The Importance of the Shabbat (Sabbath)
(cont.)
by Dave R. Mode, Jr.

When Messiah returns he will usher in the times of restitution or restoration of all things. This “restoration of all things” refers to the condition of God’s creative design being restored. The Messianic Kingdom will begin this restoration process. Within the framework of the Messianic Kingdom era the Sabbath is included as a day of rest, and a day in which the nations will come to worship YHVH. This point has already been noted above in Isaiah 66:23. 

Yeshua the Messiah and 7th day Shabbat

All of what is written in the Torah reaches its full development in the Messiah. However, full development does not mean termination or cessation of practice. For many believers the concept of the Torah reaching full development in Messiah means that the Torah has become obsolete and non-effective relative to the believer. This concept is seen as it pertains to the Sabbath. Most believers embrace the teaching that Messiah has fulfilled the Sabbath. Also that Messiah has become the “Sabbath-rest” for the people of God. According to this concept, since Yeshua is now the “Sabbath-rest” for all believers, the observance of the 7th day Sabbath has become obsolete.

In addressing this concept, it should be noted that the Scriptures clearly reveal that Messiah Yeshua is the fullness of all things, and brings all things to full development in the scope of God’s overall plan. However, the Scriptures in no place indicate that the commandments have become obsolete for the believer to practice. 

According to the Biblical record, Yeshua said that every letter and part of a letter in the Hebrew Scripture would remain in effect until heaven and earth would pass away according to Matthew 5:17-18.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matthew 5:17-18 NIV).

Paul the Apostle said that the Torah (Hebrew Scriptures) is not void or non-effective because of faith, but that our faith establishes the Torah according to Romans 3:31.

“Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law” (Romans 3:31 NIV).

Also Yeshua and John made it very plain that keeping the commandments proved that a believer both loved Messiah and had relationship with him according to John 14:21 and I John 2:3.

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him” (John 14:21 NIV).

(cont. page 5)

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