6) 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?
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Answer: At sunset — 'there was evening and morning'
Genesis 1:5: "And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."
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?
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Answer: Close the gates when it began to grow dark, before the Sabbath
Nehemiah 13:19: "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."
Preparation for the Sabbath must happen before it begins. Friday is traditionally called “preparation day” — time to organize what is needed, prepare food when possible, and leave the mind freer to welcome the rest.
“On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed.” — Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 355, par. 3.
What Should We Do on the Sabbath?
What should the Sabbath be, according to Isaiah?
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Answer: Delightful and glorious
Isaiah 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, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:"
The Sabbath is a delight, not a burden: a special time with God together with family and the faith community.
Appropriate activities for the Sabbath:
What kind of activities did Jesus do on the Sabbath?
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Answer: Worship, teaching, healing, and works of mercy
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."
- 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?
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Answer: Doing our own will, speaking vain words, seeking our own pleasure
Isaiah 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, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:"
Activities to avoid:
- Secular work: Profession, business, shopping
- Entertainment that distracts from God: programming, games, or events that pull the mind back to the common interests of the week
- Conversations that break the spirit of the Sabbath: business, disputes, gossip, or subjects that draw the mind away from worship
- Activities that distract from God
Is it permissible to do works of necessity and mercy on the Sabbath?
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Answer: Yes, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath
Matthew 12:11-12: "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."
Jesus taught that works of necessity and mercy are appropriate on the Sabbath. This includes emergencies, essential care for sick or vulnerable people, truly necessary shifts, and care for animals. The principle does not open space for ordinary work, but prevents Sabbath observance from becoming indifferent to suffering.
The Sabbath in the Family
Who should rest on the Sabbath, according to the commandment?
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Answer: You, your children, servants, strangers, and even animals
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:"
The Sabbath is for EVERYONE — including employees, visitors, and work animals. It is a universal blessing, not a privilege for a few.
“Parents, make the Sabbath a delight, that your children may look forward to it and have a welcome in their hearts for it.” — Ellen G. White, Child Guidance, p. 536, par. 2.
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?
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Answer: Delight in the Lord and abundant blessings
Isaiah 58:14: "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."
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?
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Answer: Yes, from Sabbath to Sabbath all will come to worship before the Lord
Isaiah 66:22-23: "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."
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
“Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 288, par. 2.
And Now?
The Sabbath is a gift from God to you:
- It is an invitation to be with God: He wants to spend this special time with you.
- It is a memorial of creation: It reminds us that He is your Creator.
- It is a sign of identity: It marks His people as belonging to Him.
- It is a delight and a true blessing, far from being a heavy burden.
- It is eternal: It will be kept forever in the new earth.
Accept the invitation. Enter into God’s rest.
My Decision
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, instead of a burden, and to prepare myself properly to welcome it each week.