Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

The Change of the Sabbath

The Sabbath and the Law

Of what is the Sabbath commandment a part? BR-ASI9 299.3

The law of God. (See Exodus 20:8-11.) BR-ASI9 299.4

What was foretold of Christ’s attitude toward the law? BR-ASI9 299.5

“He will magnify the law, and make it honourable.” Isaiah 42:21. BR-ASI9 299.6

In His most famous sermon, what did Christ say of the law? BR-ASI9 299.7

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” Matthew 5:17. BR-ASI9 299.8

How enduring did He say the law is? BR-ASI9 299.9

“Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:18. BR-ASI9 299.10

What did He say of those who should break one of the least of God’s commandments, and teach men so to do? BR-ASI9 299.11

“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19. BR-ASI9 299.12

Note.—From this it is evident that all ten commandments are binding in the Christian dispensation, and that Christ had no thought of changing any of them. One of these commands the observance of the seventh day as the Sabbath. But most Christians keep the first day of the week instead. BR-ASI9 299.13

“It is a remarkable and regrettable fact that while most Christians regard the decalogue as a whole as being of personal and perpetual obligation, so many should make the fourth commandment an exception. It is the most complete and comprehensive of them all, and, unlike the rest, is expressed both positively and negatively.”—W. C. Procter in Moody Bible Institute Monthly, December, 1933, p. 160. BR-ASI9 300.1

Many believe that Christ changed the Sabbath. But, from His own words, we see that He came for no such purpose. The responsibility for this change must therefore be looked for elsewhere. BR-ASI9 300.2