If the Sabbath were indeed abolished in the New Testament, we should find
numerous passages throughout the New Testament making that clear. The negating
of one of God's Ten Commandments would certainly require nothing less.
Jesus Christ said that "one jot or one tittle will by no means pass
from the law" until all is "fulfilled," or has completely
filled its purpose (Matthew 5:18). Various passages, including entire chapters
of the New Testament, make clear the spiritual purpose behind such practices
as animal sacrifices and temple worship (Hebrews 7:11-19; 8:1-6; 9:1-15;
10:1-18).
But God's commandments remain. The last books written in the New Testament
were, in A.D. 85-95, John's epistles and, about A.D. 95, the book of Revelation.
Were the Ten Commandments abolished by that time? Notice John's words: "Now
by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says,
'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth
is not in him" (1 John 2:3,4).
John defined sin as the violation of God's laws. "Whoever commits
sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness," he wrote (1 John 3:4). He knew that God's law was a law of love, defining both our
love for others and our love for God: "By this we know that we love
the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this
is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments
are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2,3).
