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Celebrating the Sabbath: Finding Rest in a Restless World
This positive look at the Sabbath explains how to delight in that day as the opportunity reserved by God for his people to be refreshed in fellowship with him.
125 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 8, 2022
I read this 20 years ago. Picked it up to re-read since I'll be preaching on the fourth commandment. I appreciate Ray's perspective and found this to be an accessible read.
January 9, 2018
Good, readable overview of Sabbath keeping.
March 30, 2025
A re-read from ages ago. I like thinking about the Sabbath and what that means for the Believer. This book is very simple and straightforward. Chapters 7-8 are super useful.
January 29, 2024
This book is a fine primer on the issue of the Christian Sabbath. The author helpfully takes a different approach than others have taken on the topic, challenging our allegiance to the Lord of the Sabbath, even before addressing the way that we observe the Sabbath. The first six chapters deal with this in a very helpful way.
I was somewhat disappointed by the final two chapters, however. Chapter 7 seemed to focus primarily on Sabbath observance as “attending church”. I have come across many Reformed and supposedly confessional ministers who take this approach to the Sabbath — attend corporate worship and you have remembered the Sabbath day. This is undoubtedly simplistic.
The eighth chapter deals with the issue of appropriate recreation on the Lord’s Day. I found numerous frustrating things here. First, after having borrowed the Westminster Confessions definitions of certain aspects of the Lord’s Day (works of necessity and mercy), he then goes on to subvert the Assembly’s wisdom in other ways. For instance, Ray writes that the Sabbath day is not to be given over to worship and piety exclusively (his words, p. 106, contra WLC 117). This is in an effort to prop up the validity of recreation on the Lord’s Day (again, contra WLC 117). Further, Ray critiques those who would hold to the Assembly’s descriptions of what is/is not appropriate on the Lord’s Day. Granted, the Westminster Standards are subordinate to Scripture. But if Ray considers himself to be a confessional minister, having taken a vow to uphold this definition of the faith, the double-standard is confusing, at best.
Second, Ray quotes certain authors as too strict against recreation (my words). For instance, he quoted Joseph A. Pipa, citing him as “[missing] the point” of Isaiah 58’s instruction on the Sabbath. (Which is overly dismissive in the first place, in my humble opinion.) He then goes on to favorably quote Walter Chantry, believing him to be more balanced than these other authors. However, anyone familiar with Pipa’s work would know that he is more balanced than the quotes show. Pipa believes that certain recreations are appropriate, given that they are suitable to the purposes of the day. For instance, a common example that Pipa himself uses is that it is appropriate to let children get out their wiggles by throwing a ball around outside or running around the yard, in order that they might be prepared to sit through evening worship. This very teaching is not unlike Chantry’s, although Ray pits them against one another. However, Pipa’s is on the whole more balanced in my opinion, because he speaks to the character of the activity in connection with the purposes of the day, rather than stating in a blanket fashion that all recreations are acceptable.
Third, Ray places an overemphasis, in my opinion, on physical rest in this final chapter. Realistically speaking, the Lord’s Day should be a full day for us. While physical rest is certainly permissible, to engage in Sunday School, two services of worship, making meals, and private and family worship makes for a full and tiring day. Yet, this is entirely in keeping with the purposes of the day. And that does not even include the exercises of necessity and mercy we might embark on, such as visiting the sick and ministering to the needy! The Lord’s Day is primarily one of spiritual rest, even while we may be physically exhausted by the end of the day.
And fourth, Ray uses the analogy of Calvin’s lawn bowling on the Lord’s Day to justify recreation. This is a disputed, apocryphal story. Therefore, this supposed event should not be used as a point upon which to build an argument.
One further issue with this chapter: Ray seems to allow for any recreation that would be “refreshing” to a person on the Lord’s Day. This opens the door to any number of exceptions. For instance, what if it is “refreshing” for someone to watch football throughout an afternoon, rather than engaging in acts of piety and worship all the day? That certainly should not be allowed as an exception to the recreation clause. This is where Pipa’s qualifications are most welcome: a recreation is allowable only if it is consistent with the purpose of the day. (To be fair, Ray does provide a list of questions that help one think through the appropriateness of their recreation. But I find that the majority of these questions still make just about any recreation allowable, which I questioned above.)
All in all, I was disappointed by Ray’s application of the doctrine that he had built throughout the book. However, on the whole, this book is good for laying that doctrinal groundwork. Therefore, I still give it a 4/5.
I was somewhat disappointed by the final two chapters, however. Chapter 7 seemed to focus primarily on Sabbath observance as “attending church”. I have come across many Reformed and supposedly confessional ministers who take this approach to the Sabbath — attend corporate worship and you have remembered the Sabbath day. This is undoubtedly simplistic.
The eighth chapter deals with the issue of appropriate recreation on the Lord’s Day. I found numerous frustrating things here. First, after having borrowed the Westminster Confessions definitions of certain aspects of the Lord’s Day (works of necessity and mercy), he then goes on to subvert the Assembly’s wisdom in other ways. For instance, Ray writes that the Sabbath day is not to be given over to worship and piety exclusively (his words, p. 106, contra WLC 117). This is in an effort to prop up the validity of recreation on the Lord’s Day (again, contra WLC 117). Further, Ray critiques those who would hold to the Assembly’s descriptions of what is/is not appropriate on the Lord’s Day. Granted, the Westminster Standards are subordinate to Scripture. But if Ray considers himself to be a confessional minister, having taken a vow to uphold this definition of the faith, the double-standard is confusing, at best.
Second, Ray quotes certain authors as too strict against recreation (my words). For instance, he quoted Joseph A. Pipa, citing him as “[missing] the point” of Isaiah 58’s instruction on the Sabbath. (Which is overly dismissive in the first place, in my humble opinion.) He then goes on to favorably quote Walter Chantry, believing him to be more balanced than these other authors. However, anyone familiar with Pipa’s work would know that he is more balanced than the quotes show. Pipa believes that certain recreations are appropriate, given that they are suitable to the purposes of the day. For instance, a common example that Pipa himself uses is that it is appropriate to let children get out their wiggles by throwing a ball around outside or running around the yard, in order that they might be prepared to sit through evening worship. This very teaching is not unlike Chantry’s, although Ray pits them against one another. However, Pipa’s is on the whole more balanced in my opinion, because he speaks to the character of the activity in connection with the purposes of the day, rather than stating in a blanket fashion that all recreations are acceptable.
Third, Ray places an overemphasis, in my opinion, on physical rest in this final chapter. Realistically speaking, the Lord’s Day should be a full day for us. While physical rest is certainly permissible, to engage in Sunday School, two services of worship, making meals, and private and family worship makes for a full and tiring day. Yet, this is entirely in keeping with the purposes of the day. And that does not even include the exercises of necessity and mercy we might embark on, such as visiting the sick and ministering to the needy! The Lord’s Day is primarily one of spiritual rest, even while we may be physically exhausted by the end of the day.
And fourth, Ray uses the analogy of Calvin’s lawn bowling on the Lord’s Day to justify recreation. This is a disputed, apocryphal story. Therefore, this supposed event should not be used as a point upon which to build an argument.
One further issue with this chapter: Ray seems to allow for any recreation that would be “refreshing” to a person on the Lord’s Day. This opens the door to any number of exceptions. For instance, what if it is “refreshing” for someone to watch football throughout an afternoon, rather than engaging in acts of piety and worship all the day? That certainly should not be allowed as an exception to the recreation clause. This is where Pipa’s qualifications are most welcome: a recreation is allowable only if it is consistent with the purpose of the day. (To be fair, Ray does provide a list of questions that help one think through the appropriateness of their recreation. But I find that the majority of these questions still make just about any recreation allowable, which I questioned above.)
All in all, I was disappointed by Ray’s application of the doctrine that he had built throughout the book. However, on the whole, this book is good for laying that doctrinal groundwork. Therefore, I still give it a 4/5.
May 28, 2017
A good primer on the topic of Sabbath observance for the Christian. It doesn't dive very deep into the theological questions of Sunday as the Christian Sabbath. It's more about giving you questions for evaluating your treatment of Sunday, though there's plenty of Scripture referenced. Ray avoids giving do's and don'ts.
I liked the way Ray defines general principles for Sabbath-keeping: Keep it holily, happily, honestly, and humbly.
I found Pipa's The Lord's Day more helpful.
Notes
Sabbath or Lord's Day? Old Testament Roots
Deut 5:15 adds celebration of Exodus to celebration of creation as reason for Sabbath. It doesn't abrogate creation ordinance, but expands it.
In OT, on Sabbath, sacrifices were doubled (evening and morning) and worship was a prominent part of entire day (Num 28:1-10; 1 Chron 16:39-40). These provide good support having 2 worship services on Sunday.
Sabbath or Lord's Day? New Testament Flower and Fruits
Old covenant Sabbath transformed into new covenant Sabbath (Lord's Day), just as circumcision transformed into baptism, Passover transformed into Lord's Supper, and old covenant template transformed into new covenant temple (believers).
Evidence that Sabbath changed to Sunday found in fact that following occurred on Sunday: Christ's resurrection, Pentecost, Christ's post-resurrection appearances, disciples met and worshipped, early church met (1 Cor 16:1-4; Acts 20:6-11), John's revelation (Rev 1:10).
Theme of Hebrews is superiority of Christianity over Judaism, and it's written to Christians, and Heb 4:9 says a Sabbath remains.
Sabbath Wars: The Battle Won
Disciples didn't violate Sabbath by eating as they walked through field, because that was a work of necessity while they did God's business (Mark 2:23-28), just as David's men ate consecrated bread in 1 Sam 21:1-6.
Jesus' healing of the man with the shriveled hand shows works of mercy and compassion are good to do on Sabbath.
John 5:16-17 shows that it's right to do good on Sabbath.
Most of Jesus' 6 clashes with Pharisees over Sabbath had to do with healing, and all had to do with the body. Jesus taught by word and example that it's proper to do on Sabbath things that refresh, heal, and restore strength to body. Works of necessity and mercy, as well as of worship and piety, are appropriate.
Keeping the Sabbath Holily and Happily
General principles for Sabbath-keeping
Keep it holily: gather with God's people for corporate worship.
Keep it happily: with joy for spending time with God.
Keep it honestly: be honest about defining work and determining whether your activities are for God or your pleasure.
Keep it humbly: humbly choose what pleases God rather than yourself.
Keeping the Sabbath Honestly and Humbly
"Be honest with yourself and with God. We speak of our jobs … as work. We also label certain activities as work: housework, yard work, and homework."
"Sabbath keeping should neither be limited to avoiding business transactions on Sunday nor expanded to prohibiting everything you enjoy."
"To the degree that recreation contributes to our physical and spiritual renewal, some moderate recreation may be admissible on the Sabbath."
Questions to ask about Sunday activities
Will it refresh me or wear me out?
Is a competitive spirit (as in sports) compatible with refreshment? What if I lose?
Is my will subordinated to God, or am I doing as I please?
We don't live in the OT theocracy, so the civil authorities don't need to enforce Sabbath observance as they did in Israel. W.J. Chantry said, "The Master reminds us of God's judgment but stipulates no civil reprisals for breaking the Sabbath."
I liked the way Ray defines general principles for Sabbath-keeping: Keep it holily, happily, honestly, and humbly.
I found Pipa's The Lord's Day more helpful.
Notes
Sabbath or Lord's Day? Old Testament Roots
Deut 5:15 adds celebration of Exodus to celebration of creation as reason for Sabbath. It doesn't abrogate creation ordinance, but expands it.
In OT, on Sabbath, sacrifices were doubled (evening and morning) and worship was a prominent part of entire day (Num 28:1-10; 1 Chron 16:39-40). These provide good support having 2 worship services on Sunday.
Sabbath or Lord's Day? New Testament Flower and Fruits
Old covenant Sabbath transformed into new covenant Sabbath (Lord's Day), just as circumcision transformed into baptism, Passover transformed into Lord's Supper, and old covenant template transformed into new covenant temple (believers).
Evidence that Sabbath changed to Sunday found in fact that following occurred on Sunday: Christ's resurrection, Pentecost, Christ's post-resurrection appearances, disciples met and worshipped, early church met (1 Cor 16:1-4; Acts 20:6-11), John's revelation (Rev 1:10).
Theme of Hebrews is superiority of Christianity over Judaism, and it's written to Christians, and Heb 4:9 says a Sabbath remains.
Sabbath Wars: The Battle Won
Disciples didn't violate Sabbath by eating as they walked through field, because that was a work of necessity while they did God's business (Mark 2:23-28), just as David's men ate consecrated bread in 1 Sam 21:1-6.
Jesus' healing of the man with the shriveled hand shows works of mercy and compassion are good to do on Sabbath.
John 5:16-17 shows that it's right to do good on Sabbath.
Most of Jesus' 6 clashes with Pharisees over Sabbath had to do with healing, and all had to do with the body. Jesus taught by word and example that it's proper to do on Sabbath things that refresh, heal, and restore strength to body. Works of necessity and mercy, as well as of worship and piety, are appropriate.
Keeping the Sabbath Holily and Happily
General principles for Sabbath-keeping
Keep it holily: gather with God's people for corporate worship.
Keep it happily: with joy for spending time with God.
Keep it honestly: be honest about defining work and determining whether your activities are for God or your pleasure.
Keep it humbly: humbly choose what pleases God rather than yourself.
Keeping the Sabbath Honestly and Humbly
"Be honest with yourself and with God. We speak of our jobs … as work. We also label certain activities as work: housework, yard work, and homework."
"Sabbath keeping should neither be limited to avoiding business transactions on Sunday nor expanded to prohibiting everything you enjoy."
"To the degree that recreation contributes to our physical and spiritual renewal, some moderate recreation may be admissible on the Sabbath."
Questions to ask about Sunday activities
Will it refresh me or wear me out?
Is a competitive spirit (as in sports) compatible with refreshment? What if I lose?
Is my will subordinated to God, or am I doing as I please?
We don't live in the OT theocracy, so the civil authorities don't need to enforce Sabbath observance as they did in Israel. W.J. Chantry said, "The Master reminds us of God's judgment but stipulates no civil reprisals for breaking the Sabbath."
September 25, 2020
This is a helpful introduction to a complicated subject. Ray says, “No other requirement among the 10 Commandments is as controversial in churches today as this one,” referring to the Sabbath. I had never thought about it, but it’s true — no one would make a reasoned defense for stealing or lying, but plenty of Christians make excuses for violating the Sabbath. Why is that? Unfortunately Ray does not offer much of an answer, but he does touch on all of the basic introductory points regarding the theology of the Sabbath.
I do wish Ray had spent more time discussing what are appropriate and inappropriate activities on Sunday (some helpful exploratory questions are offered on p.112), but still, Ray does a good job of making the point that the Sabbath is not a day taken from us, but a day given to us by God’s grace. Let’s use it as God intended, as his “appointed holiday,” one day off every week to celebrate his goodness and grace.
I do wish Ray had spent more time discussing what are appropriate and inappropriate activities on Sunday (some helpful exploratory questions are offered on p.112), but still, Ray does a good job of making the point that the Sabbath is not a day taken from us, but a day given to us by God’s grace. Let’s use it as God intended, as his “appointed holiday,” one day off every week to celebrate his goodness and grace.
November 11, 2025
I appreciated some points he made. Especially his desire to avoid legalism and antinomianism. But I wish he used more Scripture in proportion to his own thoughts. Many of his words were repetitive, unnecessary, and speculative. Ironically he was sometimes guilty of being judgmental, even in the hypotheticals he was using to show how we should not be judgmental. And he did not answer one of my primary questions these days: how do we know from the Bible that the sabbath principle is equated with the Lord’s Day? He seems to assume that throughout, and gives very cursory and unconvincing review of the Biblical evidence at only one point. And if it is, how does the sabbath principle apply to people who have to work on the Lord’s Day (eg, firemen, pastors and other church workers)?
February 6, 2025
I greatly appreciated the effort Ray put into this book. There is deep exposition, keen insight, and practical application for the Sabbath in a way that appropriately honours the Lord's Day. He notes the difficulties of prescribing exact lists of rules, and helps to establish the principles of what it means to honour God through observation of the fourth commandment: to take a sabbath rest as God rested. This book was a renewing refreshment as I look forward to the day when I joyfully experience the eternal sabbath rest with the God who sent his Son to die for me.
January 28, 2017
This book accomplishes a good overview of the Sabbath, it's meaning and intent, and guides the reader into evaluating his thoughts about keeping the Sabbath. No direct "rules" are given but the reader is encouraged to work through his current view and attitude toward the Sabbath and measure that against what the Bible says about it.
May 27, 2018
I really appreciated this book. It taught and reminded me about what the Lord's Day should be for Christians, and it encouraged me to think about my own Sabbath observance and how to apply the principles taught in the Scripture to my practical application of the same. If you are looking for a book listing do's and don'ts, you won't find it here. Instead you will find something much better.
August 9, 2023
A short helpful book with some theological background which was valuable and general principles to guide decision making about how to celebrate the sabbath. My favourite key idea: when we celebrate sabbath rest, we are acknowledging “that the world depends on God, not on man, for its continued existence” (p. 36), as does our salvation.
February 18, 2020
This is the book regarding keeping the Sabbath that I have been looking for, I have started others but could not stick with them. I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to read, good information and practical advice.
June 10, 2022
Nice, short, and easy reading on the proper keeping of the New Testament Sabbath. Ray shows how the Sabbath was corrupted by Israel such that what we usually think of as Sabbath keeping is actually a quasi-pagan practice, not the restful, joyful day that Christ established. Ray refuses to give a list of do's and dont's of how to properly keep (celebrate) the Sabbath but rather gives some principles to follow and explains how the specifics of keeping the day can look different from one person to the next.
The book is perhaps too brief and at points it can feel like Ray is trying to be catchy rather than serious. But don't let that scare you away. It is not an intimidating read like many works on the Sabbath.
A good read if you are convinced (or suspect) that "there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" in this present age but still question what it means to keep it.
The book is perhaps too brief and at points it can feel like Ray is trying to be catchy rather than serious. But don't let that scare you away. It is not an intimidating read like many works on the Sabbath.
A good read if you are convinced (or suspect) that "there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God" in this present age but still question what it means to keep it.
March 3, 2014
For some reason, many Bible-believing Christians uphold the parts of God's law that condemn adultery, murder, lying, idolatry and disobedience to parents, yet do not honor the Lord's Day as God intended it to be. I find that a lot of Christians go to church as an obligation, and try to get it out of the way as early as possible so they can go on to enjoy their weekend. While some people may be required to work on Sundays - certainly we need law enforcement and medical workers to be on duty every day of the week - it seems there are those who simply find church to be an inconvenience, and do not consider it a priority; rather, let's have church on Friday night or Saturday because that is more convenient, and more attractive, especially to those who aren't even Christians, because then we can sleep in on Sunday, go to brunch, the beach, birthday parties, etc...
God ordained one day in seven for our good, as a day to set apart for rest and refreshment for our souls, for worship and to fellowship with God's people. We only do ourselves harm - physically and spiritually - when we neglect the Lord's Day - the one-in-seven principle He established for his people. Another book that addresses the importance of upholding the Sabbath day principle is Call the Sabbath a Delight by Walter Chantry.
God ordained one day in seven for our good, as a day to set apart for rest and refreshment for our souls, for worship and to fellowship with God's people. We only do ourselves harm - physically and spiritually - when we neglect the Lord's Day - the one-in-seven principle He established for his people. Another book that addresses the importance of upholding the Sabbath day principle is Call the Sabbath a Delight by Walter Chantry.
July 24, 2016
If one wishes to know the history of the Sabbath and how to celebrate it "holily, happily, honestly, and humbly," then this is the book to read. I read it mainly because I was confused about how I should celebrate the Sabbath (am I sinning if I work on Sunday, is it okay to go out to eat after Sunday church)? It helped me in regards to see how the Sabbath was viewed through God's eyes and how we as Christians are to celebrate the day of rest. After each chapter, there are review questions, making this an ideal choice for a book study.
May 19, 2010
This book is about understanding the Sabbath and learning to celebrate it rather than dreading it (or ignoring it). There are no do's and don'ts. The author provides scripture, and opinion, along with lots of quotes and footnotes. In the end, I liked the book (especially the final chapter, 8). What I think I got from this book, more than anything else, is a clear picture of "God's" mind regarding the Sabbath. I somehow missed that previously. I would recommend this to family and friends.
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December 18, 2014It's very helpful and practical as a base for studying the history of the Sabbath, God's commands and intentions regarding His holy day.
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February 17, 20194-star
concise, thorough, well-organized, review and response questions
concise, thorough, well-organized, review and response questions
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