Ryan Bell of the Hollywood Seventh-day Adventist church looks at how Jesus’ example of healing on the Sabbath forces us to be a part of a “Gospel-driven healing ministry.” In addition, this sermon by Pastor Bell makes me think about the public policy implications of both Sabbath and healing. You will find this sermon, as well as a few others, at this link.
Law and Sabbath Continuity and Discontinuity in Hebrews
The book of Hebrews demonstrates both continuity and discontinuity between the Old Testament and the New. The fact that the writer of Hebrews wrote the book demonstrates the power that the Old Testament sacrificial system held over many of the believers in the Jesus movement.
Discontinuity
There can be no doubt that the book of Hebrews pictures a break with parts of the Old Testament. Hebrews 7:11 states that there was a need to move away from the levitical priesthood if perfection is to happen in believers. In contrast, Christ had to come once and for all (Hebrews 9:26). In addition, Christ set aside the levitical sacrificial system. (Hebrews 7:18, Hebrews 8:13, Hebrews 10:9). Thus there is no question something was abolished by the death of Christ. However, was the law in general or the Sabbath specifically abolished? Hebrews answers this question with a strong no.
Continuity
Bacchocchi notes that the book of Hebrews does not just talk about discontinuities, but also continuities. There is continuity in the prophet’s words (Hebrews 1:1-2). There is continuity in that the sanctuary system has just changed from the earthly one to a heavenly one. Nevertheless, there is still a sanctuary system working for humanity.
But most relevant to our discussion is that Bacchiocchi notes a continuity in the “Sabbatismos” which bacchioccchi states is:
A term used in a technical way by Plutarch, Justin, Epiphanius, Apostolic Constitutions to designate Sabbath observance—which “remains” (apoleipetia), literally “is left behind for the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9).
Conclusion
There was a break between the Old Testament and the New. Hebrews notes that this break was the sacrificial system. That sacrificial system was replaced by Christ’s death on earth and Priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. While the earthly sanctuary system has been done away, the writer of Hebrews states that the Sabbath remains for the people of God. Praise God for God’s gift of the Sabbath. In the future we will discuss Hebrews 4 more deeply.
Old and New Testament – Continuity in Matthew
Dr. Bacchiocchi continues his arguments for the continuity between Judaism and Christianity by looking at some examples of continuity in the book of Matthew.
Christ Life and Teaching
Matthew presents many major events of Christ’s life as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. In addition, Christ’s teachings are characterized as a continuation of the Old Testament. Bacchiocchi notes that in Matthew 7:12, the Golden rule is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. In addition, Matthew 22:40 states that the two great commandments are the basis of the Law and Prophets.
Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus said that he did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17-20). What does it mean to fulfill? In context, “fulfill†means to clarify or explain. Note how Jesus explains the law as in Matthew 5:27-28. Jesus states that the law of “Thou shalt not commit adultery†is “Thou shalt not look at a woman in lust.â€
Conclusion
Bacchiocchi provides a compelling case that both Matthew and Luke describe a continuity between the Old Testament and the New Testament. This continuity argues against any claims for an abrogation of the Sabbath based on a radical discontinuity.