Is the Seventh day Sabbath a Ceremonial Feast Day?
The weekly seventh day Sabbath of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 8-11) is not one of the ceremonial yearly feast sabbaths of Leviticus 23. The Mosaic law had seven yearly holy days, which were also called sabbaths. These feasts were in addition to or “beside the Sabbaths of the Lord” or seventh day weekly Sabbath (Leviticus 23:38). The Bible presents two distinct laws: The Mosaic law and God’s moral law:
| Mosaic law |
| Called “the law of Moses” (Luke 2:22). |
| Called “law … contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15). |
| Written by Moses in a book (2 Chronicles 35:12). |
| Placed outside the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26). |
| Ended at the cross (Ephesians 2:15). |
| Added because of sin (Galatians 3:19). |
| Contrary to us, against us (Colossians 2:14). |
| Judges no one (Colossians 2:14-16). |
| Carnal (Hebrews 7:16). |
God’s law |
| Called “the law of the Lord” (Isaiah 5:24). |
| Called Ten Commandments-“the royal law” (James 2:8). |
| Written by God on stone (Exodus 31:18; 32:16). |
| Placed inside the ark (Exodus 40:20). |
| Will stand forever (Luke 16:17). |
| Points out sin (Romans 7:7; 3:20). |
| Not grievous (1 John 5:3). |
| Judges all people (James 2:10-12). |
| Spiritual (Romans 7:14). |
| Perfect (Psalms 19:7). |
The Mosaic law was the temporary, ceremonial law of the Old Testament. It regulated the priesthood, sacrifices, feasts , rituals, meat and drink offerings, etc. This law was added “till the seed should come” and that seed was Christ (Galatians 3:16, 19). This law foreshadowed the cross and ended at the cross.
God’s moral law is not temporary it “stand[s] fast for ever and ever” (Psalms 111:8). God’s law has existed at least as long as sin has existed. The Bible says, “Where no law is, there is no transgression [or sin]” (Romans 4:15). According to the Bible, “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4).
Thus, it is clear that the seventh day Sabbath is not part of the ceremonial law of Moses that ended at the cross.
For more on the Sabbath, please check (Lessons 91-102) of the Bible Lessons.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
