Sabbath in the Bible - The Sabbath in the Acts and the Epistles

In contrast to the Gospels, the book of Acts mentions the Sabbath only in passing,without entering into the issue of Sabbath theology and practice. The Sabbath is a mere assumption in the book of Acts. Given the rather complex structure of the Sabbath as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Gospels, rather complex discussion would be required for dismantling it. It is so entwined with the central issues of the Gospel itself, that to abandon it would require the invention of a completely new Gospel system. That is, in fact, what non-Sabbatarian Christians do.

The first mention is in (Act 1:12 ) Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey.

The second mention is (Act 13:14 ) But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

This text is ambiguous, and should not be used to support or deny Sabbath-keeping on the part of the apostles at this period. Verse five would suggest by the expression "synagogue of the Jews" that the mere mention of the word synagogue does not imply a Jewish institution as opposed to a place of gathering for the followers of Christ. However, the following verses identify it as a Jewish place of gathering and show that Paul and his companion have come there,whether or not to participate in the Sabbath reading of the law, at least for the purpose of bringing the message of Christ to the Jews of that place. That situation neither establishes nor denies Sabbath observance.

Paul includes a reference to the Sabbath in his discourse on this occasion, and while the general tone of the mention is positive, it is within the context of specifically Jewish practice and cannot be taken as a witness for or against Sabbath observance by the apostolic community. (Act 13:27 ) For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

The tone in regard to the Sabbath as a Gentile practice is raised somewhat, however,later in the chapter. This text shows clearly that no Sunday gatherings were made at that time for the Gentile believers. They too gathered on the Sabbath.(Act 13:42 ) And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath... (Act 13:44 ) And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of . . .[Yahuwah].

The assumption that the Gentile believers would be present on the Sabbath to hear the reading of the law appears in Acts 15 as an argument for the imposition of no more than avoidance of things offered to idols, fornication, things strangled, and blood. The clear implication of the word "for" (gar) at the beginning of verse 21 is that if they were not listening to the reading of the law, then more should have been imposed on them. Furthermore, the word synagogue here clearly refers to the Jewish institution in regard to "old time", but is ambiguous in regard to the time at which it was spoken. It may well include the place of gathering for the followers of Christ, in which case we must assume that the liturgy at that period included the Torah lesson being read, perhaps in Greek or perhaps in the Palestinian fashion, in Hebrew with a translation or "targum" of each verse. (Act 15:21 ) For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.

Sabbatarians sometimes refer to the following verse as proof that the Sabbath was kept outside of Jewish institutions. This is based on the false premise that the word synagogue must always refer to a Jewish institution. That is simply not the case. Secondly, it is based on the false assumption that Jews who did not know Christ always had a building in which to gather on the Sabbath. That too is obviously not the case. This verse can well refer to an ordinary place of gathering for ordinary Jews. It does not support or deny Sabbath observance among Gentiles. (Act 16:13 ) And on the  Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.

The following verse can also be considered merely evidence of Paul's custom of joining the Jews on the Sabbath in order to preach Christ to them. (Act17:2 ) And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, however,the following verse includes Gentiles in the place of gathering and on the Sabbath. (Act 18:4 ) And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. Most of the book of Acts merely assumes the Sabbath within a Jewish context. Only afew passages suggest Sabbath observance on the part of Gentiles.

The epistles mention the word Sabbath in only one text. (Col 2:16 ) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of theSabbathdays:(Col 2:17 ) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Much has been made of this text as an abrogation of the weekly Sabbath, which is supposed, by the preceding passage, to have been "nailed to the cross." This interpretation neglects the exegetical principle in regard to New Testament writings to examine the Hebrew passages to which the subject makes reference.The New Testament is a great measure a book of commentary on the Hebrew Scriptures. Much weak exegesis is the result of failure to consider this vital fact. The five subjects mentioned in verse 16 are all gathered in only one place: Leviticus 23 . There the animal sacrifices and the food and drink offerings appropriate to the weekly Sabbath, the first day of the month, and the annual feasts, are presented.

Much care is needed in interpreting the Pauline epistles. Peter, who lived at the time and knew the circumstances, still found them difficult to understand. Even the most skillful and knowledgeable of us today must realize that we can easily jump to false conclusions when it comes to Paul. We should therefore be careful about being dogmatic in our understanding of Paul.

The Pauline epistles are generally addressed to specific churches in view of specific problems that are not outlined in detail, but merely hinted at. All of us lack the essential background knowledge. Taking the Hebrew scriptural reference as a hint of what problem is being addressed here, we may make the following tentative assumption. There was a conflict in the church in regard to the food and drink offerings to be offered on the three categories of days also mentioned. Paul's response is to leave that issue to the conscience of the individual, whether or how to provide such offerings, since they are in any case merely shadows of things to come, which have already been fulfilled. That is the extent of the teaching, and to go beyond that is to read one's own bias into the text.

The text implies that the animal sacrifices, not being mentioned, are not a cause of dispute. They could only be offered in the temple in Jerusalem. No doubt some were saying the same for the food and drink offerings, and others were disagreeing. The text also implies that the people of this church were engaged in observing all of the festivals mentioned, including but not exclusively the Sabbath.Paul's remark gives no indication of whether such observance is right,superseded, wrong or necessary. He does not refer to that issue at all. He refers only to the issue of food and drink offerings on those days. He thinks they should not be a matter of conflict.

The word Sabbath does not occur elsewhere in the epistles, although some references to days may be relevant. The seventh day, in reference to the Sabbath, is appealed to in Hebrew 4 as a figure of the rest that remains for Israel in Christ. That passage does not deal with actual Sabbath observance at all,either positively or negatively.

In sum, Acts and the epistles give little new information on the Sabbath. As such,they provide no discussion warranting change. Furthermore, if they did teach that the Sabbath was abrogated and done away with, what would that prove? That would only prove that the epistles are in conflict with the Law and the Gospel.In that case, we should be constrained to reject them as non-canonical and spurious, as no divine revelation at all. As they stand, however, they can well be harmonized with the Gospel, which gives a vital, spiritual understanding of the Law in regard to the Sabbath.

By a strange twist of illogic, those who oppose Sabbath observance often make accusations of legalism. Yet they themselves affirm all of the other moral principles of the law as binding on all and expect others to avoid adultery, murder, theft and the like. Why legalism is attached to one moral practice and not to another cannot be explained rationally. It is based on a mere prejudice, or on the misunderstanding that everything related to the Sabbath is ceremonial and a shadow of things to come, just because some things are. For them the Sabbath must include animal sacrifices, food and drink offerings, death sentence, and the renewing of shewbread, or then nothing at all. Such people do not even recognize the moral and social aspects of the Sabbath presented in the Decalogue, nor the Sabbath as a vehicle of divine mercy as presented in the Gospels. Actually, they are the legalists in regard to the Sabbath.

Sabbath observance does not weaken the importance of Paul's discourse on the law to the Galatians any more than avoidance of adultery and murder do. The same view on the Law and faith can be maintained by the Sabbath observer as by the monogamist and non-violent. The Sabbath as seen in the Bible fosters the concept and experience of salvation by faith through grace.

There are four major arguments against Sabbath observance proposed by Christians on the basis of the Sabbath. 1) There are direct commands for all of the other commandments of the Decalogue in the New Testament, but not for the Sabbath; 2) Yahushua broke the Sabbath and thus showed it to be abrogated; 3) The Sabbath consists entirely of ceremonial obligations which are shadows of things to come and "nailed to the cross"; 4) The text of the New Testament does not show the early church to have kept Sabbath. These as well as the four major arguments based on the Old Testament have all been adequately responded to here in some detail.

In sum, a Bible harmony of the passages in reference to the Sabbath is neither difficult nor in conflict with the Gospel. Rather, it contributes to the better understanding and implementation of the Gospel itself. It intimately integrates recognition of divine sovereignty, it illuminates Yahuwah as Creator and Provider, it limits the power of the powerful and alone among moral commandments transforms human society to one of justice and order from being under the law of the jungle. The Sabbath becomes the vehicle for the penetration of the Gospel of life and mercy into the world. Its neglect is one of the major factors for the limited influence of the Gospel of Christ in the world today.

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Response to kavian fallah Written by Fred Myers, August 08, 2010 You said - I didn't understand the following sentence you wrote, because my english is not good! "The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely,{{ but of all worship,}} is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures" did you mean that we should worship only in sabbath or not? WLC reply - Take note of 'but of all worship' - meaning worship at anytime. The 'distinction' is that the CREATOR is worshiped, BY the CREATED. You said - and another question is that in act 20:7 we see preaching -- WLC reply - All of the Book of Acts must be seen in the light of Chap. 2 - they met DAILY - both for preaching and regular meals -- 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Keep the above in mind also about -- their coming together to 'break bread' in the following - Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. The above account was a very special farewell meeting for Paul who knew that he would never see those believers again --- 25And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.-----36And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, 38Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship. When that whole episode is taken into account, it appears that the emphasis was on the raising back to life of the young man Eutychus - and a word of caution to preachers who speak too long! You said- '--- and in 1 cor 16:2 paul said that "set aside a sum of money in keeping with your incomeoffering gifts" in the first day of the week!. aren't these cases specific for sabbath? WLC reply - If you take a little time to look at the contexts of all the N/T 1st day events, you will find that they were not specially organized for corporate worship. The first meetings between the disciples and the risen Christ, were not planned or pre arranged. They were huddling together (for safety in numbers) 'for fear of the Jews', whom they expected would hunt them down to exterminate them. In these meetings, they did not yet know that HE was risen, how then could they have gathered to meet HIM? The context of worship in Acts, is found in Ch.2 'they met daily' not on any particular day. Later on you see Paul 'as his custom was',(hundreds of times) always meeting with the converts and others on the 7th day Sabbath, even at Joppa where there was no Synagogue. The meeting in Acts 20, and the request by Paul to the churches of Galatia and Corinth, when seen in context, appear to be one and the same to - it was a farewell meeting for Him, on his way to the feast at Jerusalem, where their gifts would be distributed to the needy saints. 'IF' he was referring to the regular weekly tithe and offering, Paul would have been in serious doctrinal error telling them "that there be no gatherings when I come". That would be opposing or contradicting the scriptural mandate of the tithe and offering when he was present! The 'laying aside by him' meant, it should be done at home, on the 1st day of the week, this was to be the special gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem. Paul was on a tight schedule and wanted to avoid the delay and confusion of a hurried collection (gathering) and organizing of the stuff, when he arrived. The other very notable incident which SUNday defenders conveniently overlook, is the enthusiastic request by the Gentiles, for Paul to preach again to them in Acts13:42. Why would Paul have missed so great an opportunity to inform the GENTILES that the day had been changed? Instead, he waited until the next Sabbath. Also overlooked is the fact that while there are hundreds of Sabbath days mentioned, there are only eight 1st day events in N/T, only 1 of which points directly to planned assembly (Acts 20). and it is at the very most ambiguous in its purpose. In His love and service WLC Team +0

Response to Fred Myers Written by kavian fallah, August 07, 2010 I didn't understand the following sentence you wrote, because my english is not good! "The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures" did you mean that we should worship only in sabbath or not? and another question is that in act 20:7 we see preaching and in 1 cor 16:2 paul said that "set aside a sum of money in keeping with your incomeoffering gifts" in the first day of the week!. aren't these cases specific for sabbath? actually I don't know the answer! +0

Response to Anene Kenechi Written by Fred Myers, July 05, 2010 Your comments here and in your profile reveal the fact that you totally misunderstand what we are saying about the Sabbath and that you have not taken time out to study the meaning or significance of the Sabbath. If you simply cast aside what the Bible has to say and continue in what you say you 'believe' then you will have already decided that the bible IS a myth and show that your are NOT really interested to accomplish what you say in your profile - 'Why I joined WLC global community- Because I'm interested in knowing whether the bible is just a myth or reality.' You will be well advised to prayerfully look into the following - Home eCourses Bible Study Lessons eCourse Bible Study Lessons (part #2) 1. The Sign Of The True God SEE --- http://www.worldslastchance.co...e-god.html EXERPTS ---- Question: Of what is the Sabbath a sign? And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Ezekiel 20:20 Answer: It is a sign of the true God. When people observe the true Sabbath, it serves as a sign that they are worshipers of the Creator, the true and living God. It is also a sign to the world that they are His people. Question: What kind of a day is the seventh-day Sabbath? If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day. Isaiah 58:13. Answer: It is a holy day, to be kept sacred. NOTE: God has given men six days wherein to labor, and He requires that their own work be done in the six working days. Acts of necessity and mercy are permitted on the Sabbath, the sick and suffering are at all times to be cared for; but unnecessary labor is to be strictly avoided. 'Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and . . . honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure.' Isaiah 58:13. Nor does the prohibition end here. 'Nor speaking thine own words,' says the prophet. Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. And the commandment includes all within our gates. The inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business during the sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by willing service upon His holy day. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307. The Sabbath is not introduced as a new institution but as having been founded at creation. Twenty-five hundred years later at the Exodus from Egypt it was reintroduced to the Israelites. The true Sabbath of creation is being reintroduced to us today to prepare It is to be remembered and observed as the memorial of the Creator's work. Pointing to God as the Maker of the heavens and the earth, it distinguishes the true God from all false gods. All who keep the seventh day signify by this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus the Sabbath is the sign of man's allegiance to God as long as there are any upon the earth to serve Him. The fourth commandment is the only one of all the ten in which are found both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by whose authority the law is given. Thus it contains the seal of God, affixed to His law as evidence of its authenticity and binding force. Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307. 11. Of what is the Sabbath a sign? And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God. Ezekiel 20:20 Answer: It is a sign of the true God. When people observe the true Sabbath, it serves as a sign that they are worshipers of the Creator, the true and living God. It is also a sign to the world that they are His people. NOTE: 'The importance of the Sabbath as the memorial of creation is that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due to God'--because He is the Creator, and we are His creatures. 'The Sabbath therefore lies at the very foundation of divine worship, for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution does this. The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely, but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures. This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten.'--J. N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath, chapter 27. It was to keep this truth ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath in Eden ; and so long as the fact that He is our Creator continues to be a reason why we should worship Him, so long the Sabbath will continue as its sign and memorial. The Great Controversy, p. 437. In His love and service WLC Team +0

MY BELIEF Written by Anene Kenechi , July 04, 2010 WHAT I WANNA STATE IN THIS LUNAR SABBATH CASE IS THAT I DON'T REALLY BELIEVE THAT IF I WORSHIP GOD ON ANY OTHER DAY IT BECOMES A SIN. AM SUPPOSED TO WORSHIP GOD ANYTIME I WANT TO AND ANYTIME MY SPIRIT TELLS ME AND NOT ON A PARTICULAR (1) DAY IN A WEEK, PERIOD. GOD CREATED THE DAYS AND NOT THE DEVIL SO THE WORSHIP SHOULD GO TO HIM NO MATTER THE DAY AS FAR AS IT'S HIM YOU HAVE IN MIND WHILE PRAYING/WORSHIPING. WORD OF KEN- +0

Response to Junius Tadanugi Written by Fred Myers, April 29, 2010 The great persecution and murder of millions throughout he dark ages and until now, has not prevailed and has in most cases resulted in further spreading of the Gospel. The enemy has had thousands of years to strategize and attacking from within via a Trogan Horse has not been overlooked. Internal bickering, can easily be looked at as part of the fallen human condition which is taken advantage of by the enemy who never ceases to find opportunities to enhance his position in the Great Controversy, although futile. Much of the negative 'evidence' has come about by manipulation of the facts over many centuries, by his pawns. This will only increase as his damning end grows nearer. The many intentional additions/subtractions/slants being perpetrated in the modern versions of scripture is appalling barefaced evidence of the above. The end time in which we now live calls for more vigilant 'WATCHING' as asserted by our Redeemer in the New Testament. This is the WATCH DOG ministry to which WLC has been called to rally the troops for TRUTH. In His love and service WLC Team +0

Sabbath in the Bible Written by Junius Tadanugi, April 28, 2010 As a layman in theology I am confuse to see debate among theologian abaut sabbath. Among them of course have argument and evidence. Why this happen ! +0

Response to Yooke Longkutoy Written by Fred Myers, April 16, 2010 Thanks for your positive view of the Sabbath. We pray that you will be blessed as you study with us our Creator's true Luni-solar calendar pinpointing His true Sabbath appointments. In His love and service WLC Team +0

Seventh Day = Sabbath of the Lord Written by Yooke Longkutoy, April 16, 2010 Readers, Who you want to follow, God or man? Read carefully, Hebrew 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Sabbath is created for people of God... For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. This is the warning for you from Jesus... Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day. GBU +0

... Written by travis anderson, February 15, 2010 great rules +0

synagoge or temple Written by louis kwofie, January 12, 2010 Jesus was in the the temple almost every day doing the work his father sent him to do - seek and save the lost. He said it was good to save life on the sabbath than to kill. He also said "My father is working on the sabbath so I must also work". Can we understand the commandents of God more than Jesus Christ? +0

Which Sabbath Written by Norman Whitehead, January 10, 2010 I don't have a problem with keeping the Sabbath. My question is: Since there is no mention of Monday, Tuesday etc., how do we know which day is the real Sabbath. +2

Weekly and annual Sabbaths Written by Robert Schmid, December 27, 2009 In response to Daniel 8 message, allow me to make four points: In regards to Col. 2:16, I let no man to judge me about my Sabbath keeping. The seventh day Sabbath is not only a command from the Old Testament, but a prophecy of the millennial Sabbath yet to come. There will be no Sunday keepers in the Kingdom of God. In Lev. 23 the LORD said: Say to the people of Israel (say to God’s people); The appointed feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim as holy convocations, MY appointed feasts are these.” They are both the weekly and the annual Sabbaths. The seven annual Sabbaths, just like the weekly Sabbath, are prophecies of which only the first three (Passover, Days of Unleavened Bread and Pentecost) have taken place. These are the feasts to bring about personal change. The next four (Trumpets, Atonement, Tabernacles and Last Great Day) are yet to take place and will bring about worldwide changes when Jesus Christ will set up the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus said: “If you love me, keep my commandments” The fourth commandment is one of His commandments and not keeping it tells Him that you do not love Him. +0

Sabbath Written by Yooke Longkutoy, December 04, 2009 It's so amazing that God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it. Why seventh day, why not the first or the second and so on. It must be a reason, and it was given while human being still has no sin at all, holy, pure and blissful. Sabbath was created in the Garden of Eden, so blessed to human kind. Read and think of it again and again you will find the answer why... Genesis 2:1 ¶ Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. God blessed the Seventh day and santified it. It's going to be that way forever. There are seven days in a week but God only blessed the seventh day, not the the first and not the six day or the fiftth day. And then God promise through words came out from His mouth written in the Isaiah 58:13-14 as follows: Isaiah 58:13 - If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it. God mentioned that the sabbath is His holy day... and There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (Hebrew 4:9) It's so amazing... +0

Seal of God ( Holy Spirit) Written by daniel 8, November 24, 2009 Bible Truth about Sabbath as the Seal of God There is nothing wrong with a believer setting aside the Sabbath as a time to worship God. Various Christian groups throughout the Christian era have seen this as an important part of their worship of God. Today, there are over 300 Christian groups and denominations that worship on the Seventh-day Sabbath. Most of these get along very peacefully with their Sunday-keeping brethren. They follow Paul's admonition to never let the observance of days be a reason to separate Christians (see Rom. 14). However, there is one sect of Sabbath-keepers, the Seventh-day Adventists, that takes an extreme position on the Sabbath. They make it a requirement for salvation. They teach that in order to receive the "seal of God" one must keep the seventh day Sabbath. They teach that churches who do not keep Sabbath are part of "Babylon" or "Apostate Protestantism." This divisive teaching separates believers, familes, and friends. It turns the Sabbath-Sunday debate into a battleground between the "loyal" Sabbath-keepers and the "disloyal" Sunday-keepers. For Adventists, it can lead to an "I'm better than thou" issue of spiritual pride. Adventists view the Sabbath as a test of their loyalty to their Creator, and a separating wall between true believers and false believers. In effect, they are passing judgment upon other Christians based upon their observance of a day. This is the exact practice which Paul forbid! Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]. (Col. 2:16) While some Christians look at the New Testament and find evidences to support Sabbath observance, many others read the New Testament and find little or nothing said about the importance of the Sabbath. As Paul said, "let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Rom. 14:5) 1. In the Bible, what is the purpose of a seal? Est 8:8 - Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal [it] with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse. The purpose of a seal is to prevent the contents of the object being sealed from being changed. A law that was sealed by the king's ring could never be changed. When Daniel was thrown in the Lion's Den, the entrance was "sealed" indicating the king's will could not be undone (Dan. 6:17). The tomb of Christ was "sealed" by Pilate to prevent anyone from touching its contents (Matt. 27:66). +2

Seal fo God ( Holy Spirit) Written by daniel 8, November 24, 2009 continue.... The book of Revelation does not give us many details about what the seal of God is, and it only gives us a few clues about those who sealed: They are "servants of our God" (Rev. 7:3) They are 144,000 in number (Rev. 7:4) They are from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:4) They have the "Father's name written in their foreheads" (Rev. 14:1; in ancient seals, the king's name was usually found on the seal.) They "were redeemed from the earth" (Rev. 14:3) They "are virgins" (Rev. 14:4) They "follow the Lamb" (Rev. 14:4) Their speech is pure (Rev. 14:5) They are "without fault" (Rev. 14:5) Please note: There is nothing in the description of the 144,000 about Sabbath-keeping. If Sabbath-keeping is indeed the most important and prominent sign that separates true Christians from false ones, then why didn't John at least mention it here? 3. What is the Seal of God? Revelation does not tell us in precise detail what the seal is or how it is administered, so we must assume it was a well-known concept in the early church. As a matter of fact, the word "seal" appears many times in the New Testament. From studying these verses we can get a good understanding of how the church of the apostle John's day understood the meaning and significance of the "seal". The Apostle John18 wrote of Jesus: ....him hath God the Father sealed. (John 6:27) Just as ancient kings sealed objects to make them unchangeable, the King of the Universe sealed Jesus Christ so that evil could not destroy, change, or alter who He was. How was Jesus sealed? John wrote of Jesus.... ...for God gives the Spirit without limit. (John 3:34, NIV) Paul repeatedly talk about the Holy Spirit's presence being the seal of Christianity: 2Cr 1:22 - Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Eph 1:13 - In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Eph 4:30 - And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 make it abundantly clear that God seals us to keep us until the "day of redemption". The Holy Spirit is given to us so that evil can not destroy, alter, or change us. Conclusion Not once in the New Testament is the Sabbath ever referred to as a sign or a seal for Christians. Just as the Lord's supper celebration replaced the Jewish Passover celebration, so has the Holy Spirit replaced the Sabbath as the "sign" or evidence that a person is one of God's chosen people. Consider this carefully. What is the best way to tell whether or not a person is a true Christian? Is it by what day they go to church on? Even Adventists will tell you that going to church on Saturday does not make someone a Christian. There are some people who go to church on Saturday while they deny their Christian faith by their actions. Their hearts are filled with perversion, hatred, adultery, and idolatry. So what is the best way to tell if a person is a true Christian? By their spirit! If they have the Holy Spirit in their hearts, they will manifest the fruits of the Spirit in their lives: "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." These fruits of the indwelling Holy Spirit will be evident to all. These fruits are the true sign of a believer. The Sabbath is not the sign of a true Christian. It never has been. It never will be. Maranatha came Lord Jesus!!! +3

... Written by Nuwan Fernando, November 23, 2009 i love god +0

... Written by amang singson, November 23, 2009 itgreatly help me +1

Sabbath Written by Genci Cesula, November 21, 2009 This article has very lame arguments. It is not worthy dealing with them. Arguments from Old Testament state an obvious point that there was Sabbath on Old Testament. But is was just a sign. Arguments from the Gospels point to nothing because all the references tells about Jesus' debate with Religious leaders. He corrected their wrong view. The view of this article is no different. Arguments from Acts point to nothing too. They are just references of Jews that met on Sabbath and Paul went to meet them in the day they met. From the epistles he brings only two references that show nothing too. In Col Paul says not acts as Judge for those who do not keep Sabbath. He puts Sabbath with ceremonial law not with moral law. He puts it with foods, days etc. Hebrews 4 uses Sabbath only as an illustration. Also we are told at least in three places in New Testament that Christians meet in the first day of the week or the Lord's day. The Lord's day is the day that Jesus rose from the dead. Someone can also read this great sermon from Jonathan Edward: http://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/sabbath.htm -1

... Written by Adebanjo Abolore, November 21, 2009 sabbath is to be respected as said in the holy scripture, but most people did not repect it and they seit as a resting dayt after a week hard work, it is a day devoted to go to the synagogue (church as so called nowadays) to worship & praise God Almight who been guiding and making us prosper throught the week, lastly which of the days is to be preserved as the sabbath day is it saturday or sunday as there are lot of argument about this. pls i seeking the indulgence of worlds last chance to creat more enlightment about this. God Bless Worlds Last Chance Amen -1

... Written by endtime elijah, November 09, 2009 Thanks daniel 8, written by daniel 8, November 08, 2009 After you receive ----- and the Holy Spirit will teach us look Jesus Christ as the perfect exemplo ------ Saturday dont save you . reply- We do not keep the commandments to be saved - rather BECAUSE we ARE saved and we love to OBEY (be fully surrendered) to HIM WHO says 'IF you LOVE ME, keep MY commandments' (which are not just suggestions) Question - can the Holy Spirit truly teach us NOT to follow Christ in His PERFECT EXAMPLE of keeping HIS OWN true 7th day Sabbath which HE reclaimed saying 'I AM LORD of the SABBATH'?? u post- Paul said in Colossians:2:16 16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a SABBATH DAY. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. reply- The above confirms that we who are 'FOUND in Christ' will certainly walk in His footsteps as His 'custom was' -- observing the 7th day Sabbath - every week!! Have u ever considered that Paul was in fact encouraging the Colossians to continue what they were doing (keeping the Sabbaths etc) -- and were being criticized for it by others who were disobedient?? Paul certainly must have been in full compliance with What Christ commanded BEFORE the CROSS in Matthew 23:2-3 (the 7th day Sabbath being unmovable from the 'ALL WHATSOEVER'in MOSES'SEAT) and again AFTER the CROSS - the same 'ALL WHATSOEVER' teach ALL NATIONS ---Jews AND Gentiles -- Matt.28:19-20. Paul gave us the SUMMARY of ALL his writings -- Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Shalom -1