These Bible principles provide guidance on how to keep the Sabbath holy and align our actions with God’s will. While not an exhaustive list, they offer valuable insights into Sabbath observance (1 John3:22):

1. Ceasing from work: The Sabbath is a day to pause our creative endeavours, work with the creation, and reflect on what God has accomplished in the world and in our lives. (Genesis 2)
2. Rest and laying burdens down: On the Sabbath, we are called to rest and refrain from engaging in servile work. This includes our family members, servants, animals, and even strangers among us. (Jeremiah 17; Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5)
3. Holy convocation: The Sabbath is a time for gathering and worshiping with fellow believers. It is an opportunity to come together as a community of faith. (Leviticus 23)
4. Reverence and honour: We should approach the Sabbath with reverence, honouring God’s authority and demonstrating our love and respect for Him. (Psalm 89:7, Habakkuk 2:20)
5. Delight and rejoicing: The Sabbath should be a day of joy and delight, shifting our focus from our own thoughts and concerns to God’s thoughts and words. (Isaiah 56, 58)
6. Healing and restoration: The Sabbath can be a time of spiritual and physical healing. It is a day to extend compassion and serve others, especially those who are sick or in need. (Matthew 12, Mark 1, 3, Luke 13, 14)
7. Abstaining from buying and selling: On the Sabbath, we are instructed to refrain from commercial activities and focus on spiritual matters. (Nehemiah 13)
8. Time to do good and visit and comfort the sick. We should do spiritual work on the Sabbath, serving others. John 5
9. Prayer: The Sabbath is a time for dedicated prayer, fostering a deeper connection with God. (Acts 16:13)

• Reasoning and teaching: Sabbath provides an opportunity to engage in discussions about spiritual principles and for ministers to teach the word of God. (Acts 17:2, 18:4, 11)
• Preparing ahead of time: Elaborate food preparations should be done on the day prior to the Sabbath, minimizing cooking and baking activities on the Sabbath day itself. (Exodus 16)
• Singing and worship: The Sabbath is a time for singing praises to God, expressing our gratitude and worship. (Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16, Psalms 92, known as the “Sabbath Psalm”)

By incorporating these principles into our Sabbath observance, we honour God’s commandment and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.