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The Christian Sabbath
There can be no doubt that a seismic shift has taken place within the English-speaking world over the last sixty years regarding what used to be referred to as ‘the Christian Sabbath.’ What was considered to be a day of rest, worship and holy activity is now just like any other day of the week — one for the shopping mall, the sports stadium, or for some selfindulgent ‘me-time.’
What has led to this transformation? Or, more importantly, how ought we to think of the first day of the week? Were our forefathers correct in their understanding of ‘the Lord’s Day’ or ‘the Christian Sabbath’? And what did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when he said that ‘the Sabbath was made for man’ and that he was ‘Lord of the Sabbath’?
Terry Johnson investigates these questions and the issues raised by them. He draws out the teaching of Scripture and illustrates it from the writings of many of the great teachers of the Christian church. He then sets out practical recommendations to help today’s Christians experience the benefits and blessings of the special day God has given us.
What has led to this transformation? Or, more importantly, how ought we to think of the first day of the week? Were our forefathers correct in their understanding of ‘the Lord’s Day’ or ‘the Christian Sabbath’? And what did the Lord Jesus Christ mean when he said that ‘the Sabbath was made for man’ and that he was ‘Lord of the Sabbath’?
Terry Johnson investigates these questions and the issues raised by them. He draws out the teaching of Scripture and illustrates it from the writings of many of the great teachers of the Christian church. He then sets out practical recommendations to help today’s Christians experience the benefits and blessings of the special day God has given us.
64 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2021
27 people want to read
About the author
Terry L. Johnson
36 books12 followersTerry Johnson was born and raised in Los Angeles. He studied history at the University of Southern California and also studied at Trinity College, Bristol, England, and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, before earning his D. Min in 2008 from Erskine Theological Seminary.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 30, 2025
Short read but helpful, encouraging, and convicting.
Helpful to see how the Sabbath is a moral command. Encouraging to be exhorted to specifically pursue spiritual growth each week. Convicting to see my own selfish desires that would buck and resist at our gracious Father’s invitation and command.
Growing up, my family were practicing Sabbatarians even though we didn’t use that language. However, I was never given this kind of teaching about the Sabbath. It was simply “another rule to follow.” How I wish I had been taught these things before going into college. I thought I was “free in Christ” to do homework on Sunday. Instead, I was forfeiting a rich blessing.
Helpful to see how the Sabbath is a moral command. Encouraging to be exhorted to specifically pursue spiritual growth each week. Convicting to see my own selfish desires that would buck and resist at our gracious Father’s invitation and command.
Growing up, my family were practicing Sabbatarians even though we didn’t use that language. However, I was never given this kind of teaching about the Sabbath. It was simply “another rule to follow.” How I wish I had been taught these things before going into college. I thought I was “free in Christ” to do homework on Sunday. Instead, I was forfeiting a rich blessing.
January 21, 2024
Excellent introductory for an important study of the Lord’s day. Great references also to continue studying. I would recommend this book to all Christians unsure of what is important to do or not do on Sunday’s. It’s sad to see that football in today’s American Christian sabbath has taken precedence over the Lord.
June 6, 2024
This was a beautiful book about the blessings God has given us through the Lord’s Day. I want to give a copy of it to all my friends and family!
October 24, 2025
I didn’t agree with all of the author’s conclusions in this little book, but I loved the way it challenged me to think more about the importance of Sabbath-keeping, even for this New Testament Christian who, in Paul’s words, has died to the law.
January 21, 2022
What a nice little book! It has good arguments for the continued observance of the Lord's Day today. A new one I hadn't heard yet was that in 1 Timothy 1:8-11, Paul references 5 of the 10 commandments. Johnson has practical suggestions for keeping the Sabbath- always very useful for this discussion. Finally, I loved the discussion at the end about how we need to enlarge our appetites for the things of God. As Johnson said, I also found it to be true that when you observe the Sabbath, not just by not working or by attending church, but also by abstaining from all worldly engagements and by engaging in works of meditation, prayer, and worship, your love for the things of God will grow, so that you crave those pleasures, and begin to have less of a taste for worldly things. It was beautiful. I wish I could paste it hear for all to read. (Just get it for yourself- it's only a few bucks and 60 pages!) It grieves me that so many Christians don't hardly know what those pleasures are because they are not availing themselves of them in the Sabbath.
April 30, 2023
Strong, concise, case for why and how to keep Sunday as the Christian Sabbath. Theological and practical, positively emphasizing the day's blessings and all the things we can do on the day, rather than negatively focusing on the things that must be restricted to the other 6 days. It answers several objections.
Summary from booklet:
Early church fathers held to Sunday Sabbath (Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, Basil, Jerome, Augustine, Eusebius of Caesarea, Council of Laodicea).
Leading Reformed pastors held to Sunday Sabbath, from time of Reformation through mid- to late 20th century.
Mainstream evangelical pastors held to Sunday Sabbath prior to mid-20th century.
Sabbath observance is included in multiple Reformed confessions.
4th Commandment, like other 9, was written by God on stone tablets to show its permanence. It's a moral command, like the others. It's arbitrary to say the other 9 still apply, but not the 4th.
4th Commandment is moral law which still applies. There's continuity between Testaments. Jesus affirmed entire law (Mt 5:17-20). Paul cited multiple commandments as normative (Rom 13:8-10; Eph 6:1-3).
Made for Man
Sabbath was instituted by God at Creation (Gen 2:3), prior to Fall and ceremonial law. It's rooted in human nature.
Jobs, housework, schoolwork are to be done Mon-Sat, not Sunday (with exceptions of works of necessity and mercy).
We're not to employ or hire others to serve us on Sunday (Ex 20:10; Deut 5:14).
4th Commandment isn't to remember 7th day, but Sabbath (1 day in every 7).
Why Sunday is Christian Sabbath
• Jesus was resurrected on Sunday
• Jesus appeared to disciples on Sunday (Jn 20:1, 19, 26)
• Holy Spirit was poured out on Sunday (Pentecost)
• Early church met on Sunday (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)
• Sunday is called "Lord's Day" (Rev 1:10)
Sunday is for public worship, family and personal worship, Bible reading, singing praise, godly conversation.
Lord's Day rest isn't idleness, but rest from usual work to instead do holy work (Jn 5:17).
Entire day (24 hrs) is the Lord's, for public and private worship, duties of necessity and mercy (Westminster Confession of Faith 21.8).
We'd be more mature Christians, and the entire Church would be spiritually stronger, if we used each entire Sunday as intended).
Jesus didn't abolish OT law (Mt 5:17-20); He pointed out how Pharisees were unbiblically lax or strict.
Jesus is, not was, Lord of Sabbath, showing that it remains.
Jesus taught that doing good and preserving life on Sabbath wasn't forbidden (Mt 12:1-12; Mk 2:23 - 3:4; Lk 6:1-11; 13:10-17; Jn 5:1-18; 9:1-16).
Rom 14:5-6; Gal 4:9-11; Col 2:16-17 refer to Jewish Sabbath with extrabiblical regulations, and to Jewish holy days, not to moral law or Sabbath observance.
Sabbath is for our physical and spiritual good, so why would Christ repeal it, especially when new covenant has greater blessings than old (Heb 7:22; 8:6)?
A Sabbath rest remains, which anticipates eternal rest of Heaven (Heb 4:1-9).
Lord of the Sabbath
On Sunday, avoid worldly and secular concerns that distract from things of God, and from rest and refreshment of soul (Isa 58:13-14).
It isn't legalistic to obey God, whether 4th Commandment or 6th.
Sunday leisure must directly and consciously promote love for God and His works. This may include outdoor activities and moderate exercise (e.g., walk in park or along beach, picnic).
Jesus' point about David eating showbread (Mk 2:23-26) is that basic human needs take precedence over ceremonial design (Mt 12:7; cf. Hos 6:6). David was innocent (Mt 12:5) because the rule that only priests could eat showbread applied under normal circumstances, but this was an exceptional circumstance because David and his men needed food and no other food was available.
Whatever is necessary to preserve and maintain lives of ourselves, other people, or animals, or to do good to people's souls, is appropriate to do on Sabbath (Mk 3:4).
Works of necessity, mercy, and piety are permitted on Sabbath.
Works of necessity are those that save life, prevent suffering or unnecessary hardship, or are necessary for orderly living or comfort. We should keep these to a minimum (e.g., keep meals as simple as practical, and prepare on Sat). Examples: military defense, police work, ship piloting, firefighting, running power company, serving travelers, feeding livestock, milking cows, practicing personal hygiene.
Works of mercy are those that relieve physical human suffering or respond to emergency needs (Mk 3:1-5; Mt 12:11-13). Examples: medical work; helping stranded drivers; visiting shut-ins, nursing homes, hospitals; volunteering in soup kitchens, crisis pregnancy centers.
Works of piety are those necessary for church worship and services (Mt 12:5-7). Examples: ministers, elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers, musicians, singers, nursery workers, kitchen help, custodians).
Practical Recommendations
Ps 72, "A Song for the Sabbath," mentions declaring God's faithfulness in morning and night (v 2). Practice of morning and evening sacrifice established pattern of morning and evening prayer from at least time of Moses (Ps 5:3; 141:2). Sunday morning and evening worship is based on these.
Summary from booklet:
[The Sabbath] requires the cessation of our daily secular labour so that we may take up religious work. We are to take up that which is for the good and benefit of ourselves and others. This includes rest and relaxation. Yet it also means ministry; worship, Bible study, visiting the sick, helping the needy, doing whatever the Lord gives us to do that will promote the physical and spiritual well-being of ourselves and others.Introduction
Early church fathers held to Sunday Sabbath (Ignatius, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Clement of Alexandria, Basil, Jerome, Augustine, Eusebius of Caesarea, Council of Laodicea).
Leading Reformed pastors held to Sunday Sabbath, from time of Reformation through mid- to late 20th century.
Mainstream evangelical pastors held to Sunday Sabbath prior to mid-20th century.
Sabbath observance is included in multiple Reformed confessions.
4th Commandment, like other 9, was written by God on stone tablets to show its permanence. It's a moral command, like the others. It's arbitrary to say the other 9 still apply, but not the 4th.
4th Commandment is moral law which still applies. There's continuity between Testaments. Jesus affirmed entire law (Mt 5:17-20). Paul cited multiple commandments as normative (Rom 13:8-10; Eph 6:1-3).
Made for Man
Sabbath was instituted by God at Creation (Gen 2:3), prior to Fall and ceremonial law. It's rooted in human nature.
Jobs, housework, schoolwork are to be done Mon-Sat, not Sunday (with exceptions of works of necessity and mercy).
We're not to employ or hire others to serve us on Sunday (Ex 20:10; Deut 5:14).
4th Commandment isn't to remember 7th day, but Sabbath (1 day in every 7).
Why Sunday is Christian Sabbath
• Jesus was resurrected on Sunday
• Jesus appeared to disciples on Sunday (Jn 20:1, 19, 26)
• Holy Spirit was poured out on Sunday (Pentecost)
• Early church met on Sunday (1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 20:7)
• Sunday is called "Lord's Day" (Rev 1:10)
Sunday is for public worship, family and personal worship, Bible reading, singing praise, godly conversation.
Lord's Day rest isn't idleness, but rest from usual work to instead do holy work (Jn 5:17).
Entire day (24 hrs) is the Lord's, for public and private worship, duties of necessity and mercy (Westminster Confession of Faith 21.8).
We'd be more mature Christians, and the entire Church would be spiritually stronger, if we used each entire Sunday as intended).
Jesus didn't abolish OT law (Mt 5:17-20); He pointed out how Pharisees were unbiblically lax or strict.
Jesus is, not was, Lord of Sabbath, showing that it remains.
Jesus taught that doing good and preserving life on Sabbath wasn't forbidden (Mt 12:1-12; Mk 2:23 - 3:4; Lk 6:1-11; 13:10-17; Jn 5:1-18; 9:1-16).
Rom 14:5-6; Gal 4:9-11; Col 2:16-17 refer to Jewish Sabbath with extrabiblical regulations, and to Jewish holy days, not to moral law or Sabbath observance.
Sabbath is for our physical and spiritual good, so why would Christ repeal it, especially when new covenant has greater blessings than old (Heb 7:22; 8:6)?
A Sabbath rest remains, which anticipates eternal rest of Heaven (Heb 4:1-9).
Lord of the Sabbath
On Sunday, avoid worldly and secular concerns that distract from things of God, and from rest and refreshment of soul (Isa 58:13-14).
It isn't legalistic to obey God, whether 4th Commandment or 6th.
Sunday leisure must directly and consciously promote love for God and His works. This may include outdoor activities and moderate exercise (e.g., walk in park or along beach, picnic).
Jesus' point about David eating showbread (Mk 2:23-26) is that basic human needs take precedence over ceremonial design (Mt 12:7; cf. Hos 6:6). David was innocent (Mt 12:5) because the rule that only priests could eat showbread applied under normal circumstances, but this was an exceptional circumstance because David and his men needed food and no other food was available.
Whatever is necessary to preserve and maintain lives of ourselves, other people, or animals, or to do good to people's souls, is appropriate to do on Sabbath (Mk 3:4).
Works of necessity, mercy, and piety are permitted on Sabbath.
Works of necessity are those that save life, prevent suffering or unnecessary hardship, or are necessary for orderly living or comfort. We should keep these to a minimum (e.g., keep meals as simple as practical, and prepare on Sat). Examples: military defense, police work, ship piloting, firefighting, running power company, serving travelers, feeding livestock, milking cows, practicing personal hygiene.
Works of mercy are those that relieve physical human suffering or respond to emergency needs (Mk 3:1-5; Mt 12:11-13). Examples: medical work; helping stranded drivers; visiting shut-ins, nursing homes, hospitals; volunteering in soup kitchens, crisis pregnancy centers.
Works of piety are those necessary for church worship and services (Mt 12:5-7). Examples: ministers, elders, deacons, Sunday School teachers, musicians, singers, nursery workers, kitchen help, custodians).
Practical Recommendations
Ps 72, "A Song for the Sabbath," mentions declaring God's faithfulness in morning and night (v 2). Practice of morning and evening sacrifice established pattern of morning and evening prayer from at least time of Moses (Ps 5:3; 141:2). Sunday morning and evening worship is based on these.
November 4, 2024
If you’re curious about the deeper meaning of the Christian Sabbath and how it shapes faith, this little book by Terry L. Johnson is an eye-opening start. Though it doesn’t dive into every nuance, it powerfully lays out why observing a day of rest—Sunday, the "Lord’s Day"—is not only beneficial but crucial to Christian life. Johnson’s writing is thoughtful, persuasive, and refreshing, especially if you’re used to thinking of Sabbath observance only in the Jewish context or if you keep the Sabbath on the seventh day instead of the first. Many principles here can be adapted for different practices, making it insightful for Sabbath-keepers of all kinds.
Johnson highlights rich historical insights, like the Puritans’ commitment to a day of holy rest, and includes a resourceful reading list for those who want to go deeper. He touches on the Old Testament roots of the Sabbath, reminding us that it was not only given in the Decalogue but instituted at Creation itself, reinforced upon Israel’s Exodus, and holds ongoing importance.
One of Johnson's most compelling arguments is that obeying the Sabbath isn’t legalism; it’s about faithfulness to God, just as we uphold the other commandments. “The fourth commandment still applies to believers today,” he asserts, adding that Sabbath rest is more than simply refraining from work; it’s a day set aside for sacred purpose. Johnson beautifully reframes Sabbath as “holy rest for holy work,” urging readers to honor the Sabbath as Jesus does—not "was" the Lord of the Sabbath, but is.
This concise book is packed with reflections that will make you think about rest, worship, and community in new ways. It’s a reminder that the Sabbath—whether observed on the first or seventh day—draws us closer to our Creator, grounding us in rest, reverence, and rejoicing. Give it a read; it might just reshape how you see Sabbath observance.
For me, picking up this book was a journey of discovery. Having observed the Sabbath on the seventh day for years, I was curious to learn about the concept of the Christian Sabbath. It’s a quick, rewarding read, and I’m now looking forward to delving into the practices of Puritan figures Johnson references, such as John Owen, Thomas Manton, and Richard Baxter. Johnson also includes an extensive list of biographies and readings that invite further exploration.
Currently, I’m reading The Sabbath Breaker: Jesus of Nazareth and the Gospels' Sabbath Conflicts by Daniel Lancaster, which explores Jesus’ approach to the Sabbath from a more Jewish perspective. Once I finish, I plan to compare Lancaster’s work to Johnson’s views to see how these perspectives complement or contrast with each other.
Johnson highlights rich historical insights, like the Puritans’ commitment to a day of holy rest, and includes a resourceful reading list for those who want to go deeper. He touches on the Old Testament roots of the Sabbath, reminding us that it was not only given in the Decalogue but instituted at Creation itself, reinforced upon Israel’s Exodus, and holds ongoing importance.
One of Johnson's most compelling arguments is that obeying the Sabbath isn’t legalism; it’s about faithfulness to God, just as we uphold the other commandments. “The fourth commandment still applies to believers today,” he asserts, adding that Sabbath rest is more than simply refraining from work; it’s a day set aside for sacred purpose. Johnson beautifully reframes Sabbath as “holy rest for holy work,” urging readers to honor the Sabbath as Jesus does—not "was" the Lord of the Sabbath, but is.
This concise book is packed with reflections that will make you think about rest, worship, and community in new ways. It’s a reminder that the Sabbath—whether observed on the first or seventh day—draws us closer to our Creator, grounding us in rest, reverence, and rejoicing. Give it a read; it might just reshape how you see Sabbath observance.
For me, picking up this book was a journey of discovery. Having observed the Sabbath on the seventh day for years, I was curious to learn about the concept of the Christian Sabbath. It’s a quick, rewarding read, and I’m now looking forward to delving into the practices of Puritan figures Johnson references, such as John Owen, Thomas Manton, and Richard Baxter. Johnson also includes an extensive list of biographies and readings that invite further exploration.
Currently, I’m reading The Sabbath Breaker: Jesus of Nazareth and the Gospels' Sabbath Conflicts by Daniel Lancaster, which explores Jesus’ approach to the Sabbath from a more Jewish perspective. Once I finish, I plan to compare Lancaster’s work to Johnson’s views to see how these perspectives complement or contrast with each other.
October 26, 2025
Very good indeed. I have to chew on the application further, however it seems inconsistent to remove the obligation of the sabbath because it is part of God's moral law in the "ten words." While this book is short it does deal with objections like Gal 4, Rom 14 and Col 2 and seems compelling in it's answers.
My primary thought reflects on Chesterton's quote "If men will not be governed by the Ten Commandments, they shall be governed by the ten thousand commandments." Having had many mentors and pastors emphasize the necessity of daily abiding and spiritual meditation and regular fasting I've struggled with these disciplines and have often felt like a poor Christian for failure to perform these duties. While not wanting to turn away from the wonderful blessing of having access to God's word each and every day, I wonder if Christians today because we have failed to hold the one day in honor often tie heavy burdens spiritually on our backs the other 6 days. We ought to rejoice to be able to seek God everyday as we are able, but God has appointed one day in particular for us to seek his face. Praise be to God.
My primary thought reflects on Chesterton's quote "If men will not be governed by the Ten Commandments, they shall be governed by the ten thousand commandments." Having had many mentors and pastors emphasize the necessity of daily abiding and spiritual meditation and regular fasting I've struggled with these disciplines and have often felt like a poor Christian for failure to perform these duties. While not wanting to turn away from the wonderful blessing of having access to God's word each and every day, I wonder if Christians today because we have failed to hold the one day in honor often tie heavy burdens spiritually on our backs the other 6 days. We ought to rejoice to be able to seek God everyday as we are able, but God has appointed one day in particular for us to seek his face. Praise be to God.
December 11, 2023
The world is not ready for the book, Christians and non-Christians alike.
Johnson uses two scriptural arguments that are compelling - 1). Jesus interaction in the gospels clarifies not abolishes the Sabbath, and 2). God creates/participates in Sabbath pre-fall and therefore it is embedded in the moral law for all men at all times. Sadly, Johnson does not spend any time responding to the arguments made from Hebrews 3 and 4 for Lords day observances that many make today (I.e. Whitney in Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)
Most haunting, however, is his historical documentation of Sabbath. As late as just 50 years ago has this spiritual discipline been neglected on a wide scale.
His work on the benefits Sabbath brings to man is compelling to continue to refine my family’s Sunday habits, even if it is not compelling enough to convince me of a full on Sabattarianism position. Need to do more reading on the topic to determine where I land.
Johnson uses two scriptural arguments that are compelling - 1). Jesus interaction in the gospels clarifies not abolishes the Sabbath, and 2). God creates/participates in Sabbath pre-fall and therefore it is embedded in the moral law for all men at all times. Sadly, Johnson does not spend any time responding to the arguments made from Hebrews 3 and 4 for Lords day observances that many make today (I.e. Whitney in Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)
Most haunting, however, is his historical documentation of Sabbath. As late as just 50 years ago has this spiritual discipline been neglected on a wide scale.
His work on the benefits Sabbath brings to man is compelling to continue to refine my family’s Sunday habits, even if it is not compelling enough to convince me of a full on Sabattarianism position. Need to do more reading on the topic to determine where I land.
December 13, 2025
I’ve never thought of the Sabbath as obligatory but, while reading of John Wesley’s life, I saw a strange thing— that he considered Sabbath breaking to be a serious offense. Then I discovered that this wasn’t a novel belief for that time, but one widely held. And so I found this book to hear a case for the Sabbath as it applies to Christians today. I found this book quite compelling and easy to read (just 64 pages). I feel like most books on Sabbath for today are focused on the benefit it gives. But it seems to me almost everyone knows that a day of rest and worship is beneficial, but still we refuse the gift. There is very little conversation, however, of this gift being one that we are expected to receive, both for our benefit and for others. I will definitely be trying to implement some new ways of doing Sundays, the Lord’s day, based on this book.
April 14, 2024
When looking for a theologically sound book on the importance of keeping the Sabbath and some practical guidance on activities that can be done to honor the Lord (theologically sound of course) on His day, I believe that he did a good job. He also was packed with references that I would look into despite them being older references. Well written, short, and sweet. My only desire to have more knowledge of the changing of days that the Sabbath is celebrated. Other than that, I have no gripes.
August 7, 2024
While short, this is a fantastic practical and theological approach to the sabbath. I appreciate how many real stories the author gave as examples of blatantly disregarding the sabbath, while also giving general axioms for how to obey while staying within the limits of what Scripture has revealed. There is a tightrope between denying the word in an attempt to be gracious and then going beyond the word and putting an undue burden on the people of God.
February 23, 2022
Well done. Relies heavily on old theologians alongside scripture, showing the strength of the Sabbath tradition. The Sabbath is for Man, but it does not belong to Man. Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. Thus is a good counterbalance to JMC's Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, which takes a more personalized/individualized approach to Sabbath observance.
January 22, 2024
Although this book covers an important and sometimes controversial topic, it is easy and pleasant to read. The author includes plenty of Bible study and also the thoughts of other ministers both recent and from generations past. There are some helpful and practical considerations toward the end of the book.
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December 17, 2021Helpful little book.
April 1, 2022
Concisely written, well-argued from Scripture. A helpful challenge to consider how the Sabbath applies to believers today.
June 30, 2022
Very good little book(let). Short. Worthwhile.
October 9, 2022
Everyone should read this book.
February 28, 2023
Excellent. I only wish it was longer.
March 6, 2023
A great little read on the importance of the 4th commandment and the Lord’s Day.
December 28, 2023
A great book. I did disagree with some of the minor points but overall I enjoyed it.
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May 27, 2024A really nice and encouraging book(let) 🎀
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews