Sabbath Observance in a Non-Christian Society

1. The Teaching of the Westminster Standards.
   Chapter 21 paragraph 8 ; Larger catechism Q117.

2. The general observance of the Sabbath by Northern Ireland protestants in the past.
   Sabbath keeping/consciousness from the seventeenth century until after the time of partition.

3. The present collapse of the protestant façade.
   The declension that has set in - how this has affected evangelicals and general Sabbath keeping - the lack and need of personal heart conviction through the study of the Scriptures to withstand the tide of opposition.

4. The need for recovery of personal biblical conviction.
   The Westminster Standards an accurate guide to Sabbath keeping - the Biblical standard, Isaiah 58, extending to actions, thoughts and words - the basic principle: rest in order to worship - the Sabbath not abrogated in the NT - the coming of the Saviour did not do away with the blessings of a Sabbath rest - the change of the day from the last to the first day of the week.

5. Conclusions.
   We need to know what to believe - give worship priority over every other consideration, treat every Sabbath as important - consistency is not legalism - no exceptions to be made to obedience, (e.g., recreational travelling on the Sabbath never an option) - we need a hearty motive of love to Christ for all obedience.

For further reading on Loving the Lord's Day, by Robert Murray McCheyne, click on the external link below