Is the observance of Sunday a matter of Christian Liberty?

[Semper Fidelis]

Would the sabbatarians kindly refrain from posting in threads they have no interest in nor provocation to assert their assertions, I've seen a number of them hijacked over the past several weeks and find it quite disrespectful to board members who are not convinced of their positions, if you don't desire to watch football then don't, some of us are of clear conscience that Christ is our rest.

Without entering into this debate right now, let me just remind you of Romans 14. This might be an issue of the weak vs. the strong or it could be an issue of using liberty for license.

In the best case scenario, both parties are supposed to be willing to suffer the other for the sake of unity and edification. That said, those who believe they have liberty to watch football on Sundays in the freedom of their consciences ought to be content to do so for the Lord and they do not need to go into a board to participate in open discussions on a topic that others who have personal scruple may be offended by. The "both and" aspect of Romans 14 is that football is not something that is worth tearing your brother down over and the goal from both parties ought to be mutual edification.

Those who feel their liberty allows them freedom to speak of such subjects on the Lord's Day could easily do so privately without tearing down your brothers around you who are bothered by it. The solution Paul offers to the parties in Romans 14 is not that they simply flaunt their liberty and tell the other party to "get over it...."

Hence, I would suggest that these discussions are best participated in on other days out of consideration for those around you who are offended by them as the goal of their edification ought to be greater than your desire to talk about football.

Likewise, in our reminder to others about such things that we have scruples in, we all need to be careful that the goal of our reminder is their edification in these matters. We all have one Master who will judge every intention of the heart.

I did not detect overt malice from either party but I simply want to make sure the goal is noted here.

 

[CalvinandHodges]

Hi:

I think Rich brings up a good point. So I would like to ask:

Is the observance of Sunday a matter of Christian Liberty?

To those who may say "yes" I would like to ask if the whole of the 10 Commands are subject to Christian Liberty? How then would you justify a person committing Adultery or Perjury or Murder when you say that the 10 Commandments are subject to Christian Liberty?

If you define your Christian Liberty on Sunday as "doing whatever I want" - which directly contradicts the 4th Command - then how can you condemn someone else who violates a different command out of the pretext of "Christian Liberty"?

I believe that the book of James says somewhere that if you violate one of these commands it is as if you violated all of them.

I once heard a preacher say that he wishes his congregation was as excited about worshipping God as they are watching their favorite Football team score a touchdown.

It makes one wonder....

Blessings,

-CH

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

Let's go at this again: In the Pub, we discuss the enjoyment of adult beverages and smoke and we DON'T debate. It the sports forum, sport fans discuss the enjoyment of recreational pastime and we DON'T debate.

{Moderator rant on} If you wish to debate Christian Liberty then you have the liberty to begin a new thread in the appropriate forum or fora. In fact I recommend it. {Rant off}

Can these posts be shifted to a new thread; the subject of the Sabbath and Christian Liberty would be an interesting one to discuss in more detail.

In fairness to non-Sabbath people, they would probably argue that the Sabbath command is one that we don't have to keep due to additional revelation in the New Testament. Therefore, they would not say that adultery, idolatry etc are matters of Christian Liberty. While this is not a position I hold, it is important to try to understand precisely where Christians with whom we disagree are coming from.

 

[BobVigneault]

We've discussed this before but now we have some new faces, some young guns, new old curmudgeons and a guy who is pretty good with a bo staff, so let's debate this. I'm moving posts from another thread to kick things off. Blessings, let's have a clean fight and no hitting below the belt. (Sorry, anymore sport's metaphors and I'll have to put this back in the sports forum.)

 

[KMK]

Hi:

I think Rich brings up a good point. So I would like to ask:

Is the observance of Sunday a matter of Christian Liberty?

To those who may say "yes" I would like to ask if the whole of the 10 Commands are subject to Christian Liberty? How then would you justify a person committing Adultery or Perjury or Murder when you say that the 10 Commandments are subject to Christian Liberty?

If you define your Christian Liberty on Sunday as "doing whatever I want" - which directly contradicts the 4th Command - then how can you condemn someone else who violates a different command out of the pretext of "Christian Liberty"?

I believe that the book of James says somewhere that if you violate one of these commands it is as if you violated all of them.

I once heard a preacher say that he wishes his congregation was as excited about worshipping God as they are watching their favorite Football team score a touchdown.

It makes one wonder....

Blessings,

-CH

This has been my question also for those who take the 'Christian liberty' route. Some just outright argue that there are now only 9 commandments. I don't agree, but that seems to be a more 'consistent' argument.

 

[Amazing Grace]

We've discussed this before but now we have some new faces, some young guns, new old curmudgeons and a guy who is pretty good with a bo staff, so let's debate this. I'm moving posts from another thread to kick things off. Blessings, let's have a clean fight and no hitting below the belt. (Sorry, anymore sport's metaphors and I'll have to put this back in the sports forum.)

How did you know this about me Bob?

 

[Pilgrim]

Hi:

I think Rich brings up a good point. So I would like to ask:

Is the observance of Sunday a matter of Christian Liberty?

To those who may say "yes" I would like to ask if the whole of the 10 Commands are subject to Christian Liberty? How then would you justify a person committing Adultery or Perjury or Murder when you say that the 10 Commandments are subject to Christian Liberty?

If you define your Christian Liberty on Sunday as "doing whatever I want" - which directly contradicts the 4th Command - then how can you condemn someone else who violates a different command out of the pretext of "Christian Liberty"?

I believe that the book of James says somewhere that if you violate one of these commands it is as if you violated all of them.

I once heard a preacher say that he wishes his congregation was as excited about worshipping God as they are watching their favorite Football team score a touchdown.

It makes one wonder....

Blessings,

-CH

This has been my question also for those who take the 'Christian liberty' route. Some just outright argue that there are now only 9 commandments. I don't agree, but that seems to be a more 'consistent' argument.

My understanding is that the classical dispensational hermeneutic is that the other 9 commandments were reiterated in the NT but that the 4th wasn't.

 

[cih1355]

In fairness to non-Sabbath people, they would probably argue that the Sabbath command is one that we don't have to keep due to additional revelation in the New Testament. Therefore, they would not say that adultery, idolatry etc are matters of Christian Liberty. While this is not a position I hold, it is important to try to understand precisely where Christians with whom we disagree are coming from.

According to what non-Sabbath people say, where in the New Testament does it teach that we don't have to keep the Sabbath command any longer?

 

[MrMerlin777]

Sorry to say this folks but, "Here we go again." (sigh)

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

In fairness to non-Sabbath people, they would probably argue that the Sabbath command is one that we don't have to keep due to additional revelation in the New Testament. Therefore, they would not say that adultery, idolatry etc are matters of Christian Liberty. While this is not a position I hold, it is important to try to understand precisely where Christians with whom we disagree are coming from.

According to what non-Sabbath people say, where in the New Testament does it teach that we don't have to keep the Sabbath command any longer?

They would appeal to passages such as Romans 14 and Colossians 2:16 in support of the idea that the Sabbath is no longer obligatory.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Incidentally, my post was originally attached to another thread where the context was not to promote the idea that all elements of the Christian Sabbath were a matter of Christian liberty. There are certainly some aspects of the Sabbath that are unquestionably not a matter of liberty such as the command to assemble and worship.

I think the more interesting question would be what aspects are a matter of liberty. Surely there is some room for extremely strict Sabbath observance that can be celebrated to the Lord while others may have the liberty not to be so scrupulous. For instance, some may not want to do any cooking or may not even want to turn on an oven while others might not be so scrupulous.

My main concern in the OP was to demonstrate to those that "had a problem" with others view is that neither party has a "right" to judge the other party. If a man is going to have to answer for not obeying the Lord then he'll answer to the Lord and not to us. The goal of either party ought to be the edification of the other. Even strict Sabbatarians ought to be concerned for the edificaiton of those that they feel are using liberty for license and seeking their edification in the tone they use and the desire they have that all might delight in the things of the Lord. Additionally, those that are convinced they are honoring the Sabbath in activities and discussions that others would be stung in conscience by ought not to despise the scrupulous and respect that, they too, obey as unto the Lord.

 

[KMK]

Incidentally, my post was originally attached to another thread where the context was not to promote the idea that all elements of the Christian Sabbath were a matter of Christian liberty. There are certainly some aspects of the Sabbath that are unquestionably not a matter of liberty such as the command to assemble and worship.

I think the more interesting question would be what aspects are a matter of liberty. Surely there is some room for extremely strict Sabbath observance that can be celebrated to the Lord while others may have the liberty not to be so scrupulous. For instance, some may not want to do any cooking or may not even want to turn on an oven while others might not be so scrupulous.

My main concern in the OP was to demonstrate to those that "had a problem" with others view is that neither party has a "right" to judge the other party. If a man is going to have to answer for not obeying the Lord then he'll answer to the Lord and not to us. The goal of either party ought to be the edification of the other. Even strict Sabbatarians ought to be concerned for the edificaiton of those that they feel are using liberty for license and seeking their edification in the tone they use and the desire they have that all might delight in the things of the Lord. Additionally, those that are convinced they are honoring the Sabbath in activities and discussions that others would be stung in conscience by ought not to despise the scrupulous and respect that, they too, obey as unto the Lord.

Good points, Rich.

However, couldn't an argument be made that one cannot keep the command to assemble and worship unless he keeps one day in seven holy? In order to regularly assemble and worship, a group of believers, by necessity, must set apart a day in which to do just that.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Absolutely. I think the Lord's Day is hallowed. Again, it's not a matter of whether it is holy but I think there can be proper reverance for the Sabbath among two believers while one is more scrupulous about how that reverance is observed. There can also be those that use liberty as an opportunity for license. In the former case, the over-scrupulous should be content to observe the Sabbath as their conscience demands and, if they don't want to use ovens then be content, but don't despise a brother who does not. It can then become very tricky to start stripping away where the scruples end and determining a "line" beyond which a person is not really observing the Sabbath.

I don't think we're supposed to be "measuring" each other this way. If our goal is the maturing of others in all things, including the Sabbath, then it's not to make them "like me" but to ensure that their hearts are ever more tender to the things of God so that any desire they have to make the Sabbath holy flows out of a delight in their heart to do so and not that "so and so" will disapprove of me if I do not.

 

[NaphtaliPress]

We (Westminster/Puritan Sabbatarians*) should not however give folks occasion to stumble, even when they think they are not; that is why I try to close NP and CPJ online shopping from Saturday night through Monday AMs.

*Honestly, Westminster/Puritan theology IS Sabbatarianism, it is so prominent.

 

[KMK]

We (Westminster/Puritan Sabbatarians*) should not however give folks occasion to stumble, even when they think they are not; that is why I try to close NP and CPJ online shopping from Saturday night through Monday AMs.

*Honestly, Westminster/Puritan theology IS Sabbatarianism, it is so prominent.

I think it would depend on your definition of 'Sabbatarian' as well. Those who do not keep the 4th tend to refer to 'Sabbatarians' as those that Rich describes who want to conform everyone to their scruples as to *how* one keeps the day holy. (with a negative conotation) While those who hold to the beliefs of the Puritans tend to refer to themselves as 'Sabbatarians' as those who desire a day free of the cares of the world to rest and worship. (with a positive conotation)

In Baker's Theological Dictionary 'Sabbatarianism' is likened to Constantines regulation against Sunday's labor in 321. If that is the definition of 'Sabbatarian', then I am not one. If 'Sabbatarian' is defined as one who loves to rest and worship, then I am one.

 

[NaphtaliPress]

The Westminster Confession and Catechisms are my definition; and the boards I think. If not, then maybe I'm in the wrong universe?

 

[No Longer A Libertine]

I would like to know the criteria to a flawless observance of the sabbath, do you control your daydreams, sneak a peak into the upcoming week's schedule, pick up the funnies in a newspaper, write thank you cards, spank your kids for fighting, practice playing catch with your son, potty train the dog, are all of these things sinful on the sabbath? I think not, and since the law stands as an unsatisfiable task that we must rest in Christ to fulfill I don't see how partaking of recreational activities on our designated day of rest is not pleasing to God since it is a day of rest and we can be thankful for little pleasantries such as sports. I'm not saying make an idol of the Dallas Cowboys, I just enjoy watching them and rooting them on, I go to church on Sundays as well.

Corporate worship and a day of rest are satisfied.

 

[VictorBravo]

I would like to know the criteria to a flawless observance of the sabbath, do you control your daydreams, sneak a peak into the upcoming week's schedule, pick up the funnies in a newspaper, write thank you cards, spank your kids for fighting, practice playing catch with your son, potty train the dog, are all of these things sinful on the sabbath? I think not, and since the law stands as an unsatisfiable task that we must rest in Christ to fulfill I don't see how partaking of recreational activities on our designated day of rest is not pleasing to God since it is a day of rest and we can be thankful for little pleasantries such as sports. I'm not saying make an idol of the Dallas Cowboys, I just enjoy watching them and rooting them on, I go to church on Sundays as well.

Corporate worship and a day of rest are satisfied.

I always take this to be a problem of approach. If we view the Sabbath as a list of "don'ts", we will have a bad time of it.

But if we focus on the dos, it is much easier. Do worship, do rest, do meditate on God and his creation, do read edifying materials, do enjoy simple pleasures of fellowshipping with God's people, do help those in need, etc.

If you fill your day with the positives, the negatives are forgotten and not nagging on your conscience. The Puritans were all about discipline, but we often forget that they took pleasure not in self-negation, but in positive action and reflection.

It's sort of like aiming a rifle. If you concentrate on what you are not supposed to shoot at, you'll have a hard time hitting the target.

 

[No Longer A Libertine]

I would like to know the criteria to a flawless observance of the sabbath, do you control your daydreams, sneak a peak into the upcoming week's schedule, pick up the funnies in a newspaper, write thank you cards, spank your kids for fighting, practice playing catch with your son, potty train the dog, are all of these things sinful on the sabbath? I think not, and since the law stands as an unsatisfiable task that we must rest in Christ to fulfill I don't see how partaking of recreational activities on our designated day of rest is not pleasing to God since it is a day of rest and we can be thankful for little pleasantries such as sports. I'm not saying make an idol of the Dallas Cowboys, I just enjoy watching them and rooting them on, I go to church on Sundays as well.

Corporate worship and a day of rest are satisfied.

I always take this to be a problem of approach. If we view the Sabbath as a list of "don'ts", we will have a bad time of it.

But if we focus on the dos, it is much easier. Do worship, do rest, do meditate on God and his creation, do read edifying materials, do enjoy simple pleasures of fellowshipping with God's people, do help those in need, etc.

If you fill your day with the positives, the negatives are forgotten and not nagging on your conscience. The Puritans were all about discipline, but we often forget that they took pleasure not in self-negation, but in positive action and reflection.

It's sort of like aiming a rifle. If you concentrate on what you are not supposed to shoot at, you'll have a hard time hitting the target.

I find fellowship and recreation to be synonyms, my primary retreat is good conversation and watching a game together.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I would like to know the criteria to a flawless observance of the sabbath, do you control your daydreams, sneak a peak into the upcoming week's schedule, pick up the funnies in a newspaper, write thank you cards, spank your kids for fighting, practice playing catch with your son, potty train the dog, are all of these things sinful on the sabbath? I think not, and since the law stands as an unsatisfiable task that we must rest in Christ to fulfill I don't see how partaking of recreational activities on our designated day of rest is not pleasing to God since it is a day of rest and we can be thankful for little pleasantries such as sports. I'm not saying make an idol of the Dallas Cowboys, I just enjoy watching them and rooting them on, I go to church on Sundays as well.

Corporate worship and a day of rest are satisfied.

I always take this to be a problem of approach. If we view the Sabbath as a list of "don'ts", we will have a bad time of it.

But if we focus on the dos, it is much easier. Do worship, do rest, do meditate on God and his creation, do read edifying materials, do enjoy simple pleasures of fellowshipping with God's people, do help those in need, etc.

If you fill your day with the positives, the negatives are forgotten and not nagging on your conscience. The Puritans were all about discipline, but we often forget that they took pleasure not in self-negation, but in positive action and reflection.

It's sort of like aiming a rifle. If you concentrate on what you are not supposed to shoot at, you'll have a hard time hitting the target.

This is exactly right.

Look, sometimes I've come downstairs in the morning and found out that my kids got to some candy we hadn't put on high shelves. Now, for them, a good breakfast is candy. The real question is whether their desires are mature.

I agree that a mature understanding of the Sabbath is not going to be asking what I can/cannot do on Sunday and still be within the "Law". It's the same problem I have with people who quote the tithing passages on Malachi. Many want to always ask: What do I have to do. It's approaching God on the basis of Law as acceptance.

Yet we're not supposed to be those that sin all the more so that grace can abound and we're not just supposed to decide for ourselves what pleases God. If God delights in us turning aside from our own way then the question should not be: "But what if I don't delight in it?" The goal should be: "I hope God teaches me to delight in the same things He does."

I'm convinced that there are many things that I find relaxing and fun that are not edifying or spiritual. My refraining from them does not mean that I'm trying to obey God as a taskmaster who will only accept me on the righteous obedience of the Law but if I have no affinity for the things that actually edify then there is a basic "heart check" problem.

Wisdom is not easily achieved. It's not easily achieved by being strict and it's not easily achieved by simply quipping that Christ is our righteousness and our rest and so we can do whatever pleases us.

 

[No Longer A Libertine]

I would like to know the criteria to a flawless observance of the sabbath, do you control your daydreams, sneak a peak into the upcoming week's schedule, pick up the funnies in a newspaper, write thank you cards, spank your kids for fighting, practice playing catch with your son, potty train the dog, are all of these things sinful on the sabbath? I think not, and since the law stands as an unsatisfiable task that we must rest in Christ to fulfill I don't see how partaking of recreational activities on our designated day of rest is not pleasing to God since it is a day of rest and we can be thankful for little pleasantries such as sports. I'm not saying make an idol of the Dallas Cowboys, I just enjoy watching them and rooting them on, I go to church on Sundays as well.

Corporate worship and a day of rest are satisfied.

I always take this to be a problem of approach. If we view the Sabbath as a list of "don'ts", we will have a bad time of it.

But if we focus on the dos, it is much easier. Do worship, do rest, do meditate on God and his creation, do read edifying materials, do enjoy simple pleasures of fellowshipping with God's people, do help those in need, etc.

If you fill your day with the positives, the negatives are forgotten and not nagging on your conscience. The Puritans were all about discipline, but we often forget that they took pleasure not in self-negation, but in positive action and reflection.

It's sort of like aiming a rifle. If you concentrate on what you are not supposed to shoot at, you'll have a hard time hitting the target.

This is exactly right.

Look, sometimes I've come downstairs in the morning and found out that my kids got to some candy we hadn't put on high shelves. Now, for them, a good breakfast is candy. The real question is whether their desires are mature.

I agree that a mature understanding of the Sabbath is not going to be asking what I can/cannot do on Sunday and still be within the "Law". It's the same problem I have with people who quote the tithing passages on Malachi. Many want to always ask: What do I have to do. It's approaching God on the basis of Law as acceptance.

Yet we're not supposed to be those that sin all the more so that grace can abound and we're not just supposed to decide for ourselves what pleases God. If God delights in us turning aside from our own way then the question should not be: "But what if I don't delight in it?" The goal should be: "I hope God teaches me to delight in the same things He does."

I'm convinced that there are many things that I find relaxing and fun that are not edifying or spiritual. My refraining from them does not mean that I'm trying to obey God as a taskmaster who will only accept me on the righteous obedience of the Law but if I have no affinity for the things that actually edify then there is a basic "heart check" problem.

Wisdom is not easily achieved. It's not easily achieved by being strict and it's not easily achieved by simply quipping that Christ is our righteousness and our rest and so we can do whatever pleases us.

I don't think any such assertion has been made, not here at least, what has been asked is what does a proper sabbath observation look like and how is good dishonored on a day of proclaimed rest by watching sports?

 

[NaphtaliPress]

Westminster/Puritanism on the Sabbath or Lord's Day

Just so there is no ambiguity or lack of clarity, here is what the Westminster Assembly said on the subject of the Lord's day, or the Christian Sabbath.

Westminster Confession of Faith 21.¶7-8.
7. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in His Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, He hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto Him:k which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week,l which, in Scripture, is called the Lord's Day,m and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath.n
8. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments, and recreations,o but also are taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of His worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.p

k. EXO 20:8,10-11. Remember the sab*bath day, to keep it holy. 10 But the sev*enth day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. ISA 56:2,4,6-7. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. 4 For thus saith the LORD unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7 Even them will I bring to my holy moun*tain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
l. GEN 2:2-3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. 1CO 16:1-2. Now concerning the collec*tion for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. ACT 20:7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
m. REV 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.
n. EXO 20:8,10. [See 7k]. With MAT 5:17-18. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
o. EXO 20:8. [See 7k]. EXO 16:23,25-26,29-30. And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To mor*row is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. 25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none. 29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day. 30 So the people rested on the sev*enth day. EXO 31:15-17. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: who*soever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a per*petual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. ISA 58:13. [See 8p]. NEH 13:15-19,21-22. In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sab*bath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. 16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profan*ing the sabbath. 19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I com*manded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. 21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. 22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanc*tify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
p. ISA 58:13. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honour*able; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: MAT 12:1-13.

Westminster Larger Catechism (from my work; the notes are a freebie)
Q.117. How is the Sabbath, or the Lord's day, to be sanctified?
The Sabbath or Lord's day is to be sanctified, by an holy resting all the day, (a) not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; (b) and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy) (c) in the public and private exercises of God's worship; (d) and to that end we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence and moderation to dispose, and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day. (e)
a EXO 20:8, 10
b EXO 16:25-28; NEH 13:15-19; 21-22; JER 17:21-22 [RP: NEH 13:15, to 22. In NEH 13, verse 20 added: MAX—. In MAX and other Rothwell editions, the full scripture reference is given before the iteration of the text, and the individual verse numbers are given throughout the text. Here, verse 20 is not in the first giving of the proof which is correct but verse 20 is added in the text, presumably for context or perhaps in error. It became part of the traditional proof because of its inclusion in the iteration of the text by those editions which carried on into DNLP and L&R, neither of which give a first full citation but rather begin with the first verse and then give subsequent verse numbers through the citation. As noted, RP did not correct this but simply notes “15, to 22.” In the early authoritative editions, the proof is noted as Neh. 13. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22.
c MAT 12:1-13
d ISA 58:13; LUK 4:16; ACT 20:7; 1CO 16:1-2; PSA 92:title; ISA 66:23; LEV 23:3 [RPc: Lev 23:33]
e EXO 20:8; LUK 23:54, 56; EXO 16:22, 25-26, 29; NEH 13:19
Variants:
1)In Q.: “Sabbath or”: RP; L&R; E.Rob.
2)In Q.: “day to”: Maxey; RothB; THIRD; FOURTH; COX; Dunlop; RP; L&R; E.Rob.
3)(1) “The Sabbath, or”: MSS; Maxey; RothB; THIRD; COX; Dunlop. (2) “day, is”: MSS.
4)“sanctified by”: L&R; E.Rob.
5)(1) “recreations, as”: FOURTH; Dunlop; RP; L&Rb. L&Rc has no comma. (2) “as are, on other days,”: MSa. (3) “one other day”: L&Rb.
6)“lawful, and”: Tyler; Maxey; RothB; THIRD; FOURTH; COX; E.Rob.
7)“much of it, as is”: MSb; RP.
8)“necessity, and mercy”: MSb.
9)“public, and private”: MSa.
10)“worship: and”: MSa; Dunlop; L&R. E.Rob has the semi-colon.
11)“and, to that end, we”: MSS; L&R; E.Rob.
12)“diligence, and”: MSS; RPc.
13)“moderation, to”: AM; Tyler; FOURTH; Dunlop; RP; L&R; E.Rob.
14)“free, and”: MSa.

Q.118. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath, more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?
The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own. (f)
f EXO 20:10; JOS 24:15; NEH 13:15, 17; JER 17:20-22; EXO 23:12
Variants:
15)In Q.: “Sabbath more”: RP; L&Rc; E.Rob.
16)In Q.: “more especially”: MSa. The early authoritative printed versions use “specially” in both the question and the answer. In A.: “especially directed”: MSb. L&R uses “specially” in both places. (2) “families and”: MSa; RPa; L&Rc; E.Rob. (3) “others”: MSb.
17)“to the governors”:
18)“families, and”: MSS; FOURTH; Dunlop; L&R.
19)“themselves but”: Tyler2.
20)“and, because”: MSa.
21)“prone, ofttimes, to hinder them,”: MSS.

Q.119. What are the sins forbidden in fourth commandment?
The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment, are, all omissions of the duties required, (g) all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them, (h) all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful, (i) and by all needless works, words, and thoughts about our worldly employments and recreations. (k)
g EZK 22:26
h ACT 20:7, 9; EZK 33:30-32; AMO 8:5; MAL 1:13
i EZK 23:38
k JER 17:24, 27; ISA 58:13

Variants:
22)“commandment are”: L&R; E.Rob.
23)“are all”: Tyler; W1438; Dunlop.
24)“omissions, of”: MSb.
25)“of duties” (“the” missing): E.Rob.
26)“required; all”: MSb; AM; Tyler; RPc.
27)“careless negligent”: Maxey; RothB; THIRD.
28)“performing them”: MSS. Both MSS drop the “of.”
29)“them and”: MSa.
30)“them; all”: MSS; AM; Tyler; Dunlop; L&R; E.Rob; RPc.
31)“day, by” ... “is, in”: MSa.
32)“sinful; and”: MSb; Maxey; RothB; THIRD; COX; Dunlop; L&R; E.Rob;* RP. *E.Rob has the semi-colon at the catchword but in the text on the next page uses a comma.
33)“words, works” (reversed order): RPc.
34)“words and”: FOURTH.
35)“thoughts, about”: FOURTH; E.Rob.
36)“employments, and”: MSb.

Q.120. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?
The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself, in these words, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work; (l) from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, (m) from the example of God, who in six days made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it. (n)
l EXO 20:9
m EXO 20:10
n EXO 20:11
Variants:
37)In Q.: “commandment the”: Maxey; RothB; THIRD; COX.
38)“commandment the”: Dunlop.
39)“taken, from” ... “days, of seven,”: MSb.
40)Dunlop and L&R drop brackets. FOURTH; RPa missing brackets at “[in six … day;”]. E.Rob adds brackets but drops italics.
41)“labour and”: MSb; Dunlop; L&R; E.Rob.
42)(1) “work:] from”: MSa. (2) “work: from”: Dunlop; L&R. (3) “work,] from”: Maxey; RothB;* THIRD;* FOURTH; E.Rob. *RTHb and THIRD drop the closing bracket (“work, from”). COX drops the punctuation but has the closing bracket (“work] from”). (4) “thy works”: RPc.
43)(1) “God;] from”: MSS; AM; Tyler; RP. (2) “God] from”: Maxey; RothB; THIRD; FOURTH; COX. (3) “God: from”: Dunlop; L&R. E.Rob has the comma and closing bracket (“God,] from”).
44)“God; who”: W1438.
45)“who in [six”: E.Rob. In the authoritative editions through COX, there were no brackets on this quotation but it was set in italic, and the “in” was part of the quotation; thus E.Rob has misplaced the bracket in adding them. L&Rc: “who in six days”.
46)“who,” ... “days, made”: MSa.
47)“heaven, and”: MSb.
48)“heaven, earth”: MSa. The “and” is missing in MSa.
49)“day.] and,”: MSa. (2) “day: and”: Dunlop; L&R. (3) “day: ] And”: E.Rob. As noted above, E.Rob added brackets here where they had not been previously.
50)“day, for his service; but,”: MSa.
51)“to us, in”: MSa.
52)“it, [Wherefore”: MSb; FOURTH; RPc.
53)“day and”: Maxey; RothB; THIRD; Dunlop.

Note: use of propriety continued here where changed in WCF 26.

Q.121. Why is the word “Remember” set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?
The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, (o) partly because of the great benefit of remembering it; we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, (p) and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, (q) and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation, and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion: (r) and partly because we are very ready to forget it; (s) for that there is less light of nature for it, (t) and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; (u) that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; (w) and that Satan with his instruments much labour to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety. (x)
o EXO 20:8
p EXO 16:23; LUK 23:54, 56; With MAR 15:42; NEH 13:19 [Rothwell etc. Compared With. Maxey; EXO 15:23 but text correct]
q PSA 92:title, With 92:13-14; EZK 20:12, 19-20 [added missing With. Rothwell etc: Compared With Verses 13-14]
r GEN 2:2-3; PSA 118:22, 24; With ACT 4:10-11; REV 1:10 [Rothwell etc Compared With] RP has With here.
s EZK 22:26
t NEH 9:14
u EXO 34:21
w DEU 5:14-15; AMO 8:5
x LAM 1:7; JER 17:21-23; NEH 13:15-22 [AM; Tyler; W1428; W3; Maxey; RothB; THIRD; COX. have 15-23 which is clearly incorrect as the passage goes on in 23 to another subject, the Sabbath having been addressed through vs. 22.]
Variants:
54)No brackets in Dunlop; L&R. RPa uses parentheses.
55)In Q.: “Remember, set”: AM; FOURTH.
56)“Remember, set”: FOURTH.
57)“commandment; partly,”: MSb.
58)(1) “it, we”: MSS; Dunlop; L&R; E.Rob. (2) “it,—”: RPc.
59)“keep it; and”: MSa; Dunlop; L&R. The comma is in E.Rob.
60)“and in keeping”: W1438; Maxey; RothB; THIRD; FOURTH; COX; Dunlop.
61)“it better”: Maxey; RothB; THIRD; COX. [FOURTH has the comma]
62)“commandments,— and”: RPc.
63)“creation and”: Tyler; FOURTH; Dunlop; RP; L&R; E.Rob.
64)“religion; and”: MSa; RPc; E.Rob.
65)“and partly, because”: MSb; W1438; RP.
66)“forget it, for”: MSS; Dunlop; RP; L&R; E.Rob.
67)“for it; and yet,”: MSa; Dunlop.
68)“things, at”: MSa.
69)(1) “lawful: that”: MSa. (2) “lawful, that”: FOURTH.
70)(1) “and, that”: MSb. (2) “that, Satan”: MSa. (3) “Satan, with his instruments, much”: MSS; E.Rob.
71)“memory, of it”: MSb.
72)In “x”: NEH 13:15-23. This is in the original editions and remained unchanged in the traditional text; however, contextually the citation should end with verse 22.

Westminster Shorter Catechism (from reformed.org)
Q. 57. Which is the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservent, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.[141]

Q. 58. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath to himself.[142]

Q. 59. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly sabbath?
A. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly sabbath;[143] and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian sabbath.[144]

Q. 60. How is the sabbath to be sanctified?
A. The sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days;[145] and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship,[146] except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.[147]

Q. 61. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission, or careless performance, of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.[148]

Q. 62. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?
A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God’s allowing us six days of the week for our own employments,[149] his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the sabbath day.[150]
[141] Exodus 20:8-11. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Deuteronomy 5:12-15. Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

[142] Exodus 31:13, 16-17. Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

[143] Genesis 2:2-3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Exodus 20:11. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

[144] Mark 2:27-28. And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Acts 20:7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 1 Corinthians 16:2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. Revelation 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet

[145] Exodus 20:10. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: Nehemiah 13:15-22. In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Isaiah 58:13-14. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

[146] Exodus 20:8. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Leviticus 23:3. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. Luke 4:16. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Acts 20:7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

[147] Matthew 12:1-13. At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

[148] Nehemiah 13:15-22. In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. Isaiah 58:13-14. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. Amos 8:4-6. Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?

[149] Exodus 20:9. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exodus 31:15. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Leviticus 23:3. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

[150] Genesis 2:2-3. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Exodus 20:11. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 31:17. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

 

[VictorBravo]

I don't think any such assertion has been made, not here at least, what has been asked is watch does a proper sabbath observation look like and how is good dishonored on a day of proclaimed rest by watching sports?

It seems like you want someone to say that watching sports is on the list of “don’ts”. I’m not going to answer that. And there are all sorts of other issues as already mentioned, such as causing others to stumble and contributing to other people violating the Sabbath (as in encouraging a professional to work on Sundays). Chris's summary posted above goes into great detail and is what Confessional observance is all about.

I’d just add that the point is to do what helps your reflection on God’s glory, his grace to sinners, and his amazing providence in holding the world together and providing for his people. We always fall short, but if you can really say watching professional sports on TV does these things, I can only defer.

I know that it would be a distraction for me.

 

[NaphtaliPress]

Ooops. So bogged down pulling quotes I forgot my snarky post:

In answer to the thread question, Is the observance of Sunday a matter of Christian Liberty?, and to summarize the Westminster Assembly,

NO!

 

[historyb]

How much of the Law are we still burdened under, are we not free from the Law? Is not the sabbath made for man and not man made for the sabbath? Is it me or are Reformed more into legalism than other branches?

I'll most likely get beaten down, but these are my thoughts.

 

[ReformedWretch]

I think it's clear that when it come to the Sabbath, amongst many here it is indeed a list of dos and don'ts. I appreciate that none of you seek to make it so, but you can't escape that it is. Saying we must focus on what we can do is a cute way of putting it, but you can't avoid the don'ts.

I’d just add that the point is to do what helps your reflection on God’s glory, his grace to sinners, and his amazing providence in holding the world together and providing for his people. We always fall short, but if you can really say watching professional sports on TV does these things, I can only defer.

I know that it would be a distraction for me.

I strive to do this every single day, no matter what I am engaged in. To take a certain day in order to try and make myself do this more, or better just seems like "works" to me. It seems like I am seeking to act in such a way to please God, or bring myself closer to Him. I thank Christ for everything! Even eating my BBQ chips as I type on the Puritan Board with Bill O'reiley on in the back ground. I thank Him just as much as if I were sitting here quietly with the TV and computer off.

 

[ReformedWretch]

Maybe it's my job Josh- I am forced to focus on God all the time for any kind of success. I just see a very big possibility for danger in all this toward law, I really do.

 

[ReformedWretch]

Well...that's a tough question. Dependence on your obedience to it is.

 

[MrMerlin777]

And again I say...SIGH...... Lotsa heat, very little light here.

 

[ReformedWretch]

It often seems to me that many people depend on keeping the Sabbath in order to please God, in order to seem of feel "holy, or "holier" if you will. That especially seems true when those who do not "keep it" as they do are criticized. What if I honor God more than (whomever) every single day?

God's law is PERFECT, but we are not, thus why we need a "redeemer". We can't keep the law no matter how hard we try. We rest in the Lord and rely on the Holy Spirit every moment of every day. I try and ask Him to guide me more and more completely every moment of every day. We may need a "special day" for cooperate worship, but I don't think we need one in order to try harder to do what we're called to do every day.