More about Sabbath

In the Old Testament, the sacrifices and offerings of blood of animals were ceremonial symbolism however the death of Jesus Christ replaced the weekly sacrifices with ONE sacrifice. When Jesus poured out His blood on Calvary, He guaranteed eternal redemption to all who would put our trust in Him. The manner in which the Jews under the old covenant sanctified the day involved types and symbols that pointed to the coming Redeemer. After Christ, the ceremonial weekly traditions including Sabbath (Hebrews Chapters 8 through 10 have been removed. In my opinion that concerning the fourth commandment, those who judges others regarding Ceremonial Sabbath are extreme, and interpreted it too strictly. The Sabbath is to be sanctified or set apart onto God as a day of rest from work, a day of cessation from the normal daily routine of the 7 days cycle regardless on man-made calendar (Sundays-Saturdays)(the Hebrew word for sabbath is clearly related to the Hebrew verb shabeth, which means to rest or cease). "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however,is found in Christ"(Colossians 2:15-17) basically means we are not to live in bondage to specific days and times and seasons (Romans 14:4-10; 2 Corinthians 3:5-18). Sabbath basically means a pattern of six days of labor and one day of rest must be considered universal and perpetually binding upon mankind. In Romans 14:5-6: "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it." In this passage, Paul allows for diversity in the church over the issue of Jewish holy days (i.e., the ceremonial sabbaths) because of the unique historical circumstances. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, the ceremonial aspects of the law (e.g., animal sacrifices, Jewish holy days, circumcision) were rendered obsolete and were abrogated. The Sabbath was made a perpetual covenant and sign between Jehovah and the Jewish nation. Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior have provided examples regarding First Day of the week. The central reason that Christians observe the first day of the week is the historical fact that Christ rose from the dead on that day (Mt. 28:1; Mk. 16:2, 9; Lk. 24:1; Jn. 20:1). Christ chose to appear repeatedly to His disciples on the first day of the week (Mt. 28:9; Lk. 24:15-31, 36; Jn. 20:19, 26). This pattern of appearance is carefully noted in the Scriptures and is obviously not arbitrary. Another example is that Jesus chose the first day of the week to strengthen the apostles' faith, instruct them in doctrine, issue commands, engage in fellowship, and partake in the breaking of bread. Denominations causes divisions which have been around for thousands years. Beliefs that impact people's lives and the Church, but with which there can be sincere disagreements. They are important; Christians might argue for them. These are theological ideas with which there can be great latitude of belief such as this issue especially those who follow Sabbath (i.e. SDA and similar). This is often between God and the Believer. As long as we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior by responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and Repent for our sins. There are many denominations because there are Christians who will follow their conscience, feelings, beliefs and personal worship preferences. I don't have problems with those who belong to SDA, in fact, I have friends who are members and we get along just fine. This is between God and each individual believer. There are different preferences of beliefs and different style of worship. Some prefer one worship style while other prefer another worship style. The key is that we must worship God in Spirit with other believers regardless our "personal" opinion or loyalty to our denominations (or non-denomination). John 4:23-24 (New International Version) Jesus said: Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.