When it comes to the question of observing the seventh-day Sabbath among Christians who do not practice it, one of the most common arguments is that the Sabbath was meant solely for the Jews and was introduced at Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments. However, a recent blog post by Pastor Jeffrey Bergeson sheds new light on the Sabbath and the fourth commandment.

In the blog titled “Many Churches, One Lord: To keep the Sabbath, we must practice,” Pastor Bergeson shares his insights after returning from a three-month sabbatical. He highlights an important fact: the Sabbath had already been given to the Jews as a gift even before the Ten Commandments were revealed. This revelation challenges the notion that the Sabbath was first introduced at Sinai and applies solely to the Jews.

Pastor Bergeson points to Exodus 16, where the Lord promises the provision of manna and a weekly day of rest for the newly freed slaves from Egypt. These provisions were not only a gift but also a test of their trust in the Lord’s provision. Interestingly, this happened before the Israelites reached Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments.

In fact, there are several chapters in Exodus that precede the giving of the commandments, such as incidents involving water scarcity and battles. This indicates that the Jews were already aware of the importance of resting on the seventh-day Sabbath before the commandments were given.

By using Exodus 16 to support the concept of Sabbath (Sunday for Pastor Bergeson), he unintentionally undermines observing the seventh-day Sabbath. Moreover, Genesis 2:2-3 reinforces the idea that God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it, even before the existence of the Jewish people.

It is crucial to note that observing the Sabbath is not merely a religious duty, as Pastor Bergeson suggests, but a posture of rest and delight in the Lord. In fact, obedience to the Sabbath commandment is precisely how the Sabbath blessing is received, as mentioned in Isaiah 58:13-14.

This article highlights the relevance of the Sabbath for Christians and challenges the misconception that it was exclusively meant for the Jews. The Sabbath is a blessing to be observed and can bring rest, delight, and a deeper connection with the Lord.