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4 Thoughts on what the Sabbath means for us today: Towards a Theology of the Sabbath pt 4

4 Thoughts on what the Sabbath means for us today: Towards a Theology of the Sabbath pt 4

Last updated on: July 23, 2023 at 8:14 pm by Rob Dalrymple

4 Thoughts on what the Sabbath means for us today: Towards a Theology of the Sabbath pt 4 2023-07-23T20:14:19-08:00 Rob Dalrymple

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I will contend that the Sabbath is indeed an abiding provision. The Sabbath was fulfilled in Jesus, but not abolished by Him. It is through the work of God’s people that the fulfillment of the Sabbath continues.

What does this mean for the Church today? 4 Thoughts

1) Just as communion reminds us of what God through Christ has done for us, so also, the Sabbath is a reminder that God has rescued us. In addition, just as taking communion looks forward to the eternal banquet in God’s kingdom, so also, practicing the Sabbath looks forward to the eternal rest awaiting us.

Practicing the Sabbath reminds us that God has set us free from slavery. In fact, to not practice the Sabbath is to reject the notion that God had rescued us. It is a flagrant denial of the fact that we were in slavery and have been set free.

2) A theology of the Sabbath means that we are to recognize the holiness of the day. This is best done in the weekly gathering of God’s people. For those who work on a Sunday maybe it means attending a weekly Bible study or some form of corporate fellowship, worship, and study.

3) We can rest and take time off weekly because God is our source. The Sabbath reminds us that God’s economy does not follow the economics of the world. God blesses His people because they are obedient and because they practice justice.

It is the economics of the kingdom of this world that begs us to work too much. In taking a day off each week, we are living out the Kingdom of God and confirming He is Lord and will provide. Consequently, we can take a day off each week to worship and serve the true King of kings.

In doing so, we have no concerns about wealth—losing income or productivity—because our King reminds us that He is the provider. Practicing the Sabbath is a weekly reminder that God is in control.

4) To practice the Sabbath means to ensure that justice is done. This means that we are not engaging in activities that foster inequity and that we are actively seeking to eradicate injustice. Boy did I just opened up a can of worms! Having a kingdom ethic and engaging in kingdom practices means that we must ask the tough questions and put the answers into practice.[1]

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[1] I highly recommend the very challenging book by Richard Foster, The Freedom of Simplicity.

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About Rob Dalrymple

Rob Dalrymple and his wife Toni have four fabulous children, as well as 2 grandchildren! He has been teaching and pastoring for over 32 years at colleges, seminaries, and the local church. He has a PhD (Westminster Theological Seminary) in biblical interpretation. Rob is currently serving as the Executive Director of Determinetruth ministries, which is a 501c3 parachurch ministry whose vision is to provide a platform of training for pastors, leaders, and members of local churches, especially those who have been wounded by the evangelical church. Rob hosts the weekly determinetruth podcast and writes a weekly blog: all of which can be accessed at determinetruth.com He is the author of four books: Follow the Lamb: A Guide to Reading, Understanding, and Applying the Book of Revelation These Brothers of Mine: A Biblical Theology of Land and Family Understanding the New Testament and the End Times: Why it Matters Revelation and the Two Witnesses. And is presently writing a commentary for the book of Revelation (Cascade Books) titled Revelation: A Love Story You can read more about the author here.

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