Faith without religion.
The Sabbath: A New Covenant Perspective for Christians Today
In a recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” host Shawn McCraney delved into the topic of the Sabbath and its significance for Christians today. He began by clarifying that the traditional Sabbath, observed on Saturday, is rooted in the Old Covenant given to the Children of Israel. McCraney emphasized that while the Sabbath was a commandment under the Old Covenant, Christians now live under the New Covenant of grace, which was established through Jesus Christ.
McCraney explained that the Sabbath was not instituted at creation, as Adam and Eve had no need for rest in the Garden of Eden. Instead, it was introduced later as a sign between God and Israel. He highlighted that the New Covenant, brought forth by Jesus, offers a different perspective, where rest is found in Christ every day, not just on a specific day of the week.
The discussion also touched on the practices of the early church, noting that while Paul visited synagogues on the Sabbath to evangelize, the first day of the week, Sunday, became significant for Christians as a day of gathering and worship. However, McCraney stressed that this is not a mandated Sabbath but a tradition with no legalistic requirements.
In conclusion, McCraney urged listeners to embrace the freedom and rest found in Jesus, rather than adhering to outdated Sabbath observances. He encouraged open dialogue and understanding, inviting LDS members to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and practice.
