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Bible Study How Should Christians Keep the Sabbath

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Scott said:
JayT wrote:
Let Jesus answer that question, OK ?

Yeah JayT, lets do that. This is not going to be a vague answer either, it is going to be a distinct answer because the answer responds directly to the question.

Matthew 19:16-19

Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what
good thing must I do to get eternal life?
â€Â

"Why do you ask me about what is good?†Jesus replied.
“There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life,
obey the commandments
.â€Â

“Which ones?†the man enquired. Jesus replied, “`Do not
murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give
false testimony, honour your father and mother,’ and `love your neighbour as yourself.’“

Come now, you mean you cannot see that the essence of the last 6 commandments, were the ones the man was violating ?

You do know, don't you, that there is more than was mentioned by Jesus Christ, that constitutes the commandments of God ?

 
Come now, you mean you cannot see that the essence of the last 6 commandments, were the ones the man was violating ?

:lol: , you never read that scripture before? The man said in Matthew 19:20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"

Still no mention of the Sabbath day.

You do know, don't you, that there is more than was mentioned by Jesus Christ, that constitutes the commandments of God ?

Are you implying Christ didn't tell the guy the truth?! The man asked specifically which ones!! Jesus gave him a distinct answer.

Faith or law?!
 
Scott said:
Are you implying Christ didn't tell the guy the truth?! The man asked specifically which ones!! Jesus gave him a distinct answer.
If the man was not breaking the 4th commandment, why mention it ?
Jesus was pointing the man towards those commandments, which he was breaking, does that make sense ?

Faith or law?!

It requires faith, to keep the Law....

Romans 3:31 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law".
 
Jesus was pointing the man towards those commandments, which he was breaking, does that make sense ?

No that doesn't make sense because as the verse points out, the man said he kept those laws. I'm sure Jesus would have called him a liar otherwise.

Romans 3:28
"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from
observing the law."
 
What part/s of the law are we to keep? When, not if, we fail to keep the law then what?
 
Jay T said:
It requires faith, to keep the Law....

Romans 3:31 "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law". [/color]

Yes, to define sin, to become more like Christ through surrender (sanctification, to be more like Him - a process), a means to have joy pleasing God (not to become worthy of anything) .... Faith is not so we can follow the law to the letter because nobody can.

Please allow me to post a link I feel says what I'm trying to say but am having a hard time doing so. Here I see a process of sanctification through keeping the law, yes, but by no means does it mean I can keep the law through faith. I am still, and always will be a sinner as long as I'm on this earth. But that sin will not be remembered or held against me.

Striving for perfection and the true gospel

Real Christians know what the real gospel is and they know that they cannot keep the Law, can't do all they can do, can't be perfect, and can't triumph over sin. They can only trust in the righteousness of Jesus and receive Him by faith (John 1:12).
It is truly good news to know that we do not have to keep the Law, don't have to do all we can do, etc. All we need to do is accept that Jesus alone is our only hope and that we must, by faith, accept His work on the cross for the complete forgiveness of our sins. We must receive the righteousness of Jesus and not seek to achieve our own because we simply can't do it: "What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith," (Rom. 9:30). This is the true gospel, that righteousness is received by faith in Christ and that we are not obligated to keep the law in order to be saved...(or exalted, if you are a Mormon).

Then what?

But, lest anyone say that such forgiveness is "too easy," let me remind them that it is not easy; at least, not for Jesus. It was He who suffered and died for our sins. This was very costly. But, for us, it is easy to become Christians because we are justified by faith:

"nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified," (Gal. 2:16).

After we are then made right before God, we are changed in our hearts and then desire to do that which is right before God from within because we are new creatures in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). We then are able to freely serve God, love Him, and keep His commandments out of appreciation and gratitude to God, not to please God so we can be saved.
After salvation/justification, God works in us to bring us more into the image of His Son Jesus. This is called sanctification and this process of sanctification is very difficult because it involves our repentance and submission to God's will. But, whether or not we do well or not in sanctification, it does not affect our justification. We are made right in God's eyes by faith in Christ (justification) and made more like Jesus in our lives afterwards (sanctification).
So, the good news is that we do not have to keep the Law in any way to be right with God. The good news is that Jesus has done all that needs to be done and we can, by faith, trust in Him and be made righteous in His sight.

Lord Jesus, I trust you and you alone for the forgiveness of my sins. I put all my faith and hope in what you did on the cross and not in any way in my own efforts of being perfect, of triumphing over sin, or of keep the Laws and Ordinances of any church. I am made righteous by faith and in you alone I trust.
 
Scott said:
Jesus was pointing the man towards those commandments, which he was breaking, does that make sense ?
[quote:b688b]
No that doesn't make sense because as the verse points out, the man said he kept those laws. I'm sure Jesus would have called him a liar otherwise.
"One Thing Thou Lackest"

"And when He was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to Him, and asked Him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" {DA 518.1}
The young man who asked this question was a ruler. He had great possessions, and occupied a position of responsibility. He saw the love that Christ manifested toward the children brought to Him; he saw how tenderly He received them, and took them up in His arms, and his heart kindled with love for the Saviour. He felt a desire to be His disciple. He was so deeply moved that as Christ was going on His way, he ran after Him, and kneeling at His feet, asked with sincerity and earnestness the question so important to his soul and to the soul of every human being, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" {DA 518.2}
"Why callest thou Me good?" said Christ, "there is none good but One, that is, God." Jesus desired to test the ruler's sincerity, and to draw from him the way in which he regarded Him as good. Did he realize that the One to whom he was speaking was the Son of God? What was the true sentiment of his heart? {DA 518.3}
This ruler had a high estimate of his own righteousness. He did not really suppose that he was defective in anything, yet he was not altogether satisfied. He felt the want of something that he did not possess. Could not Jesus bless him as He blessed the little children, and satisfy his soul want? {DA 518.4}
In reply to this question Jesus told him that obedience to the commandments of God was necessary if he would obtain eternal life; and He quoted several of the commandments which show man's duty to his
fellow men. The ruler's answer was positive: "All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?" {DA 518.5}
Christ looked into the face of the young man, as if reading his life and searching his character. He loved him, and He hungered to give him that peace and grace and joy which would materially change his character. "One thing thou lackest," He said; "go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." {DA 519.1}
Christ was drawn to this young man. He knew him to be sincere in his assertion, "All these things have I kept from my youth." The Redeemer longed to create in him that discernment which would enable him to see the necessity of heart devotion and Christian goodness. He longed to see in him a humble and contrite heart, conscious of the supreme love to be given to God, and hiding its lack in the perfection of Christ. {DA 519.2}
Jesus saw in this ruler just the help He needed if the young man would become a colaborer with Him in the work of salvation. If he would place himself under Christ's guidance, he would be a power for good. In a marked degree the ruler could have represented Christ; for he possessed qualifications, which, if he were united with the Saviour, would enable him to become a divine force among men. Christ, seeing into his character, loved him. Love for Christ was awakening in the ruler's heart; for love begets love. Jesus longed to see him a co-worker with Him. He longed to make him like Himself, a mirror in which the likeness of God would be reflected. He longed to develop the excellence of his character, and sanctify it to the Master's use. If the ruler had then given himself to Christ, he would have grown in the atmosphere of His presence. If he had made this choice, how different would have been his future! {DA 519.3}
"One thing thou lackest," Jesus said. "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me." Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered. {DA 519.4}
Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his will must be given into Christ's control. The very holiness of God was offered to the young ruler. He had the privilege of becoming a son of God, and a coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure. But he must take up the cross, and follow the Saviour in the path of self-denial. {DA 519.5}
Christ's words were verily to the ruler the invitation, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything. He must turn from his ambitious projects. With what earnest, anxious longing, what soul hunger, did the Saviour look at the young man, hoping that he would yield to the invitation of the Spirit of God! {DA 520.1}
Christ made the only terms which could place the ruler where he would perfect a Christian character. His words were words of wisdom, though they appeared severe and exacting. In accepting and obeying them was the ruler's only hope of salvation. His exalted position and his possessions were exerting a subtle influence for evil upon his character. If cherished, they would supplant God in his affections. To keep back little or much from God was to retain that which would lessen his moral strength and efficiency; for if the things of this world are cherished, however uncertain and unworthy they may be, they will become all-absorbing. {DA 520.2}
The ruler was quick to discern all that Christ's words involved, and he became sad. If he had realized the value of the offered gift, quickly would he have enrolled himself as one of Christ's followers. He was a member of the honored council of the Jews, and Satan was tempting him with flattering prospects of the future. He wanted the heavenly treasure, but he wanted also the temporal advantages his riches would bring him. He was sorry that such conditions existed; he desired eternal life, but he was not willing to make the sacrifice. The cost of eternal life seemed too great, and he went away sorrowful; "for he had great possessions." {DA 520.3}
His claim that he had kept the law of God was a deception. He showed that riches were his idol. He could not keep the commandments of God while the world was first in his affections. He loved the gifts of God more than he loved the Giver. Christ had offered the young man fellowship with Himself. "Follow Me," He said. But the Saviour was not so much to him as his own name among men or his possessions. To give up his earthly treasure, that was seen, for the heavenly treasure, that was unseen, was too great a risk. He refused the offer of eternal life, and went away, and ever after the world was to receive his worship.

Thousands are passing through this ordeal, weighing Christ against the world; and many choose the world. Like the young ruler, they turn from the Saviour, saying in their hearts, I will not have this Man as my leader. {DA 520.4}
Christ's dealing with the young man is presented as an object lesson. God has given us the rule of conduct which every one of His servants must follow. It is obedience to His law, not merely a legal obedience, but an obedience which enters into the life, and is exemplified in the character. God has set His own standard of character for all who would become subjects of His kingdom. Only those who will become co-workers with Christ, only those who will say, Lord, all I have and all I am is Thine, will be acknowledged as sons and daughters of God. All should consider what it means to desire heaven, and yet to turn away because of the conditions laid down. Think of what it means to say "No" to Christ. The ruler said, No, I cannot give You all. Do we say the same? The Saviour offers to share with us the work God has given us to do. He offers to use the means God has given us, to carry forward His work in the world. Only in this way can He save us. {DA 523.1}
The ruler's possessions were entrusted to him that he might prove himself a faithful steward; he was to dispense these goods for the blessing of those in need. So God now entrusts men with means, with talents and opportunities, that they may be His agents in helping the poor and the suffering. He who uses his entrusted gifts as God designs becomes a co-worker with the Saviour. He wins souls to Christ, because he is a representative of His character. {DA 523.2}
To those who, like the young ruler, are in high positions of trust and have great possessions, it may seem too great a sacrifice to give up all in order to follow Christ. But this is the rule of conduct for all who would become His disciples. Nothing short of obedience can be accepted. Self-surrender is the substance of the teachings of Christ. Often it is presented and enjoined in language that seems authoritative, because there is no other way to save man than to cut away those things which, if entertained, will demoralize the whole being. {DA 523.3}
When Christ's followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Matt. 25:23; Heb. 12:2. The joy of seeing souls redeemed, souls eternally saved, is the reward of all that put their feet in the footprints of Him who said, "Follow Me."
(Desire of Ages, Chapter 57)
Romans 3:28
"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from
observing the law."
[/quote:b688b]
Remembering that there is no conradiction in scripture.......
Now, balance that Bible verse with this one, and you shall have your answer........
Romans 2:13 "For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified".
 
Remembering that there is no conradiction in scripture.......
Now, balance that Bible verse with this one, and you shall have your answer........

Throw in Galatians 4:9-11 and it will make even more sense.
 
Scott said:
Remembering that there is no conradiction in scripture.......
Now, balance that Bible verse with this one, and you shall have your answer........

Throw in Galatians 4:9-11 and it will make even more sense.
It only makes sense if one understands, the difference between the Law of God, and the Laws of Moses.
 
Jay T said:
It only makes sense if one understands, the difference between the Law of God, and the Laws of Moses.

The 10 commandments are called the Law of Moses:
Mark 7:9-10 For Moses said, "Honor your father and your mother"
When you read the 10 commandments, you read Moses: 2 Corinthians 3:3,15

Law of Moses is the law given at Horeb (10 commandments): Malachi 4:4

Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.
Law of Moses included everything God commanded: 1 Kings 2:3

In fact...Interchangeability of terms in Nehemiah 9:13-14 proves there is no distinction found in the Old Testament laws of God and Moses!

It only makes sense when the veil is removed.
 
servant_2000 said:
In fact...Interchangeability of terms in Nehemiah 9:13-14 proves there is no distinction found in the Old Testament laws of God and Moses!
While it is true that all laws, are from God.....
It is equally true, that God wrote the 10 commandments HIMSELF...."and added no more"(Deuteronomy. 5:22).


Had one studied their Bible, one would have discovered that God wrote the 10 commandments on Stone tablets (Exodus 31:18)......while Moses, wrote his laws, in a book (Exodus 24:4,7).

Point #1.) Stone, representing the eternal quality of that Law.......

Point #2.) And, a perishable book, representing that temporary quality of Moses' law, which was abolished, at the cross (Ephesians 2:15 & Colossians 2:14-16).
 
Jay T said:
[quote="servant_2000":f11d8]In fact...Interchangeability of terms in Nehemiah 9:13-14 proves there is no distinction found in the Old Testament laws of God and Moses!
While it is true that all laws, are from God.....
It is equally true, that God wrote the 10 commandments HIMSELF...."and added no more"(Deuteronomy. 5:22).


Had one studied their Bible, one would have discovered that God wrote the 10 commandments on Stone tablets (Exodus 31:18)......while Moses, wrote his laws, in a book (Exodus 24:4,7).

Point #1.) Stone, representing the eternal quality of that Law.......

Point #2.) And, a perishable book, representing that temporary quality of Moses' law, which was abolished, at the cross (Ephesians 2:15 & Colossians 2:14-16).[/quote:f11d8]

You'll be interested to know that in the New Testament the "the Commandments of God" are always the sayings of Christ, such as in the Sermon on Mt. Blessings, as opposed to Mt. Sinai.

In the Old Testament "the Commandments of God" are also the sayings of the (pre-Christmas) Christ, written in the case of the Ten Commandments with His own finger on two tables of stone.

Yet these Ten were only a shadow pointing to the clearer and more perfect sayings of the Christ.

Hear Hebrews 1:1-3 (CEV): ^^Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke His message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent His Son to bring His message to us. God created the universe by His Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like Him in every way. By His own mighty word, He holds the universe together.^^

The Ten Commandments were only one of the ways by which God's prophets spoke His message to the Hebrew ancestors. The Ten Commandments, as wonderful as they were, do NOT retain "all the brightness of God's own glory." The Ten Commandments were imperfect and inferior to the perfect and superior sayings of the Christ who at that time (Sinai) was still yet to come as the Messiah. The Ten were only a shadow of the real Commandments (Christ's) and were scheduled to "vanish" away as Jeremiah prophesied before the awful coming of our
God to earth (Emanuel).

Nor were they "like Him (God) in every way," but only dimly and distantly "like Him."

And so I am keeping the Commandments of God, as you say, Jay T.

Only "all Ten and only Ten" have nothing to do with them any more since their fulfillment and replacement is here!
 
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