How can we apply the Biblical teaching on the Sabbath today? We need to constantly remind ourselves that Christ is our Sabbath rest. Thus, we rest in Him! The Sabbath was one of the most clear and powerful types of the gospel of grace in the Old Testament. Week after week, year after year, it continually taught men that they must cease from their own labor. The Sabbath silently preached the text, "But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness" (Rom.4:5). It said over and over, "Don't work - rest!" It reiterated the wonderful truth that salvation is "by grace through faith" (Eph.2:8). Jesus pointed to Himself as our Sabbath rest when He said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls" (Mt.11:28-29). God rested from His work at creation. Christ rested from His work of redemption when He sat down at God's right hand in heaven. Now we must enter His rest by faith. This is what the apostle Paul meant when he said that the true circumcision (true believers) are those who worship in the Spirit of God, glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh (Phil.3:3). A Christian banks his soul completely on Christ and His work, and refuses to trust in his own doings in the least degree. The hymn writers expressed this great truth best.
"Lay your deadly doing down Down at Jesus' feet Stand in Him, in Him alone Gloriously Complete."
"Nothing in my hand I bring Simply to Thy cross I cling Naked come to Thee for dress Helpless look to Thee for grace Foul I to the fountain fly Wash me Savior or I die!"
"Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill Thy law's demands Could my zeal no respite know And my tears forever flow All for sins could not atone Thou must save and Thou alone!"
May God enable you to enter the rest of Christ by faith for His name's sake.