Sacred time in the Bible refers to specific periods set apart by God for worship, rest, and remembrance. These times are divinely ordained and hold significant spiritual meaning, serving as opportunities for believers to draw closer to God and reflect on His works and commandments.

Sabbath

The concept of sacred time is first introduced in the creation narrative. In Genesis 2:2-3 , it is written, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." The Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, is a day of rest and worship, commemorating God's rest after creation. It is a perpetual covenant between God and His people, as stated in Exodus 31:16-17 : "The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it as a lasting covenant for the generations to come. It is a sign between Me and the Israelites forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed."

Feasts and Festivals

The Mosaic Law outlines several feasts and festivals, each marking sacred time with specific rituals and purposes. Leviticus 23 provides a comprehensive list of these appointed times, including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivals serve as reminders of God's deliverance, provision, and covenant with Israel.

· Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread: Commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, Passover is a time to remember God's mighty acts of salvation. Exodus 12:14 states, "This day is to be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD. You are to celebrate it as a permanent statute for the generations to come."

· Feast of Weeks (Pentecost): Celebrated 50 days after the Sabbath of Passover week, this feast marks the giving of the Law at Sinai and the firstfruits of the harvest. Leviticus 23:21 instructs, "On that same day you are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come, wherever you live."

· Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): A solemn day of fasting and repentance, the Day of Atonement is a time for the Israelites to seek forgiveness and purification. Leviticus 16:29-30 commands, "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must humble yourselves and not do any work... because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD."

New Testament Observance

In the New Testament, sacred time takes on new dimensions with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The early Christians began to gather on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection, as seen in Acts 20:7 : "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread." This practice highlights the fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath in Christ, who offers rest for the soul (Matthew 11:28-30).

Eschatological Significance

Sacred time also points to future fulfillment in God's redemptive plan. The book of Revelation speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, where time as we know it will be transformed into eternal worship and communion with God. Revelation 21:3-4 describes this ultimate sacred time: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"