(Cont. from Page 20/3/88).
 

THE WAY OF CHRISTIANS AND
THE WAY OF HYPOCRITES.

CONCERNING THE SABBATH. (2).

SABBATH OBSERVANCE IS NOT ENJOINED ON CHRISTIANS.
"Therefore let no man judge you in eating and drinking or in respect of a festival or of an observance of the new moon or of a sabbath".  (Col 2:16).

Jesus being a Jew under Mosaic Law observed the Sabbath as God's Word directed. He knew it was lawful to do fine things on the Sabbath. (Matt 12:12). Jesus and his disciples considered all parts of the Mosaic Law and the Ten   Commandments equally binding upon those under Law. (Matt 5:21-48.  22:37-40.  Rom 13:8-10)  (James 2:10,11).  However, the inspired Christian scriptures also state that "Christ is the end of the Law" and that Christians are "discharged from the Law." (Rom 10:4 & 7:6). The Scriptures plainly state that by means of The Christ's sacrifice "the Law of commandments consisting in decrees" were abolished, for Almighty God "blotted out the handwritten document against us, which consisted in decrees and which was in opposition to  us; and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake." Consequently, these obligations under the Mosaic Law are now blotted out, taken out of the way, and abolished.  (Eph 2:11-15.  Col 2:13,14).

Consequently, the whole system of Sabbaths, be they days or years, was brought to an end by the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. This explains why true Christians esteem "one day as all others" whether it be considered a Sabbath by some, or just another day, and do not fear the judgement of men. (Rom 14:4-6. Col 2:16).  Concerning those still scrupulously observing "days and months and seasons and years" the apostle Paul said: "I fear for you, that somehow I have toiled to no purpose respecting you."  (Gal 4:10,11).

What servants of God should annually observe until the last of the holy anointed brothers of The Christ are resurrected, is the Lord's Evening Meal. Soon, from year to year, they will observe the festivals of booths from God as described in Zechariah 14:16-21.  The Mosaic Law was a tutor leading to The Christ and the Law of the Spirit.  (Gal 3:24,25).

SUNDAY WORKING.
Those contributing to the public outcry against stores and other businesses trading on a Sunday because it is a Sabbath, are doing so for reasons other than Christian faith. Although they may erroneously use God's Word to promote their false claim, in many cases the reason for their outcry is to save the loss of their own employment for refusing to work on Sundays whilst others are working on that day. But while one complete day of rest each week is certainly beneficial, there is no mandate for this day to be a Sabbath, or a Sunday.

The financial advantage that might be gained by employers forcing their employees to work seven days a week is lost when every other employer in competition with them does the same. And making staff unduly tired reduces that advantage still further. If it proves expedient for stores to remain open on a Sunday because members of the public wish to do their shopping on that day, these establishments can choose another day of rest for employees working on a Sunday.

23/10/91.
 

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