Christ in the Sabbath

by Rich Robinson

What does the Sabbath mean to you? Christ in the Sabbath will take you on a “Sabbath tour” of the Bible. You’ll explore the themes of Shabbat (Hebrew for "Sabbath") and rest in both Old and New Testament and then discover what it has meant to Jews and Christians for centuries. Rabbinical comments and a variety of traditions provide clarity and credibility to the study of Sabbath. This volume does not resolve all the differences among Christians concerning the place of the Sabbath today; instead, the journey undertaken in this book is designed to help you form your own conclusions—or inspire you to continue exploring the meaning and significance behind the Sabbath.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2014

Reviews

[Kelly Eisbacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robinson details the historical and cultural implications of Sabbath. He makes relevant arguments for the blessing that comes from observing Sabbath. I appreciated his analysis of Sabbath being for man. “What is work and what is not? What is rest? How do we observe the Sabbath? But human nature being what it is, well-intentioned laws sometimes became counterproductive to human well-being.” In our attempts to establish rest, we must not judge those who rest differently or find ways that are counter productive to our needs. I enjoyed Robinson’s exposé through Sabbath and his argument that we benefit from it today.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Christ in the Sabbath" explores the origins and practice of the Sabbath in the Bible and afterward. This book was written by a Jewish believer in Jesus, so we get both the Jewish and Christian perspectives. The author started by looking at the origins of Sabbath in the Bible, what it meant, and how it was celebrated (or not). He also looked at special sabbaths, the sabbatical year, and the year of Jubilee. He talked about what things were forbidden on the Sabbath and how this list developed over time. He talked about how Sabbath was celebrated at the time of Jesus and how Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. He explored the history of Christians worshiping on Sunday and if those in the New Testament period and early church saw this as a new Sabbath. He talked about how Sabbath is celebrated today by Jews, the different views among Christians about Sabbath, and how Christians might celebrate Sabbath. This book contained a lot of information, but it was very readable and easy to understand. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the history and practice of the Sabbath.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Bob Mendelsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this first on the PDF when the author sent it to me to preview and then in paperback as I sell it. Terrific coverage and focused on the Messiah as Lord of the Sabbath.

I've read other books on the subject and they are basically void of story. They only list and depict episodes of the Sabbath in the Newer Testament.

The subject warrants much more coverage.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christ in the Sabbath provides a thorough summary of Sabbath along the timeline of creation through the contemporary church. Author Rich Robinson takes readers on a fascinating journey of seeing the foundations, transformations, and sometimes conflicting views of Sabbath. Robinson also discusses the various dos and do nots of Sabbath practice, as well as the contrasts between orthodox and secular Jews, Jewish Christians, and Christians.

Robinson is himself a Jewish believer in Jesus and this provides an astute and accurate look at Jewish belief and practice, including the Sabbath. Robinson also utilizes light humor and analogies to make some difficult-to-understand religious concepts more clear.

Throughout Christ in the Sabbath, Robinson reminds readers that the Sabbath also gives believers a foretaste of what is to come in eternity. I especially appreciated Robinson’s closing of Christ in the Sabbath where he emphasizes that the same God who provides Sabbath rest also provides eternal rest and peace through a relationship with Christ.

Christ in the Sabbath includes several appendices of suggestions for Sabbath practices and further resources, which would be helpful for readers interested in exploring and incorporating more Sabbath activities or traditional Sabbath practices.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Ben Smitthimedhin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very important book on what Sabbath means, how Christ fits into the picture of Sabbath, and what we can do regarding what we've learned. I was hoping to find a rich meaning to the story behind the Sabbath and I was not disappointed at all. Learning about how the Sabbath connected to the day of atonement, the year of jubilee, Judaism, and how Christ wants to bring back Eden (the 7th day) to His people once again when He returns was an eye-opening experience. There was also church history, the story of the Seventh-day Adventists, and how the Jews conduct their Sabbath day and what constitutes as work and what doesn't. This book is full of useful information and definitely applicable to every Christian walk!

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several other books concerning Sabbath practices for modern believers. Robinson's book serves a different purpose. Drawing on his own Jewish heritage, he traces the Sabbath through the Bible and history, describes modern Jewish Sabbath practices, and discusses various modern Christian interpretations of what God's Sabbath command means. A good balance to more formational works such as Marva Dawn's Keeping the Sabbath Wholly. Review based on a publisher's galley.