Inquiry:
Is it necessary to keep the Sabbath? Some verses say yes (Exodus 16:29; 20:8; 31:13-15; 34:21; 35:2; Leviticus 19:3, 30; 23:3; Numbers 15;32, 36; Deuteronomy 5:12; Isaiah 56:2), but others say no (Isaiah 1:13; Matthew 12:2; John 5:16; Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16). Is there a contradiction?
Response:
I’m guessing the questioner didn’t notice that all the verses provided to say that the Sabbath is necessary are from the Old Testament, and all but one for the negative are from the New Testament. Those who were subject to the Law of Moses were commanded to keep the Sabbath day. The Old Testament law has now been nailed to the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 2:13-17). No command is given in the New Testament for us to keep the Sabbath.
Rather, the New Testament commands us to assemble for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
The context of the only Old Testament text in the negative list shows why God could not endure the Sabbath any longer. The people had rebelled against Him (v 3). Samuel told Saul,
…to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22)
Faithful service to God is not ceremonial, it is a life commitment.
There is no contradiction.
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