The Sabbath, first introduced in the Old Testament, was a sacred day of rest commanded by God and deeply woven into Israel’s identity. It was part of the Ten Commandments, strictly regulated, and symbolized the covenant between God and His people. However, in the New Testament, Jesus redefined the Sabbath—not as a legalistic rule, but as a gift for humanity. He emphasized mercy over ritual and pointed to Himself as the ultimate source of rest, fulfilling what the Sabbath pointed to all along.
For Christians today, the Sabbath isn’t a command to follow by the letter of the law, but a principle of rest that still holds deep spiritual value. There’s no requirement to keep Saturday or Sunday as a “Sabbath,” but there’s great wisdom in setting aside time to rest and reconnect with God. Understanding this shift from law to grace can free you from guilt and legalism while helping you live in rhythm with God’s design. Keep reading for a deeper dive into the biblical texts, historical context, and practical ways to live out the spirit of the Sabbath today.
If you’ve ever read about the Sabbath in the Bible, you’ve probably noticed something curious—it’s treated quite differently in the Old Testament compared to the New. That can leave you wondering: Are Christians supposed to keep the Sabbath today? And if so, how?
Let’s clear up the confusion by comparing what Scripture says in both testaments and how it applies to your life now.
What Is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath (Hebrew: Shabbat) simply means “rest.” It’s the seventh day of the week, Saturday, when God rested after creating the world.
“By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested…” — Genesis 2:2-3
It wasn’t just rest. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. This concept of setting apart one day a week to rest and focus on God is foundational to understanding the Sabbath.
Sabbath in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was more than a suggestion—it was law.
1. Part of the Ten Commandments
God included Sabbath-keeping in the Ten Commandments:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy… On it you shall not do any work…” — Exodus 20:8-11
This wasn’t just about naps and relaxation. It was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel.
“The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant.” — Exodus 31:16
2. Strict Rules
Breaking the Sabbath was serious. In Numbers 15:32-36, a man caught gathering wood on the Sabbath was stoned to death. That tells you how high the stakes were under Mosaic Law.
Sabbath laws included:
- No work (Exodus 20:10)
- No kindling fire (Exodus 35:3)
- No traveling (Exodus 16:29)
- No commerce (Nehemiah 13:15-22)
The Sabbath defined Jewish life. It wasn’t optional—it was identity.
Sabbath in the New Testament
So what changes in the New Testament?
1. Jesus Reframes the Sabbath
Jesus didn’t ignore the Sabbath, but He redefined its purpose.
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” — Mark 2:27
That’s a huge shift. Instead of a day ruled by legalism, Jesus reminds us it’s a gift—a rhythm of rest and connection with God.
Jesus healed people on the Sabbath (Mark 3:1-6, Luke 13:10-17), and when questioned, He said:
“It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” — Matthew 12:12
In short, Jesus wasn’t breaking the Sabbath—He was restoring its true intent.
2. The Apostles and the Early Church
After Jesus’ resurrection, something shifted. The early Christians, many of them Jewish, still went to synagogues on the Sabbath (Acts 13:14, 17:2). But they also began gathering on Sunday, the first day of the week—the day Jesus rose from the dead.
“On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.” — Acts 20:7
Paul even warned believers not to let anyone judge them over Sabbath observance:
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you… with regard to a Sabbath day.” — Colossians 2:16-17
He called those rituals “a shadow of the things to come,” with Christ being the substance.
So, Do Christians Have to Keep the Sabbath?
Let’s break this down clearly:
1. The Old Testament Sabbath Was for Israel
The Sabbath was part of the Mosaic Covenant. Christians are not under that covenant anymore (Romans 6:14, Galatians 3:23-25). That doesn’t mean it’s irrelevant—it means we need to interpret it through the lens of Christ.
2. Jesus Is Our Sabbath Rest
The book of Hebrews makes this connection:
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God… anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works.” — Hebrews 4:9-10
This isn’t about one day a week. It’s about salvation. Jesus is our true Sabbath. He gives us rest from trying to earn God’s favor through works.
3. No Command to Keep the Sabbath for Christians
In the New Testament, there’s no command for Christians to observe the Sabbath like the Israelites did. If it were essential, it would’ve been repeated clearly in the epistles—but it’s not.
Instead, Paul says:
“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” — Romans 14:5
In other words, you’re free in Christ.
What About Sunday Worship?
Many Christians today worship on Sunday. That’s fine—but it’s not a “Christian Sabbath.” Sunday became tradition because:
- Jesus rose on a Sunday (Mark 16:2)
- The early church met on Sundays (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2)
- The Apostle John calls it “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10)
But you’re not under obligation to treat Sunday like the Old Testament Sabbath.
Should You Still Keep a Day of Rest?
Even though Sabbath-keeping isn’t a law for Christians, rest is still wise and biblical.
Here’s why:
- God designed us to need rest. Even before sin entered the world, God rested (Genesis 2:2).
- Jesus rested. He took time alone (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16).
- We burn out without rhythms. Rest keeps you grounded, healthy, and focused on what matters.
Here’s a practical way to apply the spirit of the Sabbath:
- Set aside one day a week to rest and reconnect with God.
- Turn off distractions.
- Worship, reflect, spend time with family, and enjoy creation.
Not out of legalism. Out of love.
Key Takeaways
Let’s wrap this up with a quick summary.
Old Testament Sabbath:
- Commanded for Israel
- On Saturday
- No work, no travel, no commerce
- A covenant sign
New Testament view:
- Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath
- No command for Christians to keep it
- Early believers worshipped on Sunday
- Rest in Christ is the true fulfillment
For Christians today:
- You’re not under Sabbath law
- You can observe a day of rest—it’s wise
- Don’t judge others over Sabbath (Colossians 2:16, Romans 14:5)
Final Thoughts
If you’re in Christ, you’re free from the old law—including strict Sabbath-keeping. But you’re not free from the wisdom of rest. God didn’t create the Sabbath to burden us but to bless us. Use it. Don’t abuse it. And don’t let anyone guilt you into thinking you’re more—or less—spiritual based on what day you rest.
Keep your focus on Jesus. He is your rest. Every day is holy if it’s lived for Him.
✅ 10 Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding the Sabbath – Old vs. New Testament
1. What is the Sabbath according to the Bible?
The Sabbath is a day of rest instituted by God on the seventh day of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). In the Old Testament, it was a holy day set aside for rest and worship, commanded in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11).
2. Is Sabbath-keeping required for Christians today?
No, Christians are not required to keep the Sabbath as the Israelites did. The New Testament teaches that Christ fulfilled the Sabbath (Hebrews 4:9-10), and believers now rest spiritually in Him rather than observing a specific day (Colossians 2:16-17).
3. What’s the difference between the Sabbath in the Old and New Testament?
In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a strict law with severe penalties for disobedience. In the New Testament, Jesus reframes it as a gift meant for human benefit, not legal burden (Mark 2:27), and there’s no command for Christians to keep it the same way.
4. Why did early Christians worship on Sunday instead of Saturday?
Early Christians gathered on Sunday because it was the day Jesus rose from the dead (Mark 16:2, Acts 20:7). Sunday worship became a tradition, often called “the Lord’s Day,” but it wasn’t a legal replacement for the Sabbath.
5. What did Jesus teach about the Sabbath?
Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for man’s benefit (Mark 2:27), not to enslave him. He healed on the Sabbath and emphasized doing good over rigid rule-keeping (Matthew 12:12).
6. Is Sunday the “Christian Sabbath”?
No, the Bible never calls Sunday the “Christian Sabbath.” While Christians may worship on Sunday, it isn’t a direct continuation of the Old Testament Sabbath law, which was on Saturday.
7. Does the Sabbath still hold value for believers?
Yes, while not legally required, taking a regular day of rest is spiritually and physically beneficial. It aligns with God’s rhythm for creation and provides time to reset, reflect, and focus on God.
8. What does Paul say about the Sabbath?
Paul teaches that Sabbath observance is a matter of personal conviction and not a requirement under the New Covenant (Romans 14:5, Colossians 2:16-17). He warns against judging others based on religious days.
9. How can I honor the Sabbath without being legalistic?
You can honor the spirit of the Sabbath by setting aside time each week to rest, worship, and reconnect with God. The focus should be relationship, not ritual—freedom, not obligation.
10. Is Jesus our true Sabbath rest?
Yes. Hebrews 4 explains that Jesus provides ultimate rest from the burden of sin and works-based righteousness. In Him, we find rest every day—not just once a week.
