Jesus Christ kept the seventh day and worshiped God on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). Indeed Christ Himself is the "Lord of the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27-28)—directly linking our Savior with this period of holy time.

The book of Acts records that the New Testament Church, including the apostle Paul, continued to keep the Sabbath (Acts 13:14-44; 17:1-3; 18:4). The Sabbath is a special 24-hour period designed to deepen and broaden our devotion to God—enabling us to learn more of the real purpose of human life.

On the Sabbath day, when men and women turn from their own thoughts, they have sufficient time to think about the true values—and find real pleasure in seeking those things that please God (Isaiah 58:13-14). We are freed from the bondage of this world's ways that are contrary to God's, just as the ancient Israelites were emancipated from their slavery in Egypt nearly 3,500 years ago.

Moreover, obedience to the commandment in Exodus to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" causes human beings to hallow the seventh day by resting and worshipping God.

Further, Exodus 31:13-17 points out that the Sabbath is a sign between God and His people, constituting a perpetual covenant. This day is to be kept holy as a reminder that He sets His people apart as His children.

The seventh-day Sabbath looks back to creation and reminds men and women of their Creator. It also looks forward to the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God, when all the world will finally experience that true promised rest (see Hebrews 4:4-10). GN