Many people today claim to be Christians but continue to follow the Ten Commandments and other Jewish cultural laws. While some of these religious groups are known as Seventh-day Adventists, others are known by the names of Herbert W. Armstrong’s numerous splinter groups. While Christians believe that we are not subject to the law but to God’s grace, many people are unaware of the significance of God’s commandments. Indeed, I see two extremes in this. The first is to disregard the commandment by using God’s grace as a license for sin.¹ This is precisely what the hypergrace crowd is doing today. On the other hand, is the emphasis on keeping the commandments in the manner in which the Jewish people do, thus incorporating legalism into Christ’s completed work on Calvary.

Thus, how can we approach Scripture in a way that strikes a balance between our understanding and teaching of God’s grace and commandments? We must first understand that God’s commandments are not intended to be literally followed by believers, as we all know that no one can do so. Remember what James wrote when he mentioned that, “If someone obeys all of God’s laws except one, that person is guilty of breaking all of them” (Jam. 2:10) Let us acknowledge that no one can perfectly follow God’s laws. If this is the case, what purpose do the laws, including the Sabbath, serve? The law is intended to inform us that we cannot be justified solely by abiding by the Ten Commandments and all other laws because we are imperfect.² Indeed, the apostle James informs believers that while no one is perfect, everyone stumbles in a variety of ways (see Jam. 3:2). Anyone who attempts to follow the Ten Commandments or other laws will undoubtedly be condemned because they are made aware of sin (see Rom. 3:19-21). While anyone who is in Christ, on the other hand, is free from all condemnation (see Rom. 8:1). Additionally, the laws, including the Ten Commandments, act as a guardian, guiding and pointing us to Christ in order for us to be justified through faith in Him (see Gal. 3:24). Regrettably, the Jewish people observed the Ten Commandments in such a legalistic manner that they believed this was what God truly desired. Bear in mind that religious authorities, like many people today, have grown increasingly legalistic in their pursuit of the Ten Commandments. It’s reassuring to know that the Lord Jesus Christ explained the various commands contained in the Ten Commandments by stating that murder is not merely physical but originates in the heart (see Mt 5:21-22). He also elaborated on adultery, stating that it is not a literal act but rather begins with lustful gazes at women (see Mt. 5:27-28). Jesus frequently says, “You have heard that it was said… But I say to you…” He also elaborated on the Sabbath practice. Numerous religious leaders mistakenly believed that they were required to observe a literal day (sunset to sunset), unaware that they were already falling into the realm of legalism. They are unaware that the Sabbath in the Ten Commandments is intended to point everyone to Jesus Christ, who is the  Lord of the Sabbath because the Lord knows it is difficult to follow the commandments if we do not love Him (see Mt. 12:8; Mk. 2:28; Luk. 6:5; Jn. 14:15). It’s unsurprising that anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is now resting (experiencing Sabbath) in Him. Sabbath does not refer to a day but to a Person, Jesus Christ. Every day is Sabbath in Christ for a Christian, because they have Jesus Christ within them. It’s understandable. As Jesus stated,

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28).

The Hebrew word translated as “rest” in Exodus 23:12 by the Greek Septuagint is virtually identical to the Greek word used by Jesus Christ in Matthew 11:28. Have you entrusted Jesus Christ with your life? If you answer affirmatively, you will undoubtedly encounter His grace and rest. Sunday is not Sabbath, as many incorrectly believe. The allegation that the Pope or the Roman emperor changed the Sabbath to Sunday is untrue. Even early church fathers such as Justin Martyr, Ignatius of Magnesians, and others considered Sunday to be the Lord’s Day because Jesus rose on a Sunday. John the apostle made reference to the Lord’s Day (see Rev. 1:10). This was dubbed the first day of the week because it was on this day that Jesus Christ rose from the grave (see Jn. 20:1). And on the first day of the week (Sunday), the disciples gathered to commemorate communion, worship, fellowship, and generously return their blessings to the Lord’s work (see Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). This is why we can say that Sabbath practice is not universal, as believers in the Nordic countries are unable to observe it literally from sunset to sunset.³ However, if they have Christ in their hearts, they will daily rest in Christ, for failing to do so is a sin against God. Are you resting in a day or in Christ?

Footnote:

¹ These individuals who claim to be “Christian” while employing this logic raise doubts about their sincerity as followers of the Lord in the first place.

2 True, the apostle Paul informs us that those who follow the law will be justified or declared righteous (see Rom. 2:13). However, can anyone truly follow the law to the end without stumbling? I don’t believe so. This is why we need Jesus Christ.

3 The Nordic countries are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, including three autonomous territories Faroe Islands and Greenland (Denmark) and Åland (Finland).