Is the World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) going against the Bible for putting so much emphasis on the Sabbath day? Is emphasizing keeping the Sabbath day legalistic? Some people believe that as Christians, we do not need to keep the Sabbath, and they reference the following verse in the Bible.
Colossians 2:16 – Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
I came across the video above from Encountering Ahnsahnghong which explains the teaching of the Sabbath day through the Bible. Please take some time to watch it. There were a few points that stood out to me.
1. Jesus Said the Law Was Not Abolished
Jesus Himself said to not even think the Law is abolished, and the Sabbath Day is part of the Law.
Matthew 5:17 – Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Back then, Jesus Christ clarified to the teachers of the law that he by no means was trying to abolish the law. So if you’re thinking that now, you can go ahead and stop. That can’t be what Colossians 2:16 means or there would be a contradiction in the Bible. Jesus was very clear. “Until Heaven and earth disappear” means while we are on earth, the law exists 100%. Period. Then which law should we follow?
2. Apostle Paul Followed the Law of Christ, Not the Law of Moses
From Jesus we understand there is a law we must keep. Apostle Paul explains that it is not the law of Moses but the law of Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:20-21 – To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.
What is under the law of Christ? This verse wasn’t in the video, but it explains how we can find out. Whatever laws we see Apostle Paul keep is what we must also keep, as he received the example from Christ.
Philippians 4:9 – Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Acts 17:2-3 – As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said.
Proclaiming Jesus as a Christian, Paul is keeping the Sabbath day.
Is Keeping Sabbath Day Legalistic?
No. Keeping it means following the law of Christ. It would be better if people could face the fact that there are requirements for Christians, things God asked us to do. In addition to having faith, our faith should lead us to follow the teachings of Christ, which include the Sabbath. Is Sabbath day legalistic? Here’s a better question. Is Sabbath day a part of the law of Christ that we should follow? Trough Apostle Paul, we can see the answer is, yes.