The 4th Commandment in the NT

It isn’t uncommon in theological circles to assert that the 4th Commandment isn’t reiterated in the New Testament, whereas the other 9 are.  Is this true?  

Answer: It most certainly is not. 

The Sabbath command most certainly is repeated in the NT.  The Sermon On the Mount is written in the outline of a suzerain covenant & serves as the NT version of the Book of Deuteronomy in general but not in the particulars.   

Most people, when this issue comes up, connect the Sabbath Commandment with worship on a particular day.  Ergo, since 7th Day worship isn’t expressly commanded, so the argument goes, the 4th Commandment isn’t not explicitly repeated in the NT.  

The major fault in the argument is the connection to 7th Day worship — but the 4th Commandment encompasses much more than setting aside on or more days for rest & worship in general or, for that matter any particular day.  Let me explain…

Matt. 22 summarizes the 2 Tables of the Law in vs. 34 - 40.   At the end we read that everything else hangs on those 2 overarching principles —- principles which summarize the whole Moral Law / Decalogue.  

 

The Sabbath Commandment therefore encompasses / grounds / anchors all worship regulations.   The Lord’s Prayer is both a model prayer and a model for liturgical worship.   Just replace the word “pray” with “worship.” 

And when you worship, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and worship in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you worship go into your room and shut the door and worship to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

7 “And when you worship do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 worship then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

10  Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

11  Give us this day our daily bread,

12  and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13  And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.