Scofield Reference Notes on the Sabbath

<p><a href="http://sco.biblecommenter.com/matthew/12.htm" >Scofield Reference Notes</a> on the Sabbath

[3] sabbath

(1) The sabbath ("cessation") appears in Scripture as the day of God's rest in the finished work of creation. Gen 2:2,3. For 2500 years of human life absolutely no mention is made of it. Then the sabbath was revealed Ex 16:23 Neh 9:13,14, made a part of the law Ex 20:8-11 and invested with the character of a "sign" between Jehovah and Israel, and a perpetual reminder to Israel of their separation to God Ex 31:13-17. It was observed by complete rest Ex 35:2,3 and by Jehovah's express order a man was put to death for gathering sticks on the sabbath day. Num 15:32-36. Apart from maintaining the continued burnt-offering Num 28:9, and its connection with the annual feasts Ex 12:16 Lev 23:3,8 Num 28:25 the seventh day sabbath was never made a day of sacrifice, worship, or any manner of religious service. It was simply and only a day of complete rest for man and beast, a humane provision for man's needs. In Christ's words, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." Mk 2:27.

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The sabbath is mentioned in the Acts only in connection with the Jews, and in the rest of the N.T. but twice.Col 2:16 Heb 4:4. In these passages the seventh day sabbath is explained to be to the Christian not a day to be observed, but a type of the present rest into which he enters when "he also ceases from his own works" and trusts Christ.</p>