The Sabbath was a core part of the Old Testament law, given specifically to Israel as a day of rest and worship. But with the coming of Jesus, that system was fulfilled. Christians are no longer required to observe the Sabbath as a legal command. Instead, the New Testament teaches that our true rest is found in Christ, not in a specific day. Paul made it clear that believers aren’t to be judged over Sabbath observance and that each person can be convinced in their own mind about how—or whether—they honor certain days.
That said, the principle of rest is still valuable. Regular rest and worship are good for your spiritual and physical health. Taking a day to pause, refocus on God, and recharge isn’t about legalism—it’s about living wisely in the freedom Christ gives. Keep reading to explore what Scripture really says about the Sabbath, how the early church viewed it, and what it means for your life today.
The question of whether Christians are still required to observe the Sabbath stirs up plenty of discussion. It’s not just a theological debate—it impacts how you live your life, how you rest, and how you relate to God. Let’s break this down clearly and biblically.
What Is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath was established in the very beginning. After God created the world in six days, He rested on the seventh (Genesis 2:2-3). That day was set apart as holy. Later, in the Ten Commandments, God told Israel:
“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.” (Exodus 20:8-10)
So, the Sabbath—traditionally observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening—was a day of rest and worship. It was deeply rooted in Israel’s covenant with God.
Why Was the Sabbath So Important in the Old Testament?
For ancient Israel, the Sabbath was more than a day off—it was a sign of the covenant between them and God.
“It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31:17)
God commanded the Israelites not to work, not even gather food or light a fire. Breaking the Sabbath was punishable by death (Exodus 31:14-15). That’s how serious it was.
What Did Jesus Say About the Sabbath?
Jesus challenged many legalistic Sabbath rules created by the Pharisees. He healed people on the Sabbath, picked grain, and allowed His disciples to do so too (Mark 2:23–28, Luke 6:1–10). When criticized, He responded:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27–28)
In other words, the Sabbath wasn’t meant to be a burden—it was a gift. But Jesus also showed that He has authority over the Sabbath.
Did the Early Church Keep the Sabbath?
This is where it gets important for Christians today. After Jesus’ resurrection, there’s a noticeable shift in the early church’s rhythm of worship.
The First Day of the Week
- Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday (Luke 24:1).
- The early believers began gathering on Sundays (Acts 20:7).
- Paul told the Corinthians to set aside offerings on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:2).
- Revelation 1:10 refers to “the Lord’s Day”—commonly understood as Sunday.
Early Christians didn’t throw away the idea of rest and worship, but they didn’t continue to keep the seventh-day Sabbath as it was prescribed in the Old Testament either.
What Did Paul Teach About the Sabbath?
Paul addressed the Sabbath issue directly in several letters. His guidance? Christians are not under obligation to keep the Sabbath law.
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” (Colossians 2:16–17)
Paul’s point is simple: the Sabbath was a shadow, a pointer toward the true rest found in Jesus.
He also wrote:
“One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” (Romans 14:5)
So, observing a Sabbath day isn’t a requirement—it’s a personal conviction. You’re free in Christ.
Is the Sabbath Still “Required”?
Short answer: No. Christians are not required to keep the Old Testament Sabbath. Here’s why:
1. We’re under a new covenant
Jesus fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17). Christians live under grace, not under the Mosaic Law. The Sabbath law was part of that old covenant, which was specifically given to Israel.
2. Our rest is now found in Christ
Hebrews 4 makes a powerful point: the Sabbath rest was a foreshadowing of the spiritual rest we now have in Jesus.
“There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God… for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works.” (Hebrews 4:9–10)
You don’t earn rest from God by following a rule—you receive it through faith in Christ.
3. The early church didn’t command Sabbath observance
Read the New Testament carefully. There’s no command for Christians to observe the Sabbath. In Acts 15, when the Jerusalem council discussed what Gentile believers needed to follow, the Sabbath wasn’t mentioned at all.
What About Sunday Worship?
Some Christians wonder if Sunday is the “new Sabbath.” It’s not.
Sunday worship is a tradition based on Jesus’ resurrection. But it’s not a commanded Sabbath replacement. You can worship any day. Romans 14:5 makes that clear. But regular gathering, encouragement, and worship are biblical (Hebrews 10:25).
Should You Still Rest?
Yes—rest is wise and biblical. The principle of Sabbath is still valuable:
- You’re not a machine.
- God designed rhythms of work and rest.
- Taking a day to rest, worship, and recharge is good for your soul and body.
But it’s not a rule you’re judged by. You’re not more holy for observing it, and you’re not sinning if you don’t.
Summary: 7 Quick Facts
- The Sabbath was part of the Old Covenant law for Israel.
- Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath law and is now our rest.
- Christians are not required to keep the Sabbath.
- The early church worshiped on Sunday but didn’t treat it as a legal Sabbath.
- Paul taught that Sabbath-keeping is optional, not required.
- True rest is found in a relationship with Christ.
- Taking regular rest is wise, but not commanded as law.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering whether to observe a Sabbath, ask yourself this: What leads me to deeper trust in Jesus and a healthier life of worship?
You’re not saved by Sabbath-keeping. You’re saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). That’s your foundation. But if taking a day to rest and focus on God helps you draw closer to Him—go for it. Just don’t treat it like a law or expect others to do the same.
You’re free in Christ. Rest in Him. That’s the ultimate Sabbath.
Want to study this deeper?
Start with:
- Hebrews 3–4
- Romans 14
- Colossians 2:16–17
- Matthew 11:28–30
Let those verses shape your understanding of what it really means to rest in Jesus.
FAQs: Is the Sabbath Still Required for Christians Today?
- Is the Sabbath still required for Christians today?
No, Christians are not required to observe the Old Testament Sabbath. The Sabbath was part of the Mosaic Law, which Jesus fulfilled. Under the new covenant, rest is found in Christ, not in keeping specific days (Colossians 2:16–17, Hebrews 4:9–10). - What day is the Sabbath in the Bible?
The biblical Sabbath is the seventh day of the week—Saturday. It began at sunset Friday and ended at sunset Saturday, according to Jewish tradition (Exodus 20:8–11). - Did Jesus keep the Sabbath?
Yes, Jesus kept the Sabbath as a Jew under the Law. However, He often corrected the Pharisees’ legalistic rules about it and declared that He is “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27–28). - Did the early Christians observe the Sabbath?
After Jesus’ resurrection, early Christians began gathering on Sunday, the first day of the week, in honor of His resurrection (Acts 20:7). There’s no command in the New Testament for Christians to keep the Sabbath. - Is Sunday the new Sabbath?
No, the Bible doesn’t teach that Sunday replaces the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a tradition, not a command. It began as a way to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection but isn’t a “new Sabbath” law. - Can Christians choose to observe the Sabbath?
Yes. While not required, Christians are free to observe a Sabbath for personal rest or spiritual focus. Paul emphasizes that this is a matter of personal conviction, not law (Romans 14:5–6). - What does it mean that Jesus is our Sabbath rest?
Hebrews 4 teaches that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Sabbath. True rest isn’t found in a day, but in trusting in Christ’s finished work and resting in His grace. - Is Sabbath-keeping a salvation issue?
No, salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus—not by works, rituals, or observance of laws like the Sabbath (Ephesians 2:8–9). Keeping the Sabbath doesn’t make you more saved or more spiritual. - What if my church teaches Sabbath-keeping is required?
Examine Scripture carefully and seek clarity with grace. The New Testament never commands Sabbath observance for believers under grace. Colossians 2:16 warns against being judged by such things. - Should Christians still practice regular rest?
Absolutely. While Sabbath laws don’t apply, the rhythm of rest is wise and healthy. God designed us to need rest, reflection, and time with Him. Rest is a gift—not a rule.
