The Importance of the Shabbat (Sabbath)
by Dave R. Mode, Jr.

In this age of the Christian faith, many Christian communions (denominations) have made the claim to be Christ-like. However, there are certain practices that they have omitted which were evident within the lifestyle of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah while he was on the earth. The keeping of the Shabbat (Sabbath) is one of these omitted practices that the Messiah Yeshua kept. Most Christian communions teach that the Shabbat was given solely to the Jewish people while being of no significance relative to faith and practice for non-Hebrew believers in Messiah Yeshua. 

The scriptures and the historical practices of the 1st century Messianic (Christian) community present a perspective that is contrary to that which is accepted by most Christian communions. Therefore, it is needful to point out from the scriptures the great importance of the Shabbat of YHVW, the Most High God, and develop a balanced perspective that agrees with the Scriptures.

Shabbat is Part of God’s Order in Creation

Prior to the fall of humankind, the Shabbat was part of God’s original order within the framework of creation. 

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made” (Genesis 2:1-2).

Before humankind became subject to sin. Before there was a distinction between Hebrew and Gentile, the Shabbat was already part of the fixed order of God’s creation and the days of the week. 

Shabbat is the Only Day that God Set Apart (Made Special) and Blessed

Regarding all the other days of the week, God considered what he created on those days as being good. However, the seventh day of the week is the only day that God made special. By God setting apart (sanctifying) the seventh day from the other days of the week, he made it special. Not only did God sanctify the seventh day, he also blessed it. No other day of the week was honored in this manner.

“And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made” (Genesis 2:3).

The Shabbat was made for Mankind

Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah provided revelation concerning God’s purpose for the Shabbat relative to humankind.

“And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).

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