Churches that observe the sabbath
The Sabbath, traditionally observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a day of rest and worship that has its roots in the biblical creation story. Many Christian denominations observe the Sabbath in different ways, but there are a few groups that continue to specifically honor the seventh-day Sabbath, as outlined in the Bible. These churches place significant emphasis on the commandment to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Below are some of the Christian groups that observe the Sabbath on Saturday:
1. Seventh-day Adventists
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of the most well-known Christian denominations that observes the Sabbath on Saturday. Adventists believe that the Sabbath was instituted at creation and reaffirmed through the Ten Commandments. For Seventh-day Adventists, Saturday is a day for worship, rest, and fellowship. Their church services are typically held on Saturday mornings, and they avoid secular activities on the Sabbath, focusing instead on spiritual matters, community, and family time.
2. Seventh Day Baptists
Seventh Day Baptists are another Christian group that observes the Sabbath on Saturday. They trace their origins back to the 17th century in England and the United States, believing that the early Christians observed the Sabbath on the seventh day, as described in the Bible. Seventh Day Baptists emphasize that the Sabbath is a commandment to be followed, and their worship services are held on Saturdays.
3. Church of God (Seventh Day)
The Church of God (Seventh Day) is a denomination that practices Saturday Sabbath observance. With roots in the 19th-century restoration movement, they emphasize the importance of keeping the Sabbath as a part of Christian life and faith. Like the Seventh-day Adventists, they reject Sunday as the day of worship and adhere to a literal interpretation of the fourth commandment, dedicating Saturdays to worship and rest.
4. United Church of God
The United Church of God is part of a larger movement called the “Worldwide Church of God” that believes in strict adherence to biblical law, including observing the Sabbath on Saturday. They emphasize the importance of worshiping on the seventh day of the week and following the teachings and practices laid out in the Bible. They hold regular Saturday services and encourage their members to refrain from secular work during the Sabbath.
5. Hebrew Roots Movement
The Hebrew Roots Movement is not a single denomination but rather a broad movement of Christians who seek to return to the practices of the early church, which they believe included observing the Sabbath on Saturday. This movement teaches that Christians should follow Old Testament laws, including keeping the Sabbath, and some groups in this movement continue to worship on the seventh day. The Hebrew Roots Movement often emphasizes a more direct connection to Jewish customs and traditions, including the observance of Jewish festivals.
6. Sacred Name Movement
The Sacred Name Movement is a group of Christians who believe that the proper use of the names of God (such as Yahweh and Yeshua) is crucial for salvation. Many within this movement also observe the Saturday Sabbath, as they believe it is a fundamental biblical command. They place great emphasis on keeping the commandments, including the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.
7. Messianic Jewish Congregations
Messianic Judaism is a movement that blends elements of Jewish tradition with belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Many Messianic Jewish congregations observe the Sabbath on Saturday, in keeping with Jewish tradition. They often celebrate the Sabbath with worship, scripture reading, prayer, and community meals. These congregations believe that Jesus (Yeshua) observed the Sabbath and that Christians should continue to honor this practice.
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