Day God Made

by Glen Knecht

Do Christians today see the Lord's Day, the Christian Sabbath, as an unattractive, dreary time of legalistic restriction? If so, have they misunderstood the nature of 'the day God made'? Glen Knecht believes that many have. They have taken what was meant to be 'a little oasis of greenness, for meditation and rest', to be an arid period of irksome inactivity, and have rejected a good gift of God which should have been welcomed and used with joy. Knecht sees the day as rooted in Creation and the teaching and example of Christ, as well as in the Ten Commandments. He urges a return to the right use of this 'little section of time fenced off by God for the restoration and blessing of His people' as a time in which to meditate, rest, serve others, and grow in understanding of God's ways and love.

Genres: Theology, Law

101 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Kristen Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent; a fantastic, important, and reverberating view of the Sabbath. So many amazing points—I’d definitely reread!

[Diane Hidey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent theological challenge about the fourth commandment. I read this when the book was published in 2004 and reread it now. It still has valuable points about honoring the Sabbath, a practice that is often ignored today. Lots of practicals with a deep challenge to love God and His people by keeping the Sabbath free of all the trappings of the world. Definitely food for thought!

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book put out by Banner of Truth is a good introduction into the abiding validity of the Lord’s day/sabbath day. Nothing academic here, and it does have some odd comments, such as there being a direct connection between rising levels of heart disease in the American population and the decreased levels of observing the Lord’s day. But perhaps not any more odd than Machen saying that World War 2 would end immediately after one good sabbath day observance.

[Ronald Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoke loudly to my dull ears.

[Joonas Laajanen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct.

[Robin Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I’ve read. Very simple and gets to the point of why the Sabbath is good. It was made for us! Highly recommend this book.

[Julie McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My parents knew this author! He was the one who “connected” them!

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book by an esteemed, elder-statesman pastor in my presbytery is well worth your time reading on a Sunday afternoon.

I read it in preparation for a sermon on the fourth (Sabbath) commandment.

Pastor Knecht assumes more than argues for the Westminsterian view of the Sabbath (it is moved to Sunday and the whole day should be taken up in worship, reflection, and works of mercy or maintenance). Insights and practical applications abound, like this:

"By having to separate out in our lives what is appropriate for Sabbath activity, we will recognize what a stronghold the pleasures and ways of the world have taken upon our minds and imaginations."

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by our pastor. Knowing him in person made the book that much better. Good for a short starter on thinking about the Sabbath.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the subject and the treatment; comprehensive and inspiring!

[Teri Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed, well-balanced examination of the fourth commandment. I found it both convicting and encouraging.