The Law, the Covenants, and the Sabbath
A Simple Guide for Understanding What Still Applies Today
1. The Old Covenant at Sinai
The covenant God made with Israel included three types of laws:
• Moral Law - Ten Commandments (universal, eternal)
• Ceremonial Law - sacrifices, priesthood, rituals (fulfilled in Christ)
• Civil Law - national regulations for Israel (ended with the theocracy)
Hebrews 8:13 teaches that the covenant system became obsolete-not God's moral principles.
2. The New Covenant in Christ
The New Covenant does not abolish God's law-it writes it on the heart (Jer. 31:31- 33).
Under the New Covenant:
• Christ fulfills the ceremonial system (Heb. 10:1-10)
• The moral law is deepened, not removed (Matt. 5:17-19)
• The Spirit empowers obedience from the heart
Nine of the Ten Commandments are repeated directly in the New Testament. The Sabbath is affirmed through creation, Christ's example, and Hebrews.
3. Why the Sabbath Still Matters
The Sabbath remains binding because:
• It predates sin and Israel (Gen. 2:1 -3)
• It is part of God's moral law (Ex. 20:8-11)
• It is a covenant sign of relationship (Ex. 31:16-17)
• Jesus expected it to continue (Matt. 24:20)
• Hebrews 4:9 says it remains for God's people
The Sabbath is not ceremonial-it is a creation blessing.
4. What Changed at the Cross?
The Sabbath did not change. What changed was how it is kept:.
• No civil penalties
• No Pharisaic burdens
• No ritualistic requirements
• No salvation by works
The Sabbath becomes a Christ-centered rest, not a legalistic burden.
5. The Sabbath as a New Covenant Gift The Sabbath reminds us:
• Who God is - Creator, Redeemer, Sanctifier
• Who we are - His children, not slaves to work
• What He promises - rest, identity, and eternal hope
Summary
• The Old Covenant ended.
• The ceremonial system ended.
• God's moral law remains.
• The Sabbath continues as a creation-rooted, Christ-centered blessing.
Shared by:
Adventist International Ministries
Constancio C Ada (MD, President & CEO)
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