In light of the fact that the Hebrew word for “seven” comes from a root that means “to be full or satisfied” or “to have enough,” it becomes quite clear why God rested from His creative work on the seventh day. His work of creation was complete. It was good and perfect and nothing could be added or taken from it without marring it. Hence, we have the word “Sabbath,” which means “to cease, desist or rest.” 

Being the last thing God created, there was nothing left for man to do but to enter into God’s rest. God had completed the work of creation and all that remained for man to do was to enter into it, experience it and enjoy it. Likewise, as the author of Hebrews points out in Hebrews 4:1-11, Christ has completed the work of salvation. There is nothing left for us to do, but to receive it by faith. Once we do, we can enter into it, experience it and enjoy it. By resting in Christ for our salvation, we turn everyday into a “Sabbath” day.

This explains why the Apostle Paul teaches us that no one should be judged anymore as to whether or not they observe “sabbath days” (Colossians 2:16). Although groups like Seventh-Day Adventists are appalled at this teaching of the great apostle, it makes perfect sense to the serious student of Scripture. As an Old Testament type-of-Christ, the Sabbath was simply a shadow showing us that when Christ—“the Lord of the Sabbath” (Matthew 12:8)—came, salvation could be acquired by all who “cease, desist and rest” from their own works and trust in the sufficiency of Christ’s work. 

Remember, it is “by grace [that we] are saved through faith; and that not of [ourselves]: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Salvation has nothing to do with who we are or with what we do, not even with whether or not we observe “sabbath days.” Salvation has everything to do with who Jesus is and with He has done. All that remans for us to do is receive by faith what Christ has done for us. The moment we do, we enter into His rest, making everyday a Sabbath day.