In a remarkable yet extremely clear words, Jesus says, “The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) There is no other intent the Sabbath was made for except to benefit man and for lack of an exact yet perfect description for this divine plan- a time for man to remember his Creator. (Exodus 20:8). As man acknowledge his Creator he is guided to know that God’s plan is for his peace of mind and restoration. (Jeremiah 29:11) Surely, the aim and goal of the Sabbath and its injunction to keep it holy must be to affirm mankind as designed by God and designated steward of creation. (Ps 139:14).
The Holy Bible or Scriptures are replete with Sabbath references which in rhythm and practice is common day-Saturday. Since time immemorial till post technology era Saturday is always the Sabbath till the emperor of Rome, Constantine, instituted Sunday as the rest day instead of Saturday in AD 321. This is a matter of fact and historical records.
When Jesus told his disciple, “If you love me keep my commandments” (John 14:15) He was alluding to the Ten Commandments given to Moses and written by the Finger of God. (Deuteronomy 9:10). Because Christ is the Creator and Savior of men. (Colossians 1:16). He, therefore, gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and He was reincarnated as the Son of Man to heal and save humankind. (John 10:10)
The scope of the Sabbath is outlined in Christ’s discussion with the religious leaders and councils both in how to interpret the letter and Spirit of the law specifically the Sabbath command throughout the narratives of the gospel writers Matthew, Mark, and Luke. One powerful anecdotal statement and profound truth is when Jesus says, “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.” (Mark 3:4). The letter of the law provides for mankind to remember and the Spirit of that law permeates goodwill. The Sabbath and its afforded provisions to keep it holy was not meant to burden men nor to make it a vehicle or merit to obtain salvation or favor from God. The Sabbath itself is a blessing not a bane and a balm not a ballistic weapon against the stress of life caused by sin or violation of the law.
So if we keep the Sabbath we are sharers of God’s blessing and disobedience to this law is a curse for mankind. The proof of this is the moral degeneracy, the climate upheaval, the natural distortions, and the myriad ills present society, the environment, and our planet are experiencing. Sabbath is limited by God much like the first six days of creation were limited not only by the 24 hour cycle but by the power since Sabbath was also created by God. He set the limit for the purposes narrated in the Bible. The obvious of this limitation is that keeping the Sabbath cannot save mankind. Jesus is the only Savior not the Sabbath day. (John 14:6). While the Sabbath cannot save it cannot absolve a person who violates it. Also mentioned in the Scriptures are those who violated the Sabbath will be punished for their transgressions. (Isaiah 66:24). Sabbath was immortalized by God by His light, in His time, and by His manner since the foundation of the world and it will be so post cleansing or in the earth made new.
How about those who did not know the Sabbath law? God has universally made the Sabbath truth easy to find and understand. He used literature, language, people, and technology to express His intent and will about His law. Not knowing the Sabbath will be the least problem because billions of Christians claim to keep the Sabbath but instead of Saturday they keep Sunday. There is no excuse for not knowing the Sabbath.
How about those who sincerely believe Sunday as the Sabbath? Again God used universal means and method to distinguish blessing and cursing, Sabbath and Sunday, right from wrong, and Scriptures from others sources. God gives more than enough time for fair hearing and reasoning. But the basis of judgment, the parameters, the jurisprudence, and jurisdiction will be the Ten Commandments. James 2:10-12.
What about God’s grace for Sunday keepers? We are saved by grace through faith and this is the will of God. (Ephesians 2:8). We can be sincerely wrong but the law of God will be the ruler or measure of our faith in Him. Though it is God the final judge and arbiter, the law is God’s constitution and His law is love. Sabbath then is an extension of God’s love to mankind.
So those who will be saved will be few? Yes, as demonstrated in the Bible. The grace of God is not an excuse to ignore, violate, or make light of His law.
If this is the God of the Bible then I don’t want to love Him and to serve Him. Lucifer, the enemy of God, Satan has exact same sentiment when he first rebelled in heaven.
God’s Sabbath is mocked and scoffed at what will happen to those who do these things? Sin and sinners will meet their final end when the Lord comes. As narrated in the Scriptures death will be their punishment in eternal fire.