How to Keep the Sabbath Today

Practical principles for Sabbath observance - What to do and avoid, and the blessings of rest

You have studied the origin of the Sabbath, seen that it is in God’s law, that Jesus kept it, that it was not abolished in the New Testament, and that the change to Sunday has no biblical basis. Now comes the practical question: how do we keep the Sabbath today? This final lesson offers biblical principles for meaningful and joyful observance.

When Does the Sabbath Begin and End?

According to the Bible, when does the day begin?

At midnight At sunrise At sunset — 'there was evening and morning' At noon

The biblical reckoning of the day is from sunset to sunset. Therefore, the Sabbath begins on Friday at sunset and ends on Saturday at sunset.

What did Nehemiah command to be done before the Sabbath began?

Open the gates of Jerusalem Close the gates when it began to grow dark, before the Sabbath Light candles Have a great feast

Preparation for the Sabbath must happen BEFORE it begins. Friday is traditionally called “preparation day” — time to clean the house, prepare food, and have everything ready for rest.

“Before the sun sets on Friday, the mind should be withdrawn from worldly affairs. All secular thoughts must be put aside.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 355

What Should We Do on the Sabbath?

What should the Sabbath be, according to Isaiah?

A tedious and restrictive day Delightful and glorious The same as any other day A day of sadness and fasting

The Sabbath is not meant to be a burden, but a delight! It is the best day of the week — special time with God, family, and the faith community.

Appropriate activities for the Sabbath:

What kind of activities did Jesus do on the Sabbath?

Only rested in silence Worship, teaching, healing, and works of mercy Normal secular work Recreation and entertainment

Worship: Go to church, participate in worship ()
Bible study: Individual and family
Fellowship: Time with brothers and sisters in faith
Nature: Appreciate God’s creation
Works of mercy: Visit the sick, help those in need
Rest: Physical, mental, and spiritual

What to Avoid on the Sabbath?

What should we avoid doing on the Sabbath?

Any physical activity Doing our own will, speaking vain words, seeking our own pleasure Eating and drinking Leaving home

Activities to avoid:

Secular work: Profession, business, shopping
Worldly entertainment: Secular TV, professional sports
Secular conversations: Business, politics, gossip
Activities that distract from God

Is it permissible to do works of necessity and mercy on the Sabbath?

No, no work is allowed Yes, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath Only in extreme emergencies It depends on the pastor's opinion

Jesus taught that works of necessity and mercy are appropriate on the Sabbath. Doctors and nurses can work in emergencies. Animals must be cared for. People in need must be helped.

The Sabbath in the Family

Who should rest on the Sabbath, according to the commandment?

Only the head of the family You, your children, servants, strangers, and even animals Only adults Only men

The Sabbath is for EVERYONE — including employees, visitors, and work animals. It is a universal blessing, not a privilege for a few.

“The Sabbath should be made so interesting for our children that they look forward to its arrival with pleasure.” — Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, p. 536

Ideas for Sabbath in the family:

Special worship with songs and stories
Nature walks
Visiting elderly or sick members
Bible games and educational activities
Special meal in fellowship

The Blessings of the Sabbath

What does God promise to those who honor the Sabbath?

Only restrictions and rules Delight in the Lord and abundant blessings Salvation guaranteed by works Nothing specific

Blessings of the Sabbath:

Physical rest: Weekly body recovery
Mental peace: A pause from worries
Fellowship with God: Time dedicated to relationship
Strengthened faith: Study and worship
Family unity: Quality time together
Identity: Reminds us who we are and who God is

Will the Sabbath be kept in eternity?

No, it will be abolished in the new earth Yes, from Sabbath to Sabbath all will come to worship before the Lord It will be optional The Bible does not mention it

The Sabbath was instituted before sin and will continue after sin is eliminated. In the new earth, from Sabbath to Sabbath, all the redeemed will worship the Lord!

Beginning to Keep the Sabbath

If you are beginning to keep the Sabbath:

Start with preparation: Organize yourself on Friday
Welcome the Sabbath: A special moment at sunset
Go to church: Find a community that keeps the Sabbath
Be intentional: Plan spiritual activities
Do not be legalistic: The Sabbath is a delight, not a burden
Bid farewell to the Sabbath: Close with gratitude at sunset

“The Sabbath is a token of love, a sign of His creative power, a proof of His restoring power.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 350

And Now?

The Sabbath is a gift from God to you:

It is an invitation: God wants to spend special time with you
It is a memorial: It reminds us that He is your Creator
It is a sign: It marks His people as belonging to Him
It is a delight: Not a burden, but a blessing
It is eternal: It will be kept forever in the new earth

Accept the invitation. Enter into God’s rest.

I accept the Sabbath as a gift from God for my life. I desire to keep the seventh day as the Bible teaches — from sunset to sunset — as a day of worship, rest, and fellowship. I commit to making the Sabbath a delight, not a burden, and to prepare myself properly to welcome it each week.

6) How to Keep the Sabbath Today