THE FULFILMENT OF THE SABBATH
Last time, we examined the three main feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. These feasts were Sabbaths, times when the people did not do any work and they represent God’s plan for rest for us—in spirit, soul, and body.
1. Passover was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross, shedding His blood to atone for the sins of His people. His sacrifice ensured that the Destroyer would not bring upon them the wages of sin that is, death (Exo 12:13, 1 Cor 5:7).
2. Pentecost was fulfilled 50 days later when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
3. The Third Sabbath, Tabernacles remains a future fulfillment, marking the complete redemption and rest for all of creation; a time when the Lord will dwell with His people (Lev 23:33-43, Rev 21:3-4).
The Lord Jesus invites us to enter a present Sabbath rest for our spirits and souls:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29)
However, the final rest for our bodies will come at a future time, when mortality is swallowed up in life (1 Cor 15:50-54).
START FROM THE BEGINNING: SABBATH: SATURDAYS OR SUNDAYS? (PART 1)
The Sabbath: More Than a Day—A Life of Trust
The Sabbath was never merely about days and dates but about trusting God’s provision. The seventh day, commanded as a day of rest (Exo 20:8-11), was a sign of faith—ceasing from labor to acknowledge God as our provider.
Under the Law—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles—were not just rituals but times set apart to rest in Him, trusting His provision, deliverance, and future redemption (Lev 23:1-44).
READ ALSO: IS THE LAW OBSOLETE? (PART 1)
Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Sabbath
Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, demonstrated this truth by healing on the Sabbath, showing that the day was made for man’s benefit (Mark 2:27-28). His miracles on the Sabbath (John 5:9, John 9:14) pointed to a greater reality—that true rest is found in Him, not in a specific day.
“For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8)
So, how do we enter into the sabbath at this time?
Just as the Lord Jesus healed on the Sabbath, we must align with His purposes by doing His work, bringing souls into His rest (Matt 9:37-38).
Let’s not adopt the Pharisaic mindset of resisting good works, but instead, embrace the harvest. The Sabbath on one end, is a life of faith, trusting God’s provision and ceasing from our own works to rely on His grace, while we await the fulfillment of the final Sabbath, a time when everyone will cease from work (Heb 4:9-10).
Watch: Enter Marriage a Pessimist!
