The Ten Commandments are still relevant today, and the Fourth Commandment—keeping the Sabbath—is often misunderstood or overlooked. Rooted in creation, not just the Old Covenant, the Sabbath was designed by God as a day of rest and worship. Jesus kept the Sabbath, and the early church never taught that it was canceled or changed to Sunday. While Sabbath-keeping doesn’t save you, it’s still part of God’s moral law and a way to honor Him with your time and trust.
Many myths and assumptions surround the Sabbath, but the Bible presents it as a gift, not a burden. It’s not about legalism—it’s about relationship and rhythm. If you’re wondering what Sabbath-keeping looks like today or if it still applies to your life, keep reading. This deeper dive will clear up confusion and show you how the Sabbath can bless your life in a practical, meaningful way.
The Ten Commandments are foundational to Christian and Jewish faiths. They’re moral, spiritual, and even legal guidelines handed down by God. But one of them—the Sabbath—raises a lot of questions today. You might wonder: Is keeping the Sabbath still required? If so, how? Let’s unpack what the Bible actually says and what it means for you now.
What Are the Ten Commandments?
The Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20:1–17 and again in Deuteronomy 5:6–21. They’re God’s laws given to Israel at Mount Sinai after He brought them out of slavery in Egypt. Here’s a quick overview:
- No other gods before Me (Exodus 20:3)
- No idols or images for worship (v. 4)
- Don’t misuse God’s name (v. 7)
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (v. 8)
- Honor your father and mother (v. 12)
- Don’t murder (v. 13)
- Don’t commit adultery (v. 14)
- Don’t steal (v. 15)
- Don’t give false testimony (v. 16)
- Don’t covet what belongs to others (v. 17)
Most believers agree these commandments are timeless. They reflect God’s character—holy, just, and loving. But when it comes to the Fourth Commandment, people are divided.
What Does the Fourth Commandment Say?
Here’s exactly what Exodus 20:8–11 says:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work… For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth… but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Key Points:
- It’s a command, not a suggestion.
- It refers to the seventh day—Saturday, not Sunday.
- It’s rooted in creation, not just the Law of Moses.
The Sabbath was meant to be a holy day of rest and worship, just like God “rested” after creation (Genesis 2:2–3).
Is the Sabbath Only for Jews?
Some people say the Sabbath was just for the Jews under the Old Covenant. But look closer:
- The Sabbath was established before Israel existed—at creation.
- In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” He didn’t say it was just for Jews.
- The Ten Commandments were written in stone by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18), not just passed through Moses.
So, it’s not a cultural law. It’s a universal principle. God gave it to humanity—not just Israel.
Did Jesus Keep the Sabbath?
Absolutely. Jesus regularly kept the Sabbath.
- Luke 4:16: “He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was His custom.”
- He healed on the Sabbath but also said, “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:12).
Jesus corrected legalistic Sabbath practices, but He never abolished the day itself. He honored it.
What About After Jesus’ Resurrection?
This is where many get confused. Some Christians say, “We worship on Sunday because Jesus rose on Sunday.” That’s true—He did rise on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1). But:
- There’s no command in the Bible to change the Sabbath to Sunday.
- The early church met on many days, including Sunday, but that’s different from replacing a command (Acts 2:46; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
Even decades after Jesus’ resurrection, Paul and other apostles continued going to the synagogue on the Sabbath (Acts 17:2, Acts 18:4).
So, Is Sabbath-Keeping Required for Christians?
Let’s be clear: Sabbath-keeping doesn’t save you. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that doesn’t mean God’s moral law—including the Sabbath—is irrelevant.
Think about it this way:
- You don’t murder, not because it earns you salvation, but because it’s morally wrong.
- You don’t steal, not because you fear punishment, but because it violates God’s law of love.
- In the same way, you can keep the Sabbath not to earn God’s favor, but because you want to honor Him.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). That includes the Sabbath.
What Does Sabbath-Keeping Look Like Today?
You might be wondering, “What am I supposed to do on the Sabbath?” Here’s a practical breakdown:
1. Stop Working
The main command is to rest—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
- No job-related work.
- No business-as-usual.
- It’s a time to step back and trust God with your time.
2. Worship and Fellowship
Set the day apart for:
- Worship
- Bible study
- Time with your church or family in faith
Isaiah 58:13–14 says if you “call the Sabbath a delight,” then God will bless you.
3. Do Good
Jesus healed, taught, and helped people on the Sabbath.
- Visiting someone who’s lonely?
- Feeding the poor?
- Praying with someone in need?
All are perfectly in line with Sabbath-keeping.
What About Colossians 2:16?
Some point to this verse to argue that the Sabbath no longer matters:
“Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths…”
But this isn’t talking about the weekly Sabbath. It’s referring to ceremonial Sabbaths tied to Jewish feasts (Leviticus 23:24–32). The weekly Sabbath was set apart at creation, not introduced through Moses. There’s a big difference.
3 Common Myths About the Sabbath
1. “It’s legalistic.”
Not at all. Legalism is trying to earn salvation. Obedience out of love is something else entirely. The Sabbath is a gift (Mark 2:27).
2. “It’s too hard to keep.”
Actually, it’s one of the easiest commandments: Stop working. Rest. Enjoy God’s presence. It’s not a burden—it’s a blessing.
3. “Jesus fulfilled it, so we don’t have to.”
Yes, Jesus fulfilled the law—but He didn’t cancel the moral law. He said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law… I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17).
Final Thoughts: What’s Required?
God hasn’t changed. His law hasn’t changed. And the Sabbath commandment is still valid.
What’s required?
- Remember the Sabbath. It still matters.
- Rest from your work. Trust God with your time.
- Worship Him. Make the day holy.
Not because you have to, but because you want to. Sabbath isn’t about restriction—it’s about relationship.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
TL;DR – Sabbath Summary
- The Sabbath is the 4th Commandment: Rest and worship on the 7th day.
- It started at creation, not Mount Sinai.
- Jesus kept it, and so did His disciples.
- It wasn’t changed to Sunday by the Bible.
- Sabbath-keeping is still relevant, but not for salvation—it’s for honoring God.
If you’ve never kept the Sabbath before, try it. Clear your schedule one day a week. Spend time with God. You might be surprised how refreshing it really is.
Need help getting started? Just ask.
FAQs – The Ten Commandments and the Sabbath: What’s Required?
1. Is the Sabbath still required for Christians today?
Yes. While salvation comes through grace, not law-keeping, the Sabbath remains part of God’s moral law. It was established at creation and never abolished in Scripture. Jesus and His disciples honored it, and so can you.
2. Did Jesus change the Sabbath to Sunday?
No. Jesus never changed the Sabbath. He observed it faithfully (Luke 4:16) and taught how to keep it properly. There’s no verse in the Bible that commands a shift from Saturday to Sunday worship.
3. What day is the biblical Sabbath?
The biblical Sabbath is the seventh day of the week—Saturday. God rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2–3), and the Fourth Commandment clearly refers to this day (Exodus 20:8–11).
4. Is keeping the Sabbath legalistic?
Not if you do it out of love and obedience. Legalism is trying to earn salvation through works. Sabbath-keeping is about honoring God and trusting Him enough to rest, not earning points.
5. What am I supposed to do on the Sabbath?
God commands rest from regular work and calls the day holy. Spend time worshiping, studying Scripture, fellowshipping, and doing good (Isaiah 58:13–14; Matthew 12:12). It’s a day to focus on your relationship with God.
6. Is the Sabbath only for Jews?
No. The Sabbath was made for man, not just Jews (Mark 2:27). It was given at creation—before there were Israelites—and it’s part of the universal Ten Commandments.
7. Did the early church keep the Sabbath?
Yes. The apostles continued attending synagogue and teaching on the Sabbath after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 17:2, 18:4). Sunday worship was practiced, but not as a replacement for the Sabbath.
8. What does “Remember the Sabbath” mean?
It means to intentionally set apart the seventh day each week for rest and worship. It’s a call to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God on a day He made holy (Exodus 20:8).
9. What if my schedule makes Sabbath-keeping difficult?
Start where you are. God knows your situation. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Try setting aside even part of the day to rest and focus on Him. He’ll honor your intent and effort.
10. Can I honor God without keeping the Sabbath?
Yes—but you may be missing out on a major blessing. The Sabbath is a gift (Mark 2:27), and honoring it deepens your relationship with God. It’s about trust, worship, and spiritual renewal.
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FAQs – The Ten Commandments and the Sabbath: What’s Required?
1. What do the Ten Commandments say about the Sabbath, and what’s required?
The Fourth Commandment says to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8–11). You’re commanded to rest from work on the seventh day and dedicate the day to God through worship, rest, and reflection. It’s a weekly rhythm established at creation.
2. Does “The Ten Commandments and the Sabbath: What’s Required?” mean I have to keep the Sabbath to be saved?
No. You’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9), not by works. But the Sabbath is part of God’s moral law. Keeping it is a response to salvation, not a requirement for it.
3. Is “The Ten Commandments and the Sabbath: What’s Required?” referring to Saturday or Sunday?
The Bible’s Sabbath is the seventh day of the week—Saturday. There’s no scriptural command to shift the Sabbath to Sunday. Sunday worship is a tradition, not a biblical replacement for the Sabbath.
4. Why is the Sabbath part of the Ten Commandments, and what’s required from me?
Because it reflects God’s own rhythm of work and rest. He rested on the seventh day and blessed it (Genesis 2:3). What’s required is simple: set that day apart, stop your usual labor, and focus on God.
5. According to ‘The Ten Commandments and the Sabbath: What’s Required?’, is the Sabbath still relevant today?
Yes, it is. Jesus kept the Sabbath and never abolished it (Luke 4:16; Matthew 5:17). The Sabbath wasn’t just for the Old Testament; it’s a timeless principle rooted in creation, not just the Mosaic law.
6. What does Jesus say about the Sabbath in relation to the Ten Commandments?
Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). He upheld its value but rejected legalistic traditions. He showed that the Sabbath is for rest, healing, and doing good.
7. How does ‘The Ten Commandments and the Sabbath: What’s Required?’ apply in today’s culture?
In today’s fast-paced world, the Sabbath is more needed than ever. What’s required is rest from your normal work and time spent with God. It’s not outdated—it’s a gift for physical and spiritual renewal.
8. Do Christians have to obey all Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath?
If you believe the other nine still apply (don’t murder, don’t steal, etc.), it’s inconsistent to leave out the Sabbath. It wasn’t canceled, edited, or downgraded. Jesus calls us to obey out of love (John 14:15).
9. What’s the difference between ceremonial Sabbaths and the weekly Sabbath?
Colossians 2:16 refers to ceremonial Sabbaths tied to festivals, not the weekly Sabbath established at creation. The weekly Sabbath (seventh day) is part of the moral law—the Ten Commandments—not the temporary laws.
10. If I’ve never kept the Sabbath before, how should I start?
Start by setting aside Saturday as a day to rest from work, avoid unnecessary chores or business, and focus on worship, family, and spiritual growth. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just intentional. God honors the heart behind it.
