The Sabbath in the Body of Christ: A Holistic Perspective

As a member of the Body of Christ, the concept of observing the Holy Sabbath days takes on a unique and personal meaning. Beyond the traditional Jewish Sabbath, which commemorates the creation of the world in Genesis 1, the Body of Christ bears a greater responsibility to uphold the spirit of rest and devotion.

Christ as Lord of the Sabbath

According to the teachings of many Protestant denominations, including those influenced by Reformed theology, Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath. This concept aligns with the idea that Christ has established a cosmic scale of priorities, where His commands supersede the traditions set forth by the Jewish scribes and Pharisees during the time of Christ (Matthew 12:1-8).

While the physical observance of the Sabbath as the 7th day (Saturday or from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday) has ended, the underlying principle of rest and devotion continues to be relevant. The Body of Christ is called to live out the essence of the Sabbath in every moment, reflecting the rest that Christ experienced in His resurrection and the rest promised to believers in the coming Kingdom of God.

A Personalize Rest and Responsibility

For members of the Body of Christ, the 'holy sabbath' can be understood as a daily practice of ceasing from personal will and works to align with the will of the Father. This is in line with the biblical teaching from Isaiah 58:13-14, which states, ‘But seek my [God's] welfare, and you will thrive; call on my name, and I will answer you and tell you the glorious and marvelous things. Pour out your heart before him; let your complaints be known to him. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a people for my name’s sake.'

This personal and spiritual rest is not confined to a single day but is an ongoing process of rebuilding oneself into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Church Traditions and Practices

The Church, as an entity, is broadly commanded through the Ten Commandments to remember and keep the Sabbath holy. The celebration of the Holy Mass on Sunday, the Resurrection Sabbath, serves as a collective observance of the Sabbath. During Mass, the faithful partake in the worship of God, symbolically extending the rest of the Sabbath into the new day, which is both a celebration of Christ's resurrection and a call to continue the redemptive work of Christ.

After the Sunday service, activities such as visiting the sick, feeding the poor, and providing acts of service are consistent with the spirit of the Sabbath. These actions represent doing the works of the Father, as Christ did during His time on Earth (John 5:17).

Personal and Community Practices

The observance of the Sabbath by individuals within the Body of Christ can vary. Some may define the Sabbath as a specific 24-hour period, while others may see it as a lifestyle and a call to rest spiritually every day. The timing of the Sabbath can also be a subject of debate, as the sunset-to-sunset calendar and the midnight-to-midnight calendar (based on the Jewish tradition) are both commonly recognized.

Regardless of the specific timing, the essence of the Sabbath is the same: to rest, reflect, and align one's life with the teachings and will of Christ. This holistic approach to Sabbath observance emphasizes not just the physical cessation of work, but a deepening of one's faith and devotion to follow Christ more closely day by day.

Conclusion

While the physical observance of the Sabbath may have changed, the principles of rest, devotion, and service remain central to the Body of Christ. By embodying these principles in every day, Christians can truly honor the day that Christ rose from the dead, finding the rest, peace, and purpose that God intends for them.

Ultimately, the Sabbath is a call to live in the presence of God, to rest in His provision, and to serve in His kingdom, all as a testament to the love, grace, and restoration found in Christ.

Keywords: Christ's Sabbath, Body of Christ, Holy Day Observance