THE SABBATH
Some questions, answered from Chafer's "Systematic Theology"
Question: I have been researching the issue of
Sabbath keeping, and have found based on different interpretations of the same
scripture arguments on which day we should be keeping and arguments on whether
this is even an issue. Are we not still to keep all of the ten commandments
even under grace? How can I be certain that I'm not voiding my salvation by
working on the Sabbath or worshipping on the wrong day?
Answer: You
have asked a good series of questions. I will try to answer you as best I can
from the scriptures as well as a writer who I believe has great insight on the
subject, his name is Lewis Sperry Chafer.
He writes the following concerning the Lord's Day vs. The Sabbath:
"Throughout the history of the church, a new day has been observed
which superceded the Jewish Sabbath, and this change of days has not been
contrary to the teachings of the Bible, as some insist; it has rather, been
according to the revealed plan and purpose of God. There are certain biblical
reasons for this change:
1] The Mosiac System Has
Ceased
The whole Mosaic system, including it's Sabbath day, has
given way to grace.......
2] A New Day Is Divinely
Appointed Under Grace
[PS 118:22-24] In this scripture, both the
death and resurrection of Christ are in view. He was the rejected Stone , and
His Father through the resurrection, has made Him the the Headstone of the
Corner. The resurrection was appointed to take place on a certain day which the
Lord determined, and that day was by divine intention to be celebrated with joy
and gladness.
3] A New Day Is Indicated By
Important Events
Beginning with the resurrection, and following
it, every event recorded in the New Testament which had important religious
significance fell on the first day of the week, or the Lord's day. No greater
emphasis through events could be given to this day than that found in the
teachings of grace, and, added to this, is the fact that in these same
scriptures the Sabbath day is wholly set aside. If it be claimed that there is
no direct commandment for the keeping of the Lord's day, it should be observed
that there is explicit command against the observance of the Sabbath day, and
that lack of commandments concerning the Lord's day is both in accordance with
the character of the new day, and the entire order of grace which it represents
and to which it is related. please read here, Col 2:14-16
4] The New Day Typlifies The New Creation
The
rite of circumcision, being accomplished on the eighth day, was a suggestion of
the spiritual circumcision of the flesh which Christ wrought by His death and
resurrection. The eighth day was the first day following a completed week. It
is thus a picture of that new order which came through the death and
resurrection of Christ.[Col 2:11]
5] The New Day
Has Been Blessed Of God
Christians have observed the Lord's day
for nearly 2000 years with the evident blessing of God upon it. Among them have
been the most devout of believer's; the martyr's, missionaries, and a countless
throng of those who would have passed through any trial or persecution to know
and do the will of God." 1 I might add that Christ fulfilled the Law for us,
and if we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, our faith in Him is what causes
us to be righteous in God's sight [Rom 10:4]. May the Lord continue to lead you
into His truth!
L. S. Chafer, Systematic Theology, Vol. 4, pg.
115-123