The term "Sabbath" originates from the Hebrew word shabbat, meaning "to rest" or "to cease." It was a cornerstone of the Old Covenant, symbolizing God’s authority, creation, and provision. Its observance marked Israel’s covenant relationship with God. The WMSCOG insists there is a “New Covenant Sabbath” for “spiritual Israelites” but this is based on proof-texting and assumptions the Sabbath covenant gets extended to gentiles somehow as well.
Genesis 2:2-3:
"On the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy."
The Sabbath reflected God’s rest after creation, serving as a divine model for humanity to rest and worship.
Note: This is descriptive not prescriptive, this is not a universal institution of the Sabbath as a worship day.
Exodus 20:8-11:
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor... but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God."
Exodus 31:16-17:
"The people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. It is a sign forever between Me and the people of Israel."
The Sabbath was a ceremonial sign for Israel, distinguishing them as God’s chosen people. This was a covenant for the Jews. However, it also foreshadowed the ultimate rest fulfilled in Christ for the spiritual Jews who are God’s people in the new covenant.
The New Testament frames the Sabbath as a "shadow" of greater realities fulfilled in Jesus Christ.