Christ Will Give You Rest: A Biblical Theology of the Sabbath (NSBT)
Is the Sabbath still required for Christians?
Opinions range from indifference to strict observance, yet few explore the question across the whole sweep of Scripture.
In this thoughtful and accessible study, Beau M. Landers traces the theme of Sabbath from the Old Testament to its fulfilment in Christ. Beginning with the Sabbath as a sign of the Mosaic covenant, Landers examines how it tested Israel's loyalty and pointed to God's sanctifying work. The heart of the discussion lies in Jesus' declaration that he fulfils the Law (Matt. 5:17).
By following the biblical-theological thread to its climax in Christ, readers are invited to reconsider the meaning of Sabbath and its implications for faithful Christian living today.
Reviews
"The Sabbath is an important theological strand that runs through the Bible, and Landers handles the material masterfully. He carefully and convincingly demonstrates that the Old Testament Sabbath was neither adopted nor abrogated by the New Testament authors, but was transformed by Christ. The Sabbath typologically anticipated a restored and eternal rest that is available even now to all who believe. Jesus brings the full and final rest to God's people. Landers is to be commended for bringing clarity to this important biblical theme." - Benjamin L. Merkle, Dr. M. O. Owens, Jr. Chair of New Testament Studies Research Professor of New Testament & Greek, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"This well-researched study opens with an informative survey and taxonomy of perspectives on the Sabbath from the early church to the present. With perhaps unparalleled exegetical scope, it then traces how the theme of Sabbath progresses across the biblical canon and climaxes in Christ. Finally, out of this framework it considers the lasting significance of the Sabbath for the church today. This exceptional case study into the relationship of the Old and New Testaments exemplifies why to understand and apply the Scriptures rightly requires carefully considering the person and work of Christ within the progress of the Bible's storyline. Read this book to revel more in the one who has already secured Christians full rest every day of our lives." - Jason S. DeRouchie, Rich and Judy Hastings Endowed Chair of Old Testament Studies, Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
"This is the most extensive - and most probably - the best discussion on the theology of the sabbath that I have read in recent years. From Ignatius to Carson and from Genesis to Revelation, Landers pulls together solid historical, exegetical and theological analysis into a coherent and compelling biblical theology of how Christians should interpret and celebrate the sabbath." - J. Daniel Hays, dean of the Pruet School of Christian Studies and Professor of Biblical Studies at Ouachita Baptist University
"The meaning of the sabbath is the subject of considerable debate. Landers steps back and provides an in-depth biblical-theological study of the sabbath, working carefully through the canon of Scripture. Landers shows that the sabbath points to our sabbath rest in Christ, our enjoyment of God's presence today and forever. Whatever one's view of the sabbath (and I think Landers is on target), this study must be taken into account in any study of the subject." - Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Professor of Biblical Theology, Associate Dean, School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Beau M. Landers serves as Director of Distance Learning and the Equip Network at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a member of Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville, North Carolina, holds four theological degrees, and has served as a teaching pastor for nearly a decade.
