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The Christian Sabbath: Its Redemptive-Historical Foundation, Present Obligation, and Practical Observance
Christian history has shown that in each generation the issue of the role of God's law in the Christian life always resolves itself into a critical question, especially for those who wish to affirm the integrity and on-going authority of the Ten Commandments as a God-given ethical norm for Christian behavior. The question: what about the fourth commandment? Most believers have no doubt concerning the other nine commandments of the Decalogue. But under the terms of the New Covenant, does God require his people to keep holy a Sabbath day? This question never proves simple, but the answer given in some cases defines a group of Christians as much as their answers on other disputed points, such as church order, baptism, or spiritual gifts. Here is an honest attempt to answer this question biblically.
- GenresTheology
424 pages, Paperback
Published February 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 12, 2024
This is a very comprehensive treatment of the Reformed view of the sabbath command. The sections on the Old Testament are some of the best I have read.
The weaker sections, in my opinion, were the chapters discussing the transition to a first day sabbath, and his survey of the key texts people use to disprove a New Covenant sabbath. He had good points in these chapters but in my opinion he didn’t deal with the strongest objections. Haldane’s typological argument for a first day sabbath could have been interacted with.
Also, the section on practical counsel laid out some helpful principles but at points felt like artificial distinctions were made. Worth interacting with nonetheless.
The weaker sections, in my opinion, were the chapters discussing the transition to a first day sabbath, and his survey of the key texts people use to disprove a New Covenant sabbath. He had good points in these chapters but in my opinion he didn’t deal with the strongest objections. Haldane’s typological argument for a first day sabbath could have been interacted with.
Also, the section on practical counsel laid out some helpful principles but at points felt like artificial distinctions were made. Worth interacting with nonetheless.
July 9, 2025
I wish I would have read this book sooner. Full of biblical precision and pastoral wisdom.
I am convinced that the loss of the Christian Sabbath is one of the biggest theological tragedies of the last two hundred years.
While Martin’s extensive handling of the Old Testament data was entirely convincing, his response to the two common “problem passages“ in the New Testament was too brief to be helpful. Hence the star deduction.
I am convinced that the loss of the Christian Sabbath is one of the biggest theological tragedies of the last two hundred years.
While Martin’s extensive handling of the Old Testament data was entirely convincing, his response to the two common “problem passages“ in the New Testament was too brief to be helpful. Hence the star deduction.
August 5, 2018
Excellent work that makes a strong case for the perpetuity of the fourth commandment. The fourth commandment is not only a duty but a delight for those weary exiles waiting to enter into God’s eschatological rest. Also contains helpful and practical guidance on how to use the Lord’s Day in a way that honors the Lord and spiritually refreshes the Christian.
July 21, 2016
"A masterpiece and a biblically grounded book" is how I would describe this amazing work. He engaged with those with whom he disagrees. He demonstrate a spirit of love and respect toward those with whom he disagrees. The tone is never harsh.
He grounds the Sabbath in Creation, goes to every major text in the Old Testament concerning the Sabbath. Demonstrates his ability in linguistics and in his knowledge of various interpretations of some texts. The footnotes are just great!
He then goes on to make a case for Sabbath observance under the New Covenant, but he does this by first going to major texts on the abiding validity of the Law in the New Covenant. He goes on to demonstrate our Lord's teaching on the Sabbath. He never did abrogated it, but cleared it from Pharisaic legalism. He has two chapters on works of piety and necessity and works of mercy.
He then moves to consider four misused texts: Rom 14:5-6; Gal 4:9-11; Eph 2:14-15; Col 2:16. He makes a case that none of these texts speak of the abrogation of the moral duty of observing one day out of seven as a Sabbath already established at Creation. He then moves on to consider Hebrews 4:9 wherein we are clearly told that there is still, for the New Covenant people of God, an obligation of Sabbath-keeping.
Until now he had not made a case for the change of the day. His book was about the Christian Sabbath, but what he argued for until now was the seventh-day Sabbath. To be sure, he made passing remarks on the change of the day. But he treats the change of the day in two chapters. The first one is dedicated to "the Apostolic Witness" where he examines the resurrection and the resurrection appearances as the prime reason for the change of the day, the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), the gathering of the church on the first day to break bread and have Paul preached to them (Acts 20:7), the gathering of alms on the first day (1Cor 16:1-2) and finally, the Lord's Day (Rev 1:10). In my opinion, he makes a good case for the change of the day from these passages and also from his treatment of the abiding Sabbath from Hebrews 4:9.
Then he moves to the post-apostolic testimony to the Lord's Day. He notes that often the word Sabbath was retrained for the Jewish Sabbath and was not frequently used for Sunday. Rather, from the earliest times, the expression "the Lord's Day" was used for the first day of the week on which Christ rose.
Finally, he moves on in the last part (3) to teach us how we should observe the Sabbath. He is careful in his suggestions and what He may say and deduce from God's Word. His desire is not to bind consciences where God has not bound them, but carefully give guidelines and suggestions.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and I used it a lot in my own study for the 1689 Baptist Confession's chapter 22 on the Sabbath (sections 7-8). It is detailed, it is biblical and it is written in a loving and respectful tone. What more can we expect? Get it and read it already!
He grounds the Sabbath in Creation, goes to every major text in the Old Testament concerning the Sabbath. Demonstrates his ability in linguistics and in his knowledge of various interpretations of some texts. The footnotes are just great!
He then goes on to make a case for Sabbath observance under the New Covenant, but he does this by first going to major texts on the abiding validity of the Law in the New Covenant. He goes on to demonstrate our Lord's teaching on the Sabbath. He never did abrogated it, but cleared it from Pharisaic legalism. He has two chapters on works of piety and necessity and works of mercy.
He then moves to consider four misused texts: Rom 14:5-6; Gal 4:9-11; Eph 2:14-15; Col 2:16. He makes a case that none of these texts speak of the abrogation of the moral duty of observing one day out of seven as a Sabbath already established at Creation. He then moves on to consider Hebrews 4:9 wherein we are clearly told that there is still, for the New Covenant people of God, an obligation of Sabbath-keeping.
Until now he had not made a case for the change of the day. His book was about the Christian Sabbath, but what he argued for until now was the seventh-day Sabbath. To be sure, he made passing remarks on the change of the day. But he treats the change of the day in two chapters. The first one is dedicated to "the Apostolic Witness" where he examines the resurrection and the resurrection appearances as the prime reason for the change of the day, the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1), the gathering of the church on the first day to break bread and have Paul preached to them (Acts 20:7), the gathering of alms on the first day (1Cor 16:1-2) and finally, the Lord's Day (Rev 1:10). In my opinion, he makes a good case for the change of the day from these passages and also from his treatment of the abiding Sabbath from Hebrews 4:9.
Then he moves to the post-apostolic testimony to the Lord's Day. He notes that often the word Sabbath was retrained for the Jewish Sabbath and was not frequently used for Sunday. Rather, from the earliest times, the expression "the Lord's Day" was used for the first day of the week on which Christ rose.
Finally, he moves on in the last part (3) to teach us how we should observe the Sabbath. He is careful in his suggestions and what He may say and deduce from God's Word. His desire is not to bind consciences where God has not bound them, but carefully give guidelines and suggestions.
Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book and I used it a lot in my own study for the 1689 Baptist Confession's chapter 22 on the Sabbath (sections 7-8). It is detailed, it is biblical and it is written in a loving and respectful tone. What more can we expect? Get it and read it already!
May 7, 2022
As the title suggests, Martin traces the institution of the Sabbath from creation, through Sinai and the prophets, to the new covenant. He then concludes by providing practical principles for present-day Sabbath observance.
The book combines exegesis of the relevant biblical texts with an examination of the post-apostolic writings and practice to argue for first-day Christian Sabbatarianism. It also responds to arguments (and biblical texts used) against the continuing validity of the fourth commandment. It's written at a level that is suitable for those with a basic understanding of the Christian faith and covenant theology. A great read that, at the very least, challenges the assumptions held by many Christians today regarding the Sabbath.
The book combines exegesis of the relevant biblical texts with an examination of the post-apostolic writings and practice to argue for first-day Christian Sabbatarianism. It also responds to arguments (and biblical texts used) against the continuing validity of the fourth commandment. It's written at a level that is suitable for those with a basic understanding of the Christian faith and covenant theology. A great read that, at the very least, challenges the assumptions held by many Christians today regarding the Sabbath.
August 18, 2024
This is likely the definitive work on the subject, and for anyone looking to understand Biblical sabbatarianism, this book will serve them fully. So pastoral, and yet the depth of scholarship is glorious and the unbelievably clear argumentation makes this a book that penetrates the subject matter to its very core, leaving no stone unturned. Forget about this book being the best book on the sabbath, it is one of the best books I've ever read bar none. I am very grateful for Dr.Bob giving the church this book by God's grace. I pray that his beautiful and practical sabbitarianism would be emulated by all God's people.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews