The World Mission Society Church of God (WMSCOG) frequently claims that verses such as Jesus being the "Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8) and His instruction to pray that your flight does not take place on the Sabbath (Matthew 24:20) demonstrate that Sabbath observance is required under the New Covenant and will persist into the last days. While this argument may seem persuasive at first, a careful examination of the biblical context reveals the flaws in their interpretation.

This study will refute these claims by showing that these passages, when understood correctly, do not support New Covenant Sabbath observance. Instead, they point to Christ as the fulfillment of the Sabbath and the Mosaic Law, freeing Christians from its ceremonial requirements.

1. "Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8)

WMSCOG's Argument

The WMSCOG asserts that because Jesus identifies Himself as the "Lord of the Sabbath," this implies Christians must continue observing the Sabbath under the New Covenant, with Jesus as its head.

Proper Context and Refutation

• Matthew 12:1–8: Jesus defends His disciples for plucking grain on the Sabbath, a practice condemned by the Pharisees as unlawful:

  "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." (Matthew 12:8)

1. Jesus Rebukes Legalism:

   • Jesus uses this situation to challenge the Pharisees' legalistic interpretation of the Sabbath. He points to mercy and necessity (verses 3–7), emphasizing that human need supersedes rigid Sabbath laws.
   • He cites examples from the Old Testament, such as David eating the consecrated bread (1 Samuel 21:1–6), to demonstrate that even under the Mosaic Law, ceremonial regulations could be set aside for a higher purpose.

   The WMSCOG would never tell a member to miss a Sabbath service for anything that requires mercy or necessity isn’t that right?

2. Lordship Over the Sabbath:

   • By declaring Himself "Lord of the Sabbath," Jesus is asserting His authority over the Sabbath. This does not mean He is reinterpreting the Sabbath for New Covenant observance but rather that He fulfills its purpose.
   • Jesus is the rest to which the Sabbath pointed. His death and resurrection inaugurate a spiritual rest, freeing believers from the burdens of the Mosaic Law (Matthew 11:28–30; Hebrews 4:9–10).

3. The Sabbath Was a Shadow:

   • The Sabbath is described as a "shadow" of what is to come, with its "substance" found in Christ (Colossians 2:16–17). Jesus’ lordship over the Sabbath signifies its completion and fulfillment in Him, not its continuation as a binding law.

As the Lord of the Sabbath, Christ is the Lord over all creation and gives those who believe in him the promise of eternal rest. There is not verse stating we must keep the Sabbath as gentiles!

• Hebrews 4:1-3:

  "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Now we who have believed enter that rest..."

  • Who receives the rest?
    • Those who believe in God’s promises.
    • Those who combine hearing the message with faith.

• Hebrews 4:6:

  "Therefore, since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience..."

  • Who does not enter the rest?
    • Those who are disobedient or lack faith, as seen with the Israelites in the wilderness.

• Hebrews 4:9-11:

  "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience."

  • Who is it for?
    • It is explicitly for the people of God—those who respond to God’s call with faith and obedience.
    • It is not automatic; effort and perseverance in faith are required.

Where does it state the New Covenant Sabbath is the way to receive this promise of eternal rest? Instead it says those who believe in God’s promises they will receive that rest.

2. "Pray Your Flight Does Not Take Place in Winter or on the Sabbath" (Matthew 24:20)

WMSCOG's Argument

The WMSCOG argues that Jesus’ instruction to pray that their flight not occur on the Sabbath proves that Sabbath observance will remain mandatory even in the last days.