, providing opportunities for worship, reflection, and anticipation of God's ultimate restoration.