The Sabbath and the Old Covenant

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Most Christians are of the opinion that the Sabbath is part of the Old Covenant that was fulfilled at Jesus’ death on the cross. According to the apostle Paul, the Old Covenant was based on faulty promises (Hebrews 8). Many conclude that those promises are the Ten Commandments. But is that really the case?

Bible students have to consider the important question, “Are the Ten Commandments faulty?” The psalmist says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul” (Psalm 19:7). In the New Testament, Paul declares, “The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good” (Romans 7:12). God uses these same words to describe Himself because the Ten Commandments are a transcript of His character of love (Matthew 22:36, 37). The Scripture evidence is clear that the commandments are holy, just, good, and perfect—so how can they also be faulty?

Hebrews 8 explains that the Old Covenant was to vanish away. While many people point to this verse as proof that the Sabbath is no longer valid, Bible students must consider all the evidence. In Romans 3:31, Paul makes the strong statement, “Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.” How is it possible to do away with God’s law and establish it at the same time? The Bible is very clear that God does not change, so it would follow that God’s law, the foundation of His government, cannot change either.

Thus, if the commandments have not changed, how does that impact the Sabbath? The Sabbath commandment is the keystone of the commandments—it identifies the title and the domain of God. It is also the only commandment that begins with the word “Remember.” Each week, Sabbath-keepers demonstrate their complete reliance on God’s grace to save them from sin and to empower them to live a life of obedience through faith in Christ’s sacrifice (Ephesians 2:8–10).

Since the Ten Commandments cannot be the faulty piece in the covenants, what or who is faulty? Click here to find out more!

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