THE FORGOTTEN COMMANDMENT

Restoring the Biblical Sabbath

TRUTH CARRIERS EDUCATION SYSTEM
Torah Foundations Series - Adult Core

HOW TO USE THIS WORKBOOK

The Truth Carriers Learning Method (6 Rs)

Each lesson uses the 6 Rs for deep learning: RECEIVE (read content), REFLECT (answer questions), RECALL (close book, write what you remember), RECITE (teach someone), REVIEW (spaced repetition), RESPOND (apply practically).

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." — James 1:22

ABOUT THIS WORKBOOK

Introduction: The Sabbath is the most attacked, most ignored, and most misunderstood commandment in modern Christianity. Yet it is the ONLY commandment that begins with "REMEMBER"—as if Yahuah knew we would forget it. This workbook exposes the historical change from Saturday to Sunday, examines what Scripture actually says, and provides practical steps for restoring biblical Sabbath observance in your life.

What You Will Learn:

Key Scripture Themes:

Sacred Names Used: Yahuah (not LORD), Yahusha (not Jesus), Elohim (God), Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit)

Target Audience: Adults and families seeking biblical truth about the Sabbath

Study Time: 10-14 hours (10 comprehensive lessons + bonus practical lesson)

Opening Prayer: "Yahuah, reveal Your truth about the Sabbath. Give us eyes to see what Scripture actually says, not what tradition teaches. Help us distinguish between Your commands and man's additions. Give us courage to obey even when the whole world disagrees. In Yahusha's name, amen."

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Sabbath at Creation - Before Sin, Before Jews
  2. Sabbath Before Sinai - The Manna Miracle
  3. The Fourth Commandment - Remember and Keep Holy
  4. Sabbath as Covenant Sign - A Lasting Forever
  5. Sabbath in the Prophets - Delight and Future
  6. Yahusha and the Sabbath - His Custom and Authority
  7. Apostolic Sabbath Keeping - Paul's Pattern
  8. The Change to Sunday - Constantine and Church Councils
  9. Which Day Is the Seventh? - Unbroken Weekly Cycle
  10. Answering Objections - Scripture vs. Tradition
  11. BONUS: How to Keep the Sabbath - Practical Application

KEY HEBREW TERMS

Term Hebrew Meaning
Shabbat שַׁבָּת To cease, rest, stop
Kadosh קָדוֹשׁ Set apart, holy, sanctified
Zakar זָכַר Remember, recall, call to mind
Oneg עֹנֶג Delight (Isaiah 58:13)
Mikra Kodesh מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ Holy convocation/assembly
Pikuach Nefesh פִּקּוּחַ נֶפֶשׁ Saving life takes precedence
Melacha מְלָאכָה Creative/purposeful work
Ot אוֹת Sign (covenant sign)

LESSON 1: SABBATH AT CREATION

Before Sin, Before Jews, For All Humanity

Scripture Reading

Genesis 2:1-3
"Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day Elohim had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then Elohim blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."

Three Divine Actions

Notice what Elohim did on the seventh day—actions He performed on NO other day:

  1. RESTED - Hebrew: shabat (שָׁבַת) - to cease, desist, stop
  2. BLESSED - Hebrew: barak (בָּרַךְ) - to bless, kneel, praise
  3. MADE IT HOLY - Hebrew: qadash (קָדַשׁ) - to set apart, sanctify, consecrate

Critical Timeline Questions:

When was the Sabbath established? At CREATION (Genesis 2)

When did sin enter? Genesis 3 (AFTER the Sabbath)

When did Jews begin to exist? Abraham (Genesis 12) - approximately 2,000 years AFTER creation

Conclusion: The Sabbath was established:

The Only Day Blessed and Sanctified

Elohim did NOT bless or sanctify Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday. ONLY the seventh day received this unique honor.

Mark 2:27 (Yahusha's Own Words):
"The Sabbath was made for man (Greek: anthropos = mankind, humanity), not man for the Sabbath."

Greek word analysis: Anthropos (ἄνθρωπος) = human being, mankind (NOT Ioudaios = Jew). Yahusha explicitly said the Sabbath was made for ALL HUMANITY, not just Jews.

Part of Creation Order, Not Ceremonial Law

The Sabbath is NOT part of:

The Sabbath IS part of:

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

When was the Sabbath established according to Genesis 2?

Multiple Choice 2:

Which three actions did Elohim perform on the seventh day that He did on no other day?

Multiple Choice 3:

In Mark 2:27, what Greek word does Yahusha use to describe WHO the Sabbath was made for?

True or False with Correction:

Mark TRUE or FALSE. If FALSE, write the correction below.

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Scripture Lookup:

Read Genesis 2:2-3 and answer:

What specific day did Elohim bless and sanctify?

Read Mark 2:27 and summarize in your own words what Yahusha says about the Sabbath's purpose:

Discussion Questions:

1. If the Sabbath was created before sin, is it part of the curse or the blessing? Why does this matter for our understanding?

2. If there were no Jews at creation, who was the Sabbath made for? How does this affect the argument that "the Sabbath is only for Jews"?

3. Why do you think Elohim blessed and sanctified ONLY the seventh day? What makes it uniquely special among all days?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: When was Sabbath established? What 3 things did Elohim do to the seventh day? Who was it made for?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Teach someone that Sabbath was created at Creation, before sin and before Jews.

Person: Date:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Genesis 2:3

"And Elohim blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which Elohim created and made."

APPLICATION STEP

LESSON 2: SABBATH BEFORE SINAI

The Manna Miracle Proves Pre-Existing Sabbath

The Manna Miracle (Exodus 16)

Context: Israel has left Egypt but has NOT yet arrived at Mount Sinai. The Ten Commandments have NOT been given yet.

Exodus 16:4-5
"Then Yahuah said to Moses, 'I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day... On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.'"

The Pattern Yahuah Established

Day Manna Provided Command
Day 1 One omer per person Gather daily portion
Day 2 One omer per person Gather daily portion
Day 3 One omer per person Gather daily portion
Day 4 One omer per person Gather daily portion
Day 5 One omer per person Gather daily portion
Day 6 (Preparation) TWO omers per person Gather DOUBLE - prepare for Sabbath
Day 7 (Sabbath) NO MANNA REST - stay in your place
Exodus 16:23
"He said to them, 'This is what Yahuah commanded: Tomorrow is to be a day of sabbath rest, a holy sabbath to Yahuah. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'"

The Test and Rebuke

Some Israelites went out on the seventh day to gather manna anyway. They found NOTHING.

Exodus 16:28-30 - Yahuah's Rebuke:
"Then Yahuah said to Moses, 'How long will you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? See! For Yahuah has given you the Sabbath; therefore He gives you on the sixth day bread for two days. Let every man remain in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.' So the people rested on the seventh day."

Critical point: This rebuke happened BEFORE Sinai. Yahuah called the Sabbath one of "My commandments and My laws" BEFORE the Ten Commandments were formally given on tablets of stone.

The Fourth Commandment Says "REMEMBER"

Exodus 20:8
"REMEMBER the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Hebrew: Zakar (זָכַר) = to remember, recall, call to mind

You cannot "remember" something that never existed. The command is "REMEMBER," not "Here's something brand new I'm creating." This proves the Sabbath already existed; Sinai formalized it in the covenant.

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

What special provision did Yahuah make for the sixth day's manna?

Multiple Choice 2:

What happened on the seventh day when some Israelites went out to gather manna?

Multiple Choice 3:

Why is the Hebrew word "ZAKAR" (remember) in the fourth commandment significant?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Matching Exercise:

Match the day with what happened:

Days:

1. Days 1-5 ___

2. Day 6 (Preparation) ___

3. Day 7 (Sabbath) ___

Events:

A. No manna fell; rest commanded

B. Double portion; prepare food

C. One omer per person; gather daily

Your answers: 1=, 2=, 3=

Scripture Lookup:

Read Exodus 16:28 and answer:

What did Yahuah accuse Israel of refusing to keep?

Read Exodus 16:29 - Why did Yahuah give double manna on day 6?

Discussion Questions:

1. If Yahuah called the Sabbath "My commandments and My laws" BEFORE Sinai (Exodus 16:28), what does this tell us about the origin of the Sabbath command?

2. The manna pattern required PREPARATION on day 6. How might this principle of preparation apply to Sabbath observance today?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write everything you remember about:

After 5 minutes, check what you missed.

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain to someone how the manna miracle proves Sabbath existed BEFORE Sinai.

Person I taught: Date:

Question they asked:

How I answered:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Exodus 16:28

"And Yahuah said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?"

Write from memory:

APPLICATION STEP

Before the next lesson, complete ONE:

What I did:

What happened:

LESSON 3: THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

Remember and Keep Holy

The Complete Fourth Commandment

Exodus 20:8-11
"Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to Yahuah your Elohim. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days Yahuah made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore Yahuah blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

Who Is Included?

The commandment specifically lists everyone who must rest:

Key Observation: The Sabbath command explicitly includes "foreigners" (non-Jews). This contradicts the claim that the Sabbath is "only for Jews." Even in the Torah, Gentiles living among Israel were expected to keep the Sabbath.

The Reason Given

"For in six days Yahuah made the heavens and the earth... but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore Yahuah blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

The reason for the Sabbath is CREATION, not the Exodus, not Jewish identity—CREATION. This connects us back to Genesis 2 and confirms the Sabbath is for ALL humanity as descendants of Adam.

Deuteronomy Version: Additional Reason

Deuteronomy 5:15
"Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that Yahuah your Elohim brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore Yahuah your Elohim has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."

This adds a SECOND reason: remembering deliverance from slavery. The Sabbath reminds us:

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

According to Exodus 20:10, who must rest on the Sabbath besides the head of household?

Multiple Choice 2:

What is the PRIMARY reason given for the Sabbath in Exodus 20:11?

Multiple Choice 3:

What additional reason for Sabbath observance is given in Deuteronomy 5:15?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Scripture Comparison:

Compare the two versions of the fourth commandment:

Exodus 20:11 Deuteronomy 5:15
Reason: Reason:

Exodus 20:11 reason:

Deuteronomy 5:15 reason:

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Yahuah specifically included "foreigners" in the Sabbath command? What does this suggest about who the Sabbath is for?

2. How does the Sabbath connect Yahuah's role as Creator (Exodus 20) with His role as Redeemer (Deuteronomy 5)? What does keeping the Sabbath declare?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write the Fourth Commandment word-for-word (or as close as you can), including who is covered by it.

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain to someone why "REMEMBER" is significant and who is included in the commandment.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Exodus 20:8-10a

"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of Yahuah thy Elohim..."

Write from memory:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 4: SABBATH AS COVENANT SIGN

A Lasting Covenant Forever

The Sabbath Covenant

Exodus 31:12-17
"Then Yahuah said to Moses, 'Say to the Israelites, "You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am Yahuah, who makes you holy. Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you... The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days Yahuah made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed."'"

Key Terms

Question: If the Sabbath is a "lasting covenant" and "forever" sign, how can it be "done away with" or "changed"?

Sabbath Identifies Yahuah

Ezekiel 20:12, 20
"Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I Yahuah made them holy... Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am Yahuah your Elohim."

The Sabbath serves as an identifier:

Comparison to Other Signs

Covenant Sign Given To Duration Status Today
Rainbow (Genesis 9) All humanity "Never again" flood Still valid
Circumcision (Genesis 17) Abraham's seed "Everlasting" Many say ended
Sabbath (Exodus 31) Yahuah's people "Forever" Many say changed

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

According to Exodus 31:13, what is the Sabbath called between Yahuah and His people?

Multiple Choice 2:

What Hebrew term describes the Sabbath covenant's duration in Exodus 31:16?

Multiple Choice 3:

According to Ezekiel 20:12, what does the Sabbath help us know?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Scripture Lookup:

Read Ezekiel 20:19-20 and answer:

What TWO things does Yahuah command regarding the Sabbath?

Discussion Questions:

1. If the Sabbath is a "sign forever" (Exodus 31:17), on what basis can humans claim the authority to change or abolish it?

2. How does the Sabbath distinguish Yahuah from false gods? (Hint: What does the Sabbath commemorate that other gods cannot claim?)

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: What is the covenant sign? What two things does it signify? What does Exodus 31:17 say?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain the Sabbath as a covenant sign to someone.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Exodus 31:13

"Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am Yahuah that doth sanctify you."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 5: SABBATH IN THE PROPHETS

Delight, Blessing, and Future

Isaiah's Teaching on the Sabbath

Isaiah 58:13-14
"If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and Yahuah's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in Yahuah, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob."

How to Honor the Sabbath

According to Isaiah 58:

Sabbath for ALL Nations

Isaiah 56:6-7
"And foreigners who bind themselves to Yahuah to minister to him, to love the name of Yahuah, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer."
Key Observation: Yahuah explicitly welcomes FOREIGNERS who keep His Sabbath. This proves the Sabbath was never exclusively for ethnic Jews. The prophets consistently taught that Gentiles could participate in Sabbath observance.

Sabbath in the New Heavens and New Earth

Isaiah 66:22-23
"As the new heavens and the new earth that I make will endure before me," declares Yahuah, "so will your name and descendants endure. From one New Moon to another and from one Sabbath to another, ALL FLESH will come and bow down before me," says Yahuah.

Timeline of Sabbath:

Question: If the Sabbath was "nailed to the cross" or "done away with," why does Isaiah prophesy that ALL FLESH will keep the Sabbath in the new heavens and new earth?

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

What Hebrew word means "delight" in Isaiah 58:13?

Multiple Choice 2:

According to Isaiah 56:6-7, who does Yahuah welcome to keep the Sabbath?

Multiple Choice 3:

According to Isaiah 66:23, who will keep the Sabbath in the new heavens and new earth?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Scripture Lookup:

Read Isaiah 58:14 and answer:

What blessings are promised to those who honor the Sabbath?

Discussion Questions:

1. How does Isaiah 66:22-23 affect the argument that "the Sabbath was abolished at the cross"?

2. What does it mean to call the Sabbath a "delight" (oneg)? How can we make Sabbath observance joyful rather than burdensome?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: What does Isaiah 58:13-14 call the Sabbath? What does Isaiah 66:22-23 say about Sabbath in the future?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain Isaiah's prophecies about Sabbath to someone.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Isaiah 58:13

"If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of Yahuah, honourable..."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 6: YAHUSHA AND THE SABBATH

His Custom and Authority

Yahusha's Custom

Luke 4:16
"He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read."

Greek: kata to eiothos (κατὰ τὸ εἰωθός) = according to His custom, His regular practice

Yahusha regularly attended synagogue on the Sabbath. This was not occasional but His established pattern—His "custom."

Lord of the Sabbath

Mark 2:27-28
"Then he said to them, 'The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.'"

Key points:

What Yahusha Opposed: Man-Made Additions

Yahusha never broke the Torah's Sabbath commands. He broke PHARISAIC traditions—the 39 categories of prohibited work (the "Oral Torah") that added burdens Yahuah never commanded.

Remember: Yahusha was SINLESS (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22). If breaking the Sabbath was sin (and it was, according to Torah), and Yahusha was sinless, then Yahusha KEPT the Sabbath perfectly. He only broke human traditions, not Yahuah's commands.

Things Yahusha Did on the Sabbath

Matthew 12:12
"How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

According to Luke 4:16, what was Yahusha's CUSTOM on the Sabbath?

Multiple Choice 2:

In Mark 2:28, what title did Yahusha claim regarding the Sabbath?

Multiple Choice 3:

What did Yahusha actually oppose regarding the Sabbath?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Application Scenario:

Scenario: Someone argues: "Jesus broke the Sabbath, so we don't have to keep it." Using what you learned in this lesson, how would you respond?

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the difference between Yahuah's Sabbath commands and the Pharisees' Sabbath traditions? Why is this distinction important?

2. If Yahusha is "Lord of the Sabbath," what does that say about His relationship to the Sabbath day? Does a lord abolish what belongs to him?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: What was Yahusha's custom? What did He break - Torah or tradition? What does "Lord of the Sabbath" mean?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain Yahusha's Sabbath practices to someone.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Luke 4:16

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 7: APOSTOLIC SABBATH KEEPING

Paul's Pattern and Practice

Paul's Custom

Acts 17:2
"As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures."

Same Greek phrase as Luke 4:16: kata to eiothos = according to custom. Paul's regular practice was Sabbath synagogue attendance—the same pattern as Yahusha.

Sabbath Keeping in Acts

Reference Location Who Was Present
Acts 13:14-44 Pisidian Antioch Jews AND Gentiles
Acts 16:13 Philippi (riverside) Women (including Lydia)
Acts 17:2 Thessalonica Jews AND God-fearing Greeks
Acts 18:4 Corinth Jews AND Greeks

The Gentile Response

Acts 13:42-44
"As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas... On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of Yahuah."
Key Question: If Paul was teaching Gentiles that the Sabbath was abolished, why didn't he say, "Come back TOMORROW (Sunday) for our Christian service"? Why did they all wait until the NEXT SABBATH?

Paul in Corinth: 18 Months of Sabbaths

Acts 18:4, 11
"Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks... So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching them the word of Elohim."

Calculation: 18 months × 4 Sabbaths per month = approximately 78 Sabbaths that Paul taught in Corinth alone!

Hebrews 4:9 - A Sabbath-Rest Remains

Hebrews 4:9
"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of Elohim."

Greek: sabbatismos (σαββατισμός) = literally "Sabbath-keeping," a keeping of the Sabbath

This is the ONLY place in the New Testament where this specific Greek word appears. It does NOT mean "spiritual rest"—there's a different Greek word for that (katapausis). Sabbatismos specifically refers to Sabbath observance.

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

According to Acts 17:2, what was Paul's CUSTOM?

Multiple Choice 2:

In Acts 13, when Gentiles asked Paul to speak again, when did he tell them to come back?

Multiple Choice 3:

What does the Greek word "sabbatismos" in Hebrews 4:9 mean?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Discussion Questions:

1. If Paul was teaching Gentile converts that the Sabbath was abolished, why does Acts record him teaching Gentiles ON the Sabbath week after week?

2. What is the significance of Hebrews 4:9 using the unique word "sabbatismos" instead of the common word for rest?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: What was Paul's custom? Name 3 Acts passages showing Paul on Sabbath. What does "sabbatismos" mean?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Show someone the Acts passages about apostolic Sabbath keeping.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Hebrews 4:9

"There remaineth therefore a sabbatismos [Sabbath-keeping] to the people of Elohim."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 8: THE CHANGE TO SUNDAY

Constantine and Church Councils

The Historical Change: 321 AD

Constantine's Edict (March 7, 321 AD):
"On the venerable Day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed."

This was the FIRST civil legislation enforcing Sunday rest. Notice:

Council of Laodicea (364 AD)

Canon 29:
"Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday, but shall work on that day; but the Lord's day they shall especially honour, and, as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day. If, however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ."

Key observations:

Catholic Church Admits the Change

Cardinal Gibbons, The Faith of Our Fathers (1876):
"You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of Saturday, a day which we never sanctify."
Catholic Mirror (1893):
"The Catholic Church for over one thousand years before the existence of a Protestant, by virtue of her divine mission, changed the day from Saturday to Sunday."

Historical Timeline

Creation - Sabbath established (Genesis 2)
~1500 BC - Ten Commandments given (Exodus 20)
~30 AD - Yahusha's resurrection on Sunday
~30-100 AD - Apostles keep Sabbath (Acts)
321 AD - Constantine's Sunday law
364 AD - Council of Laodicea Canon 29
Present - Most Christians worship Sunday

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

When did Constantine issue the first civil law enforcing Sunday rest?

Multiple Choice 2:

What did Constantine call Sunday in his edict?

Multiple Choice 3:

What did the Council of Laodicea (Canon 29) call keeping the seventh-day Sabbath?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Discussion Questions:

1. If the change from Saturday to Sunday was made by church councils and emperors, not by Scripture, what authority do Christians have for worshipping on Sunday?

2. Why do you think it took nearly 300 years after the resurrection for Sunday laws to be enacted? What does this tell us about early Christian practice?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: What year was Constantine's Sunday law? What did Council of Laodicea Canon 29 say? What does the Catholic Church claim?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain the historical change from Saturday to Sunday.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Daniel 7:25

"And he shall...think to change times and laws..."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 9: WHICH DAY IS THE SEVENTH?

The Unbroken Weekly Cycle

The Weekly Cycle Has Never Been Lost

Some claim we "can't know" which day is the seventh day today. This is demonstrably false.

Evidence 1: Jewish Witness

Jews have meticulously tracked the seventh-day Sabbath for over 3,000 years. They have never lost count, even through exiles, dispersions, and persecutions. Jews worldwide—from Yemen to Poland to Ethiopia—all agree that Saturday is the seventh day.

Evidence 2: Calendar Changes Didn't Affect Days

Julian to Gregorian Calendar Change (1582):
Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar from Julian to Gregorian. Thursday, October 4, 1582 was followed by Friday, October 15, 1582. 10 DATES were skipped, but the WEEKLY CYCLE was preserved. Thursday was still followed by Friday.

Evidence 3: Astronomical Confirmation

The U.S. Naval Observatory and astronomers worldwide confirm the weekly cycle has never been broken. The rotation of days of the week has continued uninterrupted throughout recorded history.

Evidence 4: Linguistic Evidence

Over 100 languages call Saturday some form of "Sabbath":

Language Word for Saturday Meaning
Hebrew Shabbat (שַׁבָּת) Sabbath
Spanish Sábado Sabbath
Italian Sabato Sabbath
Portuguese Sábado Sabbath
Russian Суббота (Subbota) Sabbath
Arabic السبت (as-Sabt) Sabbath
Greek Σάββατο (Savvato) Sabbath

Evidence 5: Gospel Witness

Luke 23:54-56; 24:1
"It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin... Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices..."

This confirms the sequence: Friday (Preparation) → Saturday (Sabbath) → Sunday (First Day). Christians worldwide agree Yahusha rose on Sunday. The day before Sunday is Saturday—the Sabbath.

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

When the calendar changed from Julian to Gregorian in 1582, what happened?

Multiple Choice 2:

In how many languages does the word for Saturday derive from "Sabbath"?

Multiple Choice 3:

According to Luke 23-24, what day followed the Sabbath?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Discussion Question:

If Christians agree Yahusha rose on Sunday (the first day), and Luke says the day before was "the Sabbath," what day is the biblical Sabbath?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: Has the weekly cycle ever been broken? What did calendar changes (Julian/Gregorian) change? What day do Jews worldwide agree on?

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Explain to someone how we know Saturday is the seventh day.

Person: Date:

Question:

Answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Luke 23:54, 56

"And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on... And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP

What I did:

Result:

LESSON 10: ANSWERING OBJECTIONS

Scripture vs. Tradition

Objection 1: "We're Not Under Law, We're Under Grace"

Romans 6:14-15
"For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!"

Response: "Under grace" does not mean we can sin freely. Sin is defined as transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Paul explicitly says we should NOT use grace as license to sin. "Under law" refers to law's condemnation of sinners, not to the law's validity as Yahuah's standard.

Objection 2: "Colossians 2:16 Says We Can't Judge on Sabbaths"

Colossians 2:16-17
"Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Messiah."

Response: Context is key. Paul is addressing Gnostic teachers in Colossae who were judging believers FOR keeping these things with the wrong motives (asceticism - see v.21-23). Paul is NOT saying stop keeping Sabbath; he's saying don't let pagans judge you for keeping it. The "shadow" language confirms these practices pointed to Messiah—but a shadow proves the body exists, not that the practice is abolished.

Objection 3: "Romans 14:5 Says Every Day Is the Same"

Romans 14:5-6
"One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind."

Response: Context is about FASTING days, not Sabbath. The passage discusses food and weak faith (v.2-3), not the fourth commandment. Romans 14 never mentions the Sabbath specifically. Using this verse to abolish the Sabbath also abolishes every other holy day, including days most Christians observe.

Objection 4: "Jesus Rose on Sunday, So We Worship on Sunday"

Response: Where does Scripture command worship on Sunday because of the resurrection? Nowhere. We commemorate Yahusha's death through communion (Luke 22:19), His burial and resurrection through baptism (Romans 6:3-4), NOT through changing the day of worship. The apostles continued keeping Sabbath for decades after the resurrection (Acts).

Objection 5: "The Sabbath Was Only for Jews"

Response: Already refuted by:

EXERCISES

Matching Exercise:

Match each objection with its proper response:

Objections:

1. "Not under law, under grace" ___

2. "Colossians 2:16" ___

3. "Romans 14:5" ___

4. "Jesus rose on Sunday" ___

Responses:

A. Context is fasting days, not Sabbath

B. No Scripture commands Sunday worship

C. Grace doesn't permit ongoing sin

D. Context is judging FOR keeping, not against

Your answers: 1=, 2=, 3=, 4=

Application Scenario:

Scenario: A friend says, "The Sabbath is only for Jews." Using at least THREE Scripture references, write a response:

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think these objections continue to be used even though Scripture answers them? What makes the Sabbath such a controversial topic?

2. How can understanding the CONTEXT of passages like Colossians 2:16 and Romans 14:5 prevent misinterpretation?

BONUS LESSON: HOW TO KEEP THE SABBATH

Practical Application for Today

When Does Sabbath Begin and End?

Leviticus 23:32
"...from evening to evening you shall celebrate your sabbath."
Genesis 1:5, 8, 13...
"And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day."

Biblical day: Sunset to sunset, NOT midnight to midnight. The Sabbath begins Friday at sunset and ends Saturday at sunset.

The Preparation Day (Friday)

Scripture calls the sixth day the "Preparation Day" (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54). Practical preparations include:

What Is Prohibited?

What Is Encouraged?

Pikuach Nefesh: Saving Life Takes Precedence

Pikuach Nefesh (פִּקּוּחַ נֶפֶשׁ) = The principle that preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious rule.

Yahusha demonstrated this principle when He healed on the Sabbath (Matthew 12:10-12). Life-saving activities, medical emergencies, and caring for those in need are not violations of the Sabbath—they fulfill its intent.

Sample Sabbath Schedule

Time Activity
Friday sunset Light candles, welcome Sabbath with prayer
Friday evening Special family dinner, blessings, singing
Saturday morning Sleep in! Extended prayer, Scripture reading
Mid-morning Fellowship with believers (home or assembly)
Afternoon Family time, nature walk, rest, reading
Late afternoon Third meal (seudah shelishit), reflection
Saturday sunset Havdalah (separation) - Sabbath ends

EXERCISES

Multiple Choice 1:

According to Leviticus 23:32, when does the Sabbath begin and end?

Multiple Choice 2:

What is "pikuach nefesh"?

True or False with Correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

If false, correction:

Personal Application:

1. Create your own Sabbath preparation checklist (things to do before sunset Friday):

2. Plan activities for your ideal Sabbath day:

3. What challenges might you face in keeping the Sabbath? How can you address them?

Final Reflection:

After completing this workbook, how has your understanding of the Sabbath changed? What steps will you take to honor Yahuah's Sabbath?

RECALL EXERCISE

Close this workbook. Write: List 5 objections you learned to answer and their biblical responses.

TEACH-BACK CHALLENGE

Practice answering objections with someone or record yourself.

Person: Date:

Objection they raised:

My answer:

SCRIPTURE MEMORY: Mark 2:27-28

"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."

Write:

APPLICATION STEP - FINAL COMMITMENT

My commitment:

Date:

SPACED REVIEW TRACKER

Instructions: Review each lesson at these intervals for maximum retention.

LessonDoneD1D3D7D21D60
1. Sabbath at Creation
2. Sabbath Before Sinai
3. Fourth Commandment
4. Sabbath as Covenant Sign
5. Yahusha and Sabbath
6. Apostolic Sabbath
7. The Sunday Change
8. Which Day Is Seventh
9. Answering Objections
10. How to Keep Sabbath

Review Method: Read recall notes, recite key points aloud, check answer key.

COMPLETE ANSWER KEY

LESSON 1: SABBATH AT CREATION

Multiple Choice:

1. B - At creation, on the seventh day

2. B - Rested, blessed, made holy

3. B - Anthropos (mankind/humanity)

True/False:

1. FALSE - The Sabbath was established at creation (Genesis 2), not at Sinai

2. TRUE

3. FALSE - Elohim blessed and sanctified ONLY the seventh day

4. TRUE

Scripture Lookup: The seventh day; Yahusha said the Sabbath was made for mankind's benefit.

LESSON 2: SABBATH BEFORE SINAI

Multiple Choice:

1. B - Double portion was provided

2. B - They found nothing

3. B - It implies the Sabbath already existed

True/False:

1. FALSE - The manna miracle occurred BEFORE Sinai

2. TRUE

3. TRUE

Matching: 1=C, 2=B, 3=A

Scripture Lookup: "My commandments and My laws"; So they wouldn't have to gather on the Sabbath rest day.

LESSON 3: THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT

Multiple Choice:

1. C - Children, servants, animals, and foreigners

2. B - The creation of the world in six days

3. B - Remembering deliverance from Egyptian slavery

True/False:

1. FALSE - Foreigners were INCLUDED in the Sabbath rest command

2. TRUE

3. TRUE

Scripture Comparison: Exodus 20:11 = Creation; Deuteronomy 5:15 = Redemption from Egypt

LESSON 4: SABBATH AS COVENANT SIGN

Multiple Choice:

1. B - A sign

2. B - Lasting/Perpetual (olam)

3. B - That Yahuah makes His people holy

True/False:

1. FALSE - Scripture calls it a sign "forever," not temporary

2. TRUE

3. TRUE

Scripture Lookup: 1) Keep/observe His Sabbaths; 2) Keep them holy

LESSON 5: SABBATH IN THE PROPHETS

Multiple Choice:

1. B - Oneg

2. B - Foreigners who bind themselves to Yahuah

3. C - All flesh (all humanity)

True/False:

1. FALSE - Isaiah 58 calls the Sabbath a DELIGHT

2. TRUE

3. FALSE - Isaiah 56 WELCOMES foreigners who keep the Sabbath

Scripture Lookup: Joy in Yahuah, riding in triumph, feasting on Jacob's inheritance

LESSON 6: YAHUSHA AND THE SABBATH

Multiple Choice:

1. B - Going to the synagogue

2. C - Lord of the Sabbath

3. B - Man-made pharisaic traditions

True/False:

1. FALSE - It was His CUSTOM (regular practice)

2. TRUE

3. TRUE

LESSON 7: APOSTOLIC SABBATH KEEPING

Multiple Choice:

1. B - Sabbath synagogue attendance

2. B - The next Sabbath

3. C - Sabbath-keeping

True/False:

1. TRUE

2. FALSE - Paul taught both Jews AND Greeks/Gentiles on the Sabbath

3. TRUE

LESSON 8: THE CHANGE TO SUNDAY

Multiple Choice:

1. C - 321 AD

2. C - Day of the Sun (dies Solis)

3. B - Judaizing

True/False:

1. FALSE - Church councils and emperors changed the day, not apostles

2. TRUE

3. TRUE

LESSON 9: WHICH DAY IS THE SEVENTH?

Multiple Choice:

1. B - Days were skipped but the weekly cycle was preserved

2. C - Over 100 languages

3. C - The first day of the week (Sunday)

True/False:

1. FALSE - The weekly cycle has never been lost; multiple lines of evidence confirm Saturday is the seventh day

2. TRUE

3. TRUE

LESSON 10: ANSWERING OBJECTIONS

Matching: 1=C, 2=D, 3=A, 4=B

BONUS LESSON: HOW TO KEEP THE SABBATH

Multiple Choice:

1. C - Sunset Friday to sunset Saturday

2. B - The principle that saving life takes precedence

True/False:

1. FALSE - Nehemiah 10:31 and 13:15-21 prohibit buying and selling on Sabbath

2. TRUE

3. FALSE - Pikuach nefesh: saving life takes precedence; Yahusha healed on Sabbath

CLOSING PRAYER

"Yahuah, thank You for the gift of the Sabbath—a day You blessed and made holy from the beginning of creation. Thank You for this sign of our covenant relationship with You. Help us to call the Sabbath a delight, to honor You by resting from our labors, and to fellowship with Your people. Give us courage to follow Your commands even when the world follows tradition. May we be faithful until You return, when all flesh will worship You from one Sabbath to another. In Yahusha's name, amen."

TRUTH CARRIERS EDUCATION SYSTEM

Torah Foundations Series

© Truth Carriers Academy

This workbook is designed for personal and family study.
May be freely reproduced for non-commercial educational purposes.