What Does the Bible Say About Keeping the Sabbath — Meaning Explained

God sanctified the seventh day at creation (Genesis 2:2-3). The fourth commandment says, 'Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God' (Exodus 20:8-10). In the Old Testament, Sabbath-breaking was a serious offense (Numbers 15:32-36). Jesus, however, challenged legalistic Sabbath rules: 'The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath' (Mark 2:27). He healed on the Sabbath, declaring Himself 'Lord even of the sabbath' (Mark 2:28). In the New Testament, Paul wrote, 'Let no man therefore judge you... in respect of... the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ' (Colossians 2:16-17). The early church began meeting on the first day — Sunday — to celebrate the resurrection (Acts 20:7). The principle of regular rest and worship remains, though the specific day is no longer binding.