One of the most interesting and often misunderstood parts of the Bible is the change in observances between the old and New Testament. There has been a lot of confusion of how things are and are not. Some say the Sabbath is done away with, others say it is not. Others say the holy days are not necessary while folks like us still observe them. There have been changes, too many to outline here in this letter.

One of the biggest changes that took place was living what is called the Sacrament Life. While it was true that many in the Old Testament lived this type of life there were many more in the House of Israel that did not. The Holy Spirit was not given to people in the way it has since Christ’s death and Resurrection. Before his great sacrifice the Holy Spirit was given but often times it can leave a person. King David was always concerned about this happening as it did to his predecessor Saul for his disobedience. Obedience was in the observances of the time and worked out through weekly and annual observances plus conduct reforms such as eating things that are considered clean. These things were given to start Israel from the ground up. To know God and his ways.

With the indwelling of the Holy Spirit this has changed somewhat as we are to live a sacrament life.

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Christ showed us that it wasn’t just to be holy at certain times and the way you observe days and events but it was to be an everyday thing and encompass your whole being.

This includes all your thoughts and instincts, wants and desires. It’s more than just observances. We are to embody the very existence of God and Jesus Christ within us.

1 Corinthians 19-20 reminds us with a question: Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Keep this in mind that when we say we are his we cannot live a dual life but one dedicated only to him!

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”—Proverbs 4:23