One of the most common and often controversial questions among Christians today is: ‘Should we still observe the Sabbath?’ For some, the Sabbath feels like an outdated commandment tied to the Law of Moses. For others, it’s a sacred rhythm established by God at creation. So, what does Scripture really say? And more importantly, what does it mean for followers of Christ today?
The Sabbath Was Made for Man
In Mark 2:27, Jesus said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” That one sentence reframes everything. It tells us the Sabbath isn’t about rule-keeping or religious rigidity, it’s a gift. A divine appointment set aside for rest, reflection, and reconnection with our Creator. The Sabbath was not designed to burden us, but to bless us.
Not Under Law, But Not Without Wisdom
Paul writes in Colossians 2:16–17, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.” In the New Covenant, the strict observance of the Sabbath is no longer a requirement for righteousness. Jesus fulfilled the law—not by erasing it, but by embodying it.
That means Sabbath-keeping is no longer a legal command, but a wise invitation. God built a rhythm of rest into creation itself. He rested on the seventh day—not because He was tired, but because He was setting a pattern for us.
Jesus Is Our Sabbath Rest
Hebrews 4 takes the idea even further. It teaches that for the believer; the Sabbath is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. When we put our faith in Him, we enter a spiritual rest. We no longer strive to earn salvation or approval. We rest in His finished work.
“There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” (Hebrews 4:9–10)
So in one sense, every day is a Sabbath for the believer, because we are living in the reality that the Sabbath pointed to: a life of trust and peace in Christ.
Should We Still Observe a Day of Rest?
Absolutely, though not out of obligation, but out of wisdom and desire. In a culture obsessed with technology, productivity, and hustle, setting aside one day a week to stop, worship, reflect, and rest is an act of rebellion against the world and a declaration of trust in God.
It doesn’t have to be Saturday. Romans 14:5 reminds us that, “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” The important thing is the heart behind it.
Final Thoughts
Should believers observe the Sabbath? Yes, but not because they have to—but because they get to. It’s an invitation to align with God’s rhythm, to recharge spiritually and physically, and to declare with our time what we believe in our hearts: that God is enough, and we can rest in Him.
So if you’ve been burning out, feeling spiritually dry, or simply longing for more of God—maybe what you need isn’t another task, but a holy pause.
Take a Sabbath. You’ll be amazed what God can do when you stop working and simply rest in Him.