the Sabbath

The Ten Commandments not only provide timeless moral principles but also establish a deeper connection between humanity and the divine. Among them, the command to observe the Sabbath—“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8)—is not merely a guideline for rest but a profound "sign" of the covenant between God and humanity, emphasizing both a spiritual rhythmand a relationship rooted in trust, dependence, and devotion. The Sabbath serves as a necessity for human flourishing, a Sign of divine order, and a marker of the sacred bond between God and His people.

From a rational perspective, the need for rest is woven into the very structure of human nature. The Sabbath provides the necessary pause in our lives, allowing for physical renewal, emotional restoration, and spiritual reflection. In a world driven by endless productivity, this commandment serves as a reminder that we were not created to be slaves to work or consumed by the pursuit of material gain. The Sabbath establishes a balance, giving individuals the opportunity to step back and focus on the more profound aspects of life; relationships, spiritual growth, and connection to GOD. It asserts that time must be set apart, and this time of rest is essential for both personal well-being and societal harmony.

However, the Sabbath is more than just a matter of personal health or societal function; it is a sign that reflects something far greater: the special relationship between God and men. The Sabbath was instituted not only to give humanity physical rest but to set aside a day as holy, a day that marks the covenant between God and His people. In the book of Exodus, God declares, “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever” (Exodus 31:17). This statement shows the significance of the Sabbath as a symbol of the divine relationship. The Sabbath serves as a visible and continuous reminder that God is not a distant figure, but an active presence in the lives of His people. By observing the Sabbath, individuals acknowledge the divine authority that sustains their lives and the world around them. It is an act of obedience and devotion, a tangible expression of loyalty to God and His commandments.

The sabbath as a sign also points to the greater covenant of freedom and redemption. For the Israelites, the Sabbath served as a reminder of their liberation from the slavery of Egypt, where they were bound to the oppressive demands of labour without rest. In observing the Sabbath, they celebrated their freedom as God's chosen people, liberated not only from physical bondage but also from the tyranny of endless toil. Similarly, today, the Sabbath calls all believers to remember that they are free, not just from physical labour, but from the spiritual and moral burdens that sin imposes. The act of setting aside a day to rest in God’s presence reminds humanity that true freedom comes from aligning with God’s will, recognizing that our lives are not our own but are held in the care of a loving Creator.

Moreover, the Sabbath as a sign between God and men also symbolizes trust. To observe the Sabbath is to trust in God’s provision. In a society that often prioritizes self-sufficiency and material wealth, taking one day each week to rest and refrain from labour is a demonstration of faith. It is a statement that we trust God will provide for us, even when we set aside our work for a day. This act of rest is an acknowledgement that God is the true sustainer of life, and that His provision goes beyond human effort. By ceasing from work on the Sabbath, we affirm that we depend not solely on our own strength but on God’s faithfulness. Remember How GOD provided manna to the Israelites in the desert.

In addition, the Sabbath is a sign of the created order. God created the heavens and the earth in six days, and on the seventh day, He rested. The command to observe the Sabbath is an invitation to align human activity with the natural rhythm of creation. Just as God rested after His work, humans are called to rest as well, recognizing that rest is a part of the divine design. In a world that constantly urges individuals to push past their limits, the Sabbath provides an opportunity to reconnect with the natural order and the rhythms that sustain life. It teaches humanity to live in balance with the creation, respecting its inherent structure and trusting that rest is a vital part of God's design for life.

In this way, the Sabbath is more than just a command; it is a sign of a deeper relationship with God. It marks the covenant that God made with His people, a covenant based on love, trust, and freedom. As a sign between God and men, the Sabbath serves as a tangible expression of our loyalty to God, our acknowledgement of His provision, and our trust in His wisdom. It is a sign of both rest and renewal, not just for the body but for the soul, drawing us closer to the Creator who established this rhythm for our well-being.

The importance of the Sabbath is clear: it serves as a necessary day of rest and reflection, grounding individuals in a balanced life and maintaining the social and personal harmony required for thriving communities. But its deeper significance as a sign between God and men is a reminder that the very order of life is rooted in a relationship with God, and that by observing the Sabbath, humanity honours the Creator and the divine covenant that governs all of existence. The Sabbath is not only a day for physical rejuvenation, but a profound reminder of the sacred bond between God and humanity, a bond that shapes the very structure of life itself.

It's easy to cherry pick scriptures to prove a point. You pull one verse out of Romans 7 and ignore the context. The Law has no authority over me because I am crucified with Christ. You omitted to mention that.

If you were to look at all of the relevant scripture, the place of the Law becomes clear. I did a full study on the place of the 10 commandments and the Law many years ago. I was motivated because I was tired of the legalistic attitude of the pastor where I was going. I was getting condemned, yet there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus.

I prefer life, grace and truth. I know that it is comforting to have a set of rules to live by. That's how children function best. Walking in the Spirit is for grown ups.

Is this the same SDA church that says that worshiping on Sunday will be the mark of the beast? The annihilation of the soul? (No hell). That the soul and spirit are the same thing? And EG White got her theology from dreams and visions? That includes the insistence on worshiping on Saturday.

No curse in the 10 commandments? How about if you break any of the 10?

Also, do you know the 10 commandments are written in the book as well.

I'll try to explain it for you again...

When we are crucified with Christ, what is this referring to?
The flesh. Self
The flesh needs to die.

When we die to the flesh we can walk In the Spirit.

Gal 5:16-18
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

It is clear that the difference between being condemned by the law and not being under the law is what we are following. The Spirit or the flesh.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,"
... ... And many more evils.

Gal 5:22-25
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

If we are walking in the Spirit what fruit will transgress the law? There is no law that condemns the fruits of the Spirit.

We are not under any law when we live in the Spirit. No condemnation when we walk in the Spirit.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

I agree with you, that the law has no authority over me when I am crucified with Christ. But that does not make the law void. It can't condemn you when you are walking in the fruits of Holiness.

The Spirit does not transgress the law
So walking in the Spirit results in not transgessing the law.

I find peace when I'm walking in the Spirit.

Mat 24:12-13
12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Notice the word iniquity
How it abounds

Iniquity = G458
Transliteration: anomia
Thayer Definition:
the condition of without law
because ignorant of it
because of violating it
contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
Origin: from G459

Strong's Definition: From G459; illegality, that is, violation of law or (generally) wickedness: - iniquity, X transgress (-ion of) the law, unrighteousness.

Transgression of the law... Lawless...violation of the law.

Luk 13:27-28
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

Workers of iniquity... lawlessness

You can say Lord Lord, I believe, I have faith, I am saved but what does Jesus say to them that work Iniquity?
Mat 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

We don't know sin or iniquity without a law to define it.

Sin is the transgression of the law.

The curses are if you break them. Not the law itself, which is Perfect for converting the soul Psa 19:7 written by our Perfect Savior and holy, just and righteous Rom 7:12 Psa 119:172 Psa 119:142

I'm sure Moses wrote down the 10 commandments as well, why would he no, he was recoding everything. But it changes nothing that God alone wrote the Ten Commandments with His own finger, only the Ten Commandments was placed inside the ark, placed under His mercy seat where mercy and justice will come together soon. I personally would not want to remove anything God covers under His mercy seat that He says right in the Ten

Exo 20:6 but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Who wrote these words- God or Ellen?

Exo 20:10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.

God wrote these Word personally with His own finger. It cannot be made any plainer.

When God's people go away from God's Word- God would always raise up a messenger to bring them back to His Word.

God is so longsuffering and if people won't listen to Him He tries everything to get His people to listen, but sadly the result is usually the same for the majority

1 Chro 36: 15 And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

Sadly, not much has changed.

We are living in the last days, why God is calling His people out of our false worship- which Jesus defined and keeping our traditions over obeying the commandments of God. Mat 15:3-14

Rev 18: 4 And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.

It takes 143 pages and the issue is STILL not resolved? Amazing! I wonder how important it could be if Scripture is that unclear. However, I find RM 14:1-5,19&22 and 15:5 to be clear enough:

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables... One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. [I think y'all satisfy this requirement :]

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification... whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God... May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus."

Can you point out where the Sabbath is even mentioned once in Romans 14?

The scriptures are clear- the Sabbath is a commandment of God, thus saith the Lord., written by the finger of God Exo 31:18, no Greater Authority than He . What God blessed, man cannot reverse Num 23:20, regardless how hard they try. Man cannot bless themselves; they cannot sanctify themselves Isa 66:17 ; we need God for everything. Isa 56:1-6 Eze 20:12 and the Sabbath is the only commandment that points to our Creator Exo 20:11 and no wonder why its been attacked for centuries. We were even warned about it Dan 7:25

Many use Paul's writings out of context like in Romans 14, that doesn't even mention the Sabbath once and is referring to opinions of man- not the commandments of God. It would be like us debating if Christmas and Easter are religious holidays, not if we can disobey God.

No, and I can't point out where Paul mentions carrots either, but I view his teaching about human quibbling about such matters as GW.

If it was simply a matter of personal preference it wouldn't be an issue. Casting a stumbling block of condemnation in front of weak brothers/sisters with dire warnings for not exalting Saturdays via a wicked twisting of scripture is another matter altogether and needs to be confronted. There will always be controversy because some people among us are simply not of us.

I wouldn't take the Words of Jesus so lightly. God blessed, man cannot reverse which even means Paul. Hence the warning we have about his writings 2 Peter 3:16 because Paul the servant never countermanded Christ our Creator and Master. Why we should not add what is not there. We are even told not to do this because our truth is not God's Psa 119:151 we are only sanctified by God's Truth John 17:17 and only God can sanctify us Eze 20:12

True, but we need to understand that only correct belief/understanding about God's requirement for salvation (the kerygma) is crucial and should be viewed as a test for orthodoxy or heresy. As Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Conversely, judgments concerning a person’s spiritual orientation or ultimate destiny should not be made on the basis of didachaic or secondary doctrines. (If any judgment is made, it should begin with a self-examination per MT 7:1&5, 2CR 13:5-8).

A major reason many Christians throughout history have not manifested the love and unity of God’s Spirit (EPH 4:3) as well as they should is because of failure to realize this truth. If they did, it would free them to speak honestly and fellowship without becoming unduly upset about relatively minor issues (such as whether the sabbath law is mandated for Christians). They would receive God’s blessing as peacemakers, who draw inclusive circles around people based on the kerygma rather than denominational lines between them due to didachaic (secondary) differences. Jesus prayed for spiritual unity (cf. JN 17:20-23, “May they be one…”).

The normative way of stating the kerygma/GRFS in the NT is “Accept Christ Jesus as Lord” (as in 2CR 4:5 & CL 2:6). The main points of Christian orthodoxy implicit in this statement can be explained or elaborated as follows:

1. There is a/one all-loving and just Lord or God (DT 6:4, JN 3:16, 2THS 1:6), who is both able (2TM 1:12) and willing (1TM 2:3-4) to provide all morally accountable human beings salvation or heaven—a wonderful life full of love, joy and peace forever.
2. Human beings are selfish or sinful (RM 3:23, 2TM 3:2-4, CL 3:5), miserable (GL 5:19-21), and hopeless (EPH 2:12) when they reject God’s salvation or DOD (JN 3:18).
3. Jesus is God’s Messiah/Christ or the way (means of providing salvation) that God has chosen (JN 3:16, ACTS 16:30-31, PHP 2:9-11), although pre-NT truthseekers could/can learn a proto-gospel via general revelation combined with conscience.
4. Thus, every person who hears the NT Gospel needs to repent and accept God in Jesus as Christ/Messiah the Lord or Supreme Commander (LK 2:11, JN 14:6, ACTS 16:31), which means trying to obey His commandment to love one another (MT 22:37-40, JN 13:35, RM 13:9)—forever (MT 10:22, PS 113:2).
5. Then God’s Holy Spirit will establish a saving relationship with those who freely accept Him (RV 3:20) that will eventually achieve heaven when by means of persevering in learning God’s Word everyone cooperates fully with His will (RM 8:6-17, GL 6:7-9, EPH 1:13-14, HB 10:36, 12:1, JM 1:2-4).

Do we'all affirm this?

The words of Paul are inspired by Jesus, unless God is tricky!

Absolutely, they are inspired.

But the inspired Word told us this:

2 Peter 3:16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.

Jesus telling us to depart from Him at His Second Coming Mat 7:21-23 and being left outside the gates of heaven Rev 22:14-15 is just that, twisting to our own destruction.

Hence the warning because Paul is hard to understand, taken out of context often and he was a servant of Christ Rom 1:1 and a servant is never greater than our Heavenly Master. John 13:16. God blessed and man cannot reverse Num 23:20. Without God's blessing, we are cursed. We need His blessing and His sanctification, because we cannot bless or sanctify ourselves, we need God for everything.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

Do you affirm GRFS as was elaborated?

If so, then I don't see it indicating that the Sabbath law (which commanded death for not observing it) is mandatory for Christians and I hope that your faith is weak rather indicative of falling from grace per Paul in GL 5:1-10.

For those of us who do affirm the kerygma, let us obey the instructions of Paul in RM 14:1-5,19&22 and 15:5:

"Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables [including carrots]... One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day [including the sabbath] alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification... whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God... May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus."

It's not a minor issue. It precipitated a major council of the Jerusalem church that involved the very top leaders to resolve the issue, ie, were gentiles required to keep the law of Moses in order to be saved. The judgment was no, yet we have people today who refuse to hear and abide by their decision, which we should take as the word of God. That really can't be tolerated with the cloud of witnesses we have on the matter, that they simply ignore to push their ungodly agenda, ie, salvation by works of law

True. I should have said "such as whether resting on the sabbath is permissible for Christians as long as they don't execute folks who disagree and go to work and serve them dinner on the sabbath".

I'm all for Christians not working on Saturdays if that's what makes them feel good. Even if they believe God wants them to. That's a measure of their faith. Have it to thyself before God and be blessed