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

“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands” (I John 2:3 NIV).

“But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him” (I John 2:5 NIV).

The historical record of the 1st century believers in Yeshua bear witness to the fact that they kept the commandments of the Hebrew Scriptures, which included the Feasts of YHVH (Moedim YHVH) according to Leviticus chapter 23.

While the Scriptures make it clear that salvation or justification is received by faith alone, the Scriptures do not speak against obedience to the commandments of God. Rather, the scriptures encourage obedience to the commands of God as the lifestyle required for the believer. 

“And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NIV).

“Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God's commands is what counts” (I Corinthians 7:19 NIV).

“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands” (1 John 2:3 NIV).

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands” (2 John 1:6 NIV).

Based upon Yeshua’s statement on Matthew 5:17-18, the Sabbath remains as part of the commandments of God. As being part of the commandments of God, the believer is to regard the Sabbath as the other commandments of God. Just as it is important to not worship other gods, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not make carved images (idols) to worship, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not use the name of YHVH in vain (worthlessly), it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to demonstrate honor for ones father and mother, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not commit murder, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not commit adultery, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not steal, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not bear false witness against anyone, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Just as it is important to not covet, it is equally important to observe (keep or practice) the Sabbath. Since most of the Christian world views the Sabbath commandment as obsolete for practical observance among believers, it was needful to overemphasize the Sabbath’s importance as a command of God that needs to be kept. 

Based upon the following points:

1) Messiah and the 1st century believers in Messiah kept the  Shabbat
2)  The Shabbat remains as part of the commandments of God
3)  The Shabbat will be kept by all nations in the Messianic Kingdom or Millennial Kingdom

It is strongly advised that all believers should keep the Shabbat by following Messiah Yeshua’s example.

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