What Does It Mean to Keep the Sabbath Day Holy?
The Sabbath day is a day of rest and a day of worship.
The way we approach the Sabbath is one way we show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Keeping the Sabbath day holy means choosing to participate in activities that strengthen our faith, help us worship God, and invite the Holy Ghost into our lives.
Rather than focusing only on what we should avoid, we can ask ourselves a better question:
"Will this activity help me grow closer to Jesus Christ?"
If the answer is yes, it is likely a wonderful way to spend the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is also a beautiful opportunity to spend meaningful time with our families. As we worship, learn, serve, and enjoy one another's company, our homes become places where faith can grow.
Why Did God Give Us a Sabbath Day?
From the very beginning, God established a pattern of work followed by rest.
After creating the earth, He rested on the seventh day and made it holy. This pattern teaches us that rest is an important part of His plan for our happiness.
The Sabbath gives us an opportunity to step away from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life. It allows us to physically rest, spiritually recharge, and remember what matters most.
In a world filled with constant noise and busyness, the Sabbath invites us to slow down and focus on our relationship with God.
It is not simply a break from work—it is a reminder of who we are and whose we are.
Why Is the Sacrament the Center of Sabbath Worship?
The most important part of our Sabbath worship is participating in the sacrament.
Each week, we have the opportunity to remember Jesus Christ and His infinite Atonement. As we worthily partake of the sacrament, we renew the covenants we have already made with Heavenly Father through priesthood authority and recommit ourselves to follow the Savior.
The sacrament is much more than a weekly tradition.
It is a sacred ordinance that reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for each of us.
As we prepare ourselves spiritually before church and thoughtfully participate in the sacrament, we invite the Holy Ghost to be with us and strengthen our relationship with the Savior.
Why Does Attending Church Matter?
Some people ask, "Can't I worship God just as well at home?"
The answer is yes—we absolutely can worship God at home.
In fact, the Church encourages personal and family gospel study through resources like Come, Follow Me. Our homes should be places where the gospel is taught and lived every day.
At the same time, some blessings can only be received by gathering with fellow disciples of Jesus Christ.
At church we partake of the sacrament, worship together, learn from one another, strengthen one another, and participate in ordinances performed through priesthood authority.
The Lord designed His Church to support individuals and families as they grow closer to Him.
Keeping the Sabbath at Home
Keeping the Sabbath holy doesn't end when church is over.
Many of the most meaningful moments happen at home.
The Sabbath is a wonderful time to study the scriptures, pray as a family, discuss the Savior's teachings, serve others, listen to uplifting music, and reflect on the blessings God has given us.
Every family will observe the Sabbath a little differently, but the goal is the same—to make Jesus Christ the center of the day.
When we intentionally fill the Sabbath with things that strengthen our faith, it becomes a day we genuinely look forward to each week.
Living in Harmony with the Commandments
The final part of this temple recommend question asks whether we strive to live in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel.
Keeping the Sabbath is one expression of a life centered on Jesus Christ.
As we consistently strive to obey God's commandments throughout the week, obedience gradually becomes part of who we are rather than something we simply try to do.
Living the gospel is not about checking boxes.
It is about becoming disciples whose love for God is reflected in everyday choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I worship God at home instead of attending church?
Personal and family worship is an important part of the gospel. However, the Lord has also established His Church so we can gather together, partake of the sacrament, worship with other believers, and participate in sacred ordinances through priesthood authority.
Why is the sacrament so important?
The sacrament helps us remember Jesus Christ, renew our covenants, and recommit ourselves to follow Him. It is the center of our Sabbath worship.
Is keeping the Sabbath just about avoiding certain activities?
No.
The Sabbath is much more than a list of things we should or shouldn't do. It is a day dedicated to worship, rest, family, service, and drawing closer to Jesus Christ.
Scriptures to Study
- Genesis 2:2–3
- Exodus 20:8–11
- Isaiah 58:13–14
- Mark 2:27–28
- Luke 22:19–20
- 3 Nephi 18
- Doctrine and Covenants 59:9–13
Final Thoughts
The Sabbath day is one of Heavenly Father's greatest gifts.
It provides a weekly opportunity to pause, worship, renew our covenants, strengthen our families, and draw closer to Jesus Christ.
The way we choose to spend the Sabbath reflects what matters most to us.
As we strive to keep this day holy, the Lord blesses us with greater peace, stronger faith, and a deeper relationship with Him.
The Sabbath day is one way we show God how much we love Him.
We hope this article has helped you better understand what it means to keep the Sabbath day holy. Our prayer is that every resource we create points you toward the Savior and helps you prepare to make and keep sacred temple covenants.
Thank you for spending part of your temple journey with us.
— Scott & Riah Brough
Brough Made
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