Required reading
Systematic Theology by Charles Hodge (Vol 3) (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Chapter 19 by reading up to the heading '9. The fifth commandment'.
My summary
This week Hodge teaches the fourth commandment.
We learn about the Sabbath's:
(i) design;
(ii) perpetual obligation;
(iii) evidence from the ante-Mosaic period;
(iv) sanctification;
(v) place in modern society (particularly in the United States).
What grabbed me
This is one section where Hodge and I disagree.
I'm not a Sabbatarian for a number of reasons which are all given in the excellent book edited by DA Carson, From the Sabbath to Lord's Day.
There is little Biblical or historical foundation for much of the movement from the Sabbath to the Lord's day.
Interestingly, Hodge says: 'This change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week was made not only for a sufficient reason, but also by competent authority. It is a simple historical fact that the Christians of the apostolic age ceased to observe the seventh, and did observe the first day of the week as the day for religious worship.'
Yet, he cites no Biblical or historical evidence for the claim.
The Lord's Day is a good day to meet together, but we cannot be dogmatic about the subject.
Do you disagree with me? Let me know in the comments below.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 19 by reading up to the heading '11. The seventh commandment'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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