What Is the Sabbath?
The Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word “Shabbat,” which means to rest or stop. In the Bible, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world. Later, in the Old Testament, God told the Israelites to rest on the Sabbath as a sign between Him and His people. This command was about both physical rest and spiritual connection with God.
Why Some Churches Keep the Sabbath
Some churches believe that the Sabbath command was never changed by God. They believe that Jesus and His disciples kept the Sabbath, and Christians today should do the same. For them, worship on Saturday is not just a tradition but a direct act of obedience to God’s Word. They also see the Sabbath as a gift, a day to recharge and focus on spiritual matters instead of the busyness of life.
Examples of Sabbath-Keeping Churches
Seventh-day Adventist Church – This is the largest Christian group that keeps the Sabbath on Saturday. They believe in following the Bible as the main authority, and the Sabbath is a key part of their faith. Their worship services usually include Bible study, prayer, singing, and sermons.
Seventh Day Baptists – This group has existed since the 1600s. They believe the Bible teaches that the Sabbath is the seventh day and should be kept holy. They are similar to other Baptist churches in beliefs, except for their Sabbath observance.
Church of God (Seventh Day) – This church also observes the Sabbath on Saturday. They focus on following the teachings of the Bible, including the Ten Commandments.
Messianic Jewish Congregations – These are believers in Jesus (Yeshua) who also keep Jewish traditions, including the Sabbath. Their services often include Hebrew prayers, reading from the Torah, and worship music with Jewish style and instruments.
How the Sabbath Is Observed
Sabbath-keeping churches often start their day of rest on Friday evening, following the Bible’s teaching that days begin at sunset. Many avoid unnecessary work, focusing on worship, fellowship, and family time. Worship services may include Bible study, singing, preaching, and prayer. Some members spend part of the day outdoors, appreciating God’s creation.
The Sabbath and Christian Unity
Not all Christians agree on which day to worship, but most agree that setting aside time for God is important. Churches that keep the Sabbath hope to follow the example set in the Bible. They also believe the Sabbath is a blessing, reminding believers to slow down and remember their Creator.
Conclusion
The Sabbath has a deep history and meaning. For churches that observe it, Saturday is not just another day?it is a time to rest from work, worship God, and reconnect with faith and family. Whether one worships on Saturday or Sunday, the heart of the matter is honoring God and making time to grow spiritually.