Izzy wrote: > I just don't understand what you are inferring from this scripture. > Apparently you see it as meaning we don't have to observe the > Sabbath anymore.
No, I'm not saying that at all. I'm saying that the Sabbath means something much more than sanctifying Saturday (the day of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture). Izzy wrote: > If it is about the Sabbath it seems that it is saying we > should observe the Sabbath every day; not dispense > with it. Surely you are not suggesting that I quit my job and never work again, are you? I think you are still taking the commandment in a carnal sense rather than a spiritual sense. Izzy wrote: > To me it is saying that our souls rest in Christ's > finished work on the cross--we don't have to work > to pay the penalty for our own sins. It's actually a little more than this, I think. It is not just the work of the Passover lamb which delivers us from the bondage of sin, but it is about the kingdom of God, which is the promised land that has been entered and possessed once we have left the wilderness and taken posssession of the land. Have you ever read the epistle of Barnabas? This is an early Christian letter written between 70 AD and 132 AD. Tradition attributes it to the apostle of Barnabas mentioned in the New Testament, but some scholars suggest the author is simply unknown. The epistle of Barnabas interprets the law as spiritual. You can read it at: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/barnabas-lightfoot.html Consider how he interprets the dietary commandments, especially in chapter 10, such as not eating swine, etc. I view the law more along these lines. Therefore, just as you do not sacrifice a Passover lamb because you find its fulfillment in Christ, neither do I consider it sanctification to set apart Saturday (the day of Saturn). There can be much significance and meaning to sacrificing Passover lambs and sanctifying Saturday, but I don't see our Lord watching with a notepad to check up on us to see whether or not we are doing these things. Our Lord is concerned with whether or not we love God with all our being, and whether or not we love our neighbor as our own selves. I will comment on the Hebrews passage. Perhaps it will help you understand me better. Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. <The "us" of this passage are seventh day observers. Therefore, the rest he is talking about is not with regards to sanctifying the seventh day.> Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. <The "them" of this passage also were seventh day observers.> Heb 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. Heb 4:4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. Heb 4:5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. Heb 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: <So there remains a rest for seventh day observers to enter. This rest is the true rest that God meant when it says, "God did rest the seventh day..."> Heb 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, Today, after so long a time; as it is said, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb 4:8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Heb 4:11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. <Let us keep this true sabbath, this true rest, which is clearly not sanctifying the seventh day as the Jews did and as these early Christians did.> So when is Marlin going to keep this Sabbath that is talked about here? Is he bound to sanctify the day of Saturn or is he free through faith to labor to enter into the true rest? Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida USA ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
