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SABBATH IN CHRIST
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- GenresTheology
438 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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October 18, 2024
Sabbath in Christ
by Dale Ratzlaff
(Does the Letter of Colossians Refer to the Sabbath - A Response to Ron du Preez by Jerry A. Gladson)
Ratzlaff is a former Seventh Day Adventist pastor. In this book, his purpose is to refute the Adventist doctrine that Sabbath-keeping is a sign of Christ's true church. He also enlisted the aid of another former Seventh Day Adventist and theologian, Gladson, in answering Ron du Preez argument that Colossians 2:16 does not refer to the weekly Sabbath.
The author explains that circumcision was a sign of entrance into the Abrahamic Covenant and the Sabbath was a sign of the Sinai Covenant. The Israelites as descendants of Abraham were required to do both, Gen 17:9-11 and Ex 31:13 "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, “You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations."
He explains that the Sinaitic Covenant was between God and the Israelites only. It included the Ten Commandments and the book of the covenant (or book of the law) which expanded upon the Ten Commandments. He understands that although the Sinaitic Covenant was meant to be permanent, the Israelites broke the covenant by their continued disobedience and lack of repentance.
Ratzlaff reasons that God rested on the seventh day, not because He needed physical rest but because He stopped to enjoy His creation, especially with those He made in His image. There is no mention, as on the other days of creation, that there was to be an end to this rest, no mention of evening and morning on the seventh day. It wasn't until sin entered that the rest between God and His creation ended.
The Sabbath that God commanded with the Israelites was a sign of remembrance of what life was like at the beginning and a sign of hope of what it would be again once their Redeemer, their Saviour returned. He would bring the gospel to the poor, heal the broken-hearted, bring sight to the blind and set at liberty those that were oppressed. He would proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, the Sabbath year of the Jubilee. (Luke 4:18-19 paraphrased)
He says that this walking with God in fellowship again is the Sabbath rest spoken of in Hebrews 3 and 4. Those that believe, enter into that rest through the gospel.
Although I can understand this point of view, while on this earth, there is still work for the Christian to do. Good works are commanded, 2 Tim 3:17, and salvation needs to be worked out with fear and trembling, Phil 2:12. Christians labour, 1 Thess 1:3. I agree that there is a sense of rest as Christians aren't accomplishing these works through their own flesh but through the Spirit, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:15-16. They are strengthened to do His will and assured of forgiveness. In this sense, Christians are partaking in the eternal Sabbath rest in Christ while on this earth.
The book contains too many arguments to analyze here. Ratzlaff has gone into great depth in this study. Anyone reading this book must carefully examine the Scriptures to see if his conclusions are accurate, Acts 17:11.
For myself, I have found that this book contains inaccuracies regarding salvation. The author believes in the popular notion that salvation is through grace and faith alone. He believes that there are no works required on the Christians' part. (This is equated with the author's notion of rest). He begins this reasoning with Abraham whom he contrasts with the laws of Mount Sinai. It is true that no one could be saved through the works of the Old Law. What was required was obedience done out of love for God and others, Micah 6:8, Mark 12:28-31. God counted Abraham's faith for righteousness, Gen 15:6. It was this faith, apart from the works of the Sinaitic Covenant, which was essential to his justification when he, out of obedience, offered up his son on the altar, James 2:20-24. Abraham is not an example that faith alone will save you. In Gen 26:5, God tells Isaac why he would be blessed, not because of his father's faith only but " Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Without Abraham's works of obedience, his faith would have been dead and non-existent.
It is true, as the author writes, that salvation is a free gift based upon the work of Jesus Christ alone!" What the author fails to understand is that the gospel is to obeyed. Just as Abraham "did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness," Rom 4:20:22, so must the individual believe upon the power of God to raise him up to be a new man just as He raised up His own Son, Jesus Christ. As Abraham was justified through his obedience so is the individual when he is baptized for the remission of his sins. He acts upon the Word of God. When Peter gave the first gospel sermon in Acts 2, the people were cut to the heart and asked, "What shall we do?"
Ratzlaff leaves this account on the day of Pentecost and chooses another verse to fit in with his doctrine of faith only. He states, "On the day of Pentecost when Peter outlined the magnitude of Israel’s sin in putting Christ to death, the response of the people was, “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer was, Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3: 19)." This reply was not given on the day of Pentecost. While the words are true, without the fullness of all the passages on salvation it is misleading as the author makes them fit into his doctrine that baptism isn't required.
Listen instead to what Peter's direct answer were to the individuals who asked how to be saved on the day of Pentecost, Act 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." There are acts that need to be done. They prove that your faith is real and that you do believe in the Words of the Scripture.
The author has put considerable effort into this book. I agree with his conclusion that Sabbath-keeping is not a sign for the church of Christ. Sabbatarians centre their faith around the keeping of the Sabbath and not to Christ. However even though this book makes several good arguments against the doctrine of the Sabbatarians, false doctrine is peppered throughout. For this reason, I cannot fully recommend this book.
by Dale Ratzlaff
(Does the Letter of Colossians Refer to the Sabbath - A Response to Ron du Preez by Jerry A. Gladson)
Ratzlaff is a former Seventh Day Adventist pastor. In this book, his purpose is to refute the Adventist doctrine that Sabbath-keeping is a sign of Christ's true church. He also enlisted the aid of another former Seventh Day Adventist and theologian, Gladson, in answering Ron du Preez argument that Colossians 2:16 does not refer to the weekly Sabbath.
The author explains that circumcision was a sign of entrance into the Abrahamic Covenant and the Sabbath was a sign of the Sinai Covenant. The Israelites as descendants of Abraham were required to do both, Gen 17:9-11 and Ex 31:13 "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, “You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations."
He explains that the Sinaitic Covenant was between God and the Israelites only. It included the Ten Commandments and the book of the covenant (or book of the law) which expanded upon the Ten Commandments. He understands that although the Sinaitic Covenant was meant to be permanent, the Israelites broke the covenant by their continued disobedience and lack of repentance.
Ratzlaff reasons that God rested on the seventh day, not because He needed physical rest but because He stopped to enjoy His creation, especially with those He made in His image. There is no mention, as on the other days of creation, that there was to be an end to this rest, no mention of evening and morning on the seventh day. It wasn't until sin entered that the rest between God and His creation ended.
The Sabbath that God commanded with the Israelites was a sign of remembrance of what life was like at the beginning and a sign of hope of what it would be again once their Redeemer, their Saviour returned. He would bring the gospel to the poor, heal the broken-hearted, bring sight to the blind and set at liberty those that were oppressed. He would proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, the Sabbath year of the Jubilee. (Luke 4:18-19 paraphrased)
He says that this walking with God in fellowship again is the Sabbath rest spoken of in Hebrews 3 and 4. Those that believe, enter into that rest through the gospel.
Although I can understand this point of view, while on this earth, there is still work for the Christian to do. Good works are commanded, 2 Tim 3:17, and salvation needs to be worked out with fear and trembling, Phil 2:12. Christians labour, 1 Thess 1:3. I agree that there is a sense of rest as Christians aren't accomplishing these works through their own flesh but through the Spirit, "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:15-16. They are strengthened to do His will and assured of forgiveness. In this sense, Christians are partaking in the eternal Sabbath rest in Christ while on this earth.
The book contains too many arguments to analyze here. Ratzlaff has gone into great depth in this study. Anyone reading this book must carefully examine the Scriptures to see if his conclusions are accurate, Acts 17:11.
For myself, I have found that this book contains inaccuracies regarding salvation. The author believes in the popular notion that salvation is through grace and faith alone. He believes that there are no works required on the Christians' part. (This is equated with the author's notion of rest). He begins this reasoning with Abraham whom he contrasts with the laws of Mount Sinai. It is true that no one could be saved through the works of the Old Law. What was required was obedience done out of love for God and others, Micah 6:8, Mark 12:28-31. God counted Abraham's faith for righteousness, Gen 15:6. It was this faith, apart from the works of the Sinaitic Covenant, which was essential to his justification when he, out of obedience, offered up his son on the altar, James 2:20-24. Abraham is not an example that faith alone will save you. In Gen 26:5, God tells Isaac why he would be blessed, not because of his father's faith only but " Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." Without Abraham's works of obedience, his faith would have been dead and non-existent.
It is true, as the author writes, that salvation is a free gift based upon the work of Jesus Christ alone!" What the author fails to understand is that the gospel is to obeyed. Just as Abraham "did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness," Rom 4:20:22, so must the individual believe upon the power of God to raise him up to be a new man just as He raised up His own Son, Jesus Christ. As Abraham was justified through his obedience so is the individual when he is baptized for the remission of his sins. He acts upon the Word of God. When Peter gave the first gospel sermon in Acts 2, the people were cut to the heart and asked, "What shall we do?"
Ratzlaff leaves this account on the day of Pentecost and chooses another verse to fit in with his doctrine of faith only. He states, "On the day of Pentecost when Peter outlined the magnitude of Israel’s sin in putting Christ to death, the response of the people was, “What shall we do?” Peter’s answer was, Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3: 19)." This reply was not given on the day of Pentecost. While the words are true, without the fullness of all the passages on salvation it is misleading as the author makes them fit into his doctrine that baptism isn't required.
Listen instead to what Peter's direct answer were to the individuals who asked how to be saved on the day of Pentecost, Act 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." There are acts that need to be done. They prove that your faith is real and that you do believe in the Words of the Scripture.
The author has put considerable effort into this book. I agree with his conclusion that Sabbath-keeping is not a sign for the church of Christ. Sabbatarians centre their faith around the keeping of the Sabbath and not to Christ. However even though this book makes several good arguments against the doctrine of the Sabbatarians, false doctrine is peppered throughout. For this reason, I cannot fully recommend this book.
May 8, 2009
a good read to understand the importance of the sabbath in the New Testament church
January 6, 2025
Excellent. He details an in depth study on the doctrine of the Sabbath that Adventists must keep in order to be saved. In Adventism, Sabbath is more precious than Christ because their prophet said that the observance of the day (vs. the gospel and justification through faith alone in Christ) will be the final test to prove one is fit for heaven. The study takes the reader through all the Biblical evidence using proper hermeneutics, not just proof texts, Adventist style to prove it's a legalistic lie! Scripture is clear and the writing simple to understand. HIGHLY recommend for anyone who has been told that Seventh Day Sabbath keeping is a requirement for Christians today.
January 12, 2017
Incredible book that gives clarity on what the Sabbath means for the New Testament believer - beyond that it helps provide an understanding of what the entire law is under the new covenant. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews