J23.10.91.htm

(Cont. from Page 20/3/88).

THE WAY OF CHRISTIANS AND
THE WAY OF HYPOCRITES.

CONCERNING THE SABBATH. (2).

SABBATH OBSERVANCE IS NOT ENJOINED ON CHRISTIANS.
"Therefore let no man judge you in eating and drinking or in respect of a festival or of an observance of the new moon or of a sabbath". (Col 2:16).

Jesus being a Jew under the Mosaic Law observed the Sabbath as God's Word directed. He knew it was lawful to do fine things on the Sabbath. (Matt 12:12). However, the inspired Christian writings also state that "Christ is the end of the Law" and that Christians are "discharged from the Law." (Rom 10:4. 7:6). Jesus and his disciples considered all parts of the Mosaic Law and the Ten Commandments equally binding upon those under Law. (Matt 5:21-48. 22:37-40. Rom 13:8-10. James 2:10,11). The Scriptures plainly state that by means of Christ's sacrifice "the Law of commandments consisting in decrees" was abolished, for Almighty God "blotted out the handwritten document against us... and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake." Consequently, obligations under the Mosaic Law are now blotted out, taken out of the way, and abolished. (Eph 2:13 15. Col 2:13,14).

Consequently, the whole system of Sabbaths, be they days or years, was brought to an end by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. This explains why true Christians esteem "one day as all others" whether it be a Sabbath or any other day, and do not fear the judgement of men. (Rom 14:4-6) (Col 2:16). Concerning those still scrupulously observing "days and months and seasons and years" the apostle Paul said: "I fear for you, that somehow I have toiled to no purpose respecting you." (Gal 4:10,11. See: 'Aid to Bible Understanding'. Pg.1426).

What servants of God should annually observe until the last of the holy anointed brothers of The Christ are resurrected, is the Lord's Evening Meal. Soon, from year to year, they will observe the festivals of booths from God described in Zechariah 14:16-21. The Mosaic Law was simply a tutor leading to The Christ and the Law of the Spirit. (Gal 3:24,25).

SUNDAY WORKING.
Consequently, those contributing to the public outcry against shops and other businesses trading on a Sunday because it is the Sabbath, are doing so for reasons other than Christian faith. For although they may erroneously use God's Word to promote their false claim, in many cases the reason for their outcry is to save the loss of their own employment for refusing to work on Sundays. But while one complete day of rest each week is certainly beneficial, there is no mandate for this day to be a Sabbath or a Sunday.

The financial advantage that might be gained by employers forcing employees to work seven days a week is lost when every other employer in competition with them does the same. And making staff unduly tired reduces the advantage still further. But if it proves expedient for stores to remain open on a Sunday because members of the public wish to do their shopping on their day off, then these establishments may choose another day of rest for their employees.

23/10/91.