35 Reasons Why at WLC We Love to Keep His Holy Day:
1. We keep the Bible Sabbath because God Himself kept the Bible Sabbath
God made asufficient proof of His regard for the true Sabbath by resting the very firstseventh day that evercame to this earth:
God restedon the seventh day. Genesis 2:2.
God restedon the seventh day. Exodus 31:17.
God restedthe seventh day. Exodus 20:11.
God didrest the seventh day. Hebrews 4:4.
Whereas:
Theseventh day Is the Sabbath- Exodus 20:10.
Theseventh day is the Sabbath. Leviticus 23:1
Theseventh day is the Sabbath. Deuteronomy 5:14.
Theseventh (day) Is the Sabbath. Exodus 31:15
Theseventh day, which Is the Sabbath. Exodus 16:26.
Therefore:
It Is asplain as day the Bible teaches that. God himself kept the seventh day Sabbath. My first reasonfor keeping the Bible Sabbath is sufficient in itself to settle the wholequestion now andforevermore. God Himself kept the seventh day Sabbath. That is conclusiveevidence to substantiateand vindicate my keeping, your keeping, or any one else’s keeping of theseventh day Sabbath; for who could be wrong or even be accused of doing wrongwhen he follows the example of God Himself in keeping the very Sabbath daywhich God kept.
2.Because God Instituted it at creation for man to keep
"Thus theheavens and the earth wore finished, and an the host of them. And on theseventh day God endedHis work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His workwhich He had made. And God BLESSED the seventh day and SANCTIFIED it: bemusethat In It He had rested from all His work which God created and made." Genesis2:1-3. “For insix days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them Is, andrested the seventhday; wherefore the Lord BLESSED the Sabbath day and HALLOWED It.” Exodus 20:11. GodBLESSED the seventh day. Genesis 23-3. The LordBLESSED the Sabbath day. Exodus 20.11. GodSANCTIFIED the seventh day. Genesis 2:1-3. The LordHALLOWED the Sabbath day. Exodus 20:11.
Pleasenotice that God BLESSED and SANCTIFIED the seventh day Sabbath at the end of creation.The blessing and sanctification show it was Instituted at that time for man tokeep. “GodBLESSED the seventh day.” Genesis 2:1-3. God has said: "I change not" (Malachi3:6), and in Himthere "is no variation, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17. Consequentlywhen God blesses anything,the blessing cannot be “REVERSED” (Numbers 23:20), because when God BLESSESanything, it “shall be BLESSED FOREVER.” 1 Chronicles 17:27.
“GodSANCTIFIED the seventh day.” Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11. According toWebster’s dictionary“sanctify” means “to set apart to holy use.” The Bible states: “God blessed theseventh day, and sanctified it. BECAUSE that in it He HAD rested” (showing theday had already past before He blessed and sanctified it). Therefore He blessedand sanctified the seventh days then future, answering to the seventh day whichhad just past on which He HAD rested.
The aboveevidence clearly demonstrates the fact that God Himself has attached the utmost importanceto the seventh day Sabbath by His personal blessing and sanctification, therebydefinitely fixing the seventh day for all time as the only and true Sabbath.
God is thegiver of rest, for He says to all, “Come unto me and I will give you rest!’Matthew 11:28; Exodus33:14. God knows which is the right day on which to rest, and He has given manthe seventh day Sabbath as a day of rest:
“Theseventh day thou shall rest.” Exodus 23:12.
“Theseventh day thou shall rest!” Exodus 34:21.
“Theseventh day is the Sabbath of rest!” Exodus 31:15
“Theseventh day Is the Sabbath of rest.” Leviticus 23:3
Godappointed the seventh day as a Sabbath to be the day of rest from secular workbecause that in it HeHimself had rested from all His work. God’s rest was not made necessary byfatigue (Isaiah 40:28), but He rested on that day as an example to all men,thus making His rest on the seventh day a reason why men should rest on theseventh day-that man should do as God had done. Notice the, following textswhich prove that God rested on the seventh day:
God restedon the seventh day. Genesis 2:2.
God restedon the seventh day. Exodus 31:17.
God restedthe seventh day. Exodus 20:11.
God didrest the seventh day. Hebrews 4:4.
No wonderin the New Testament after the cross the followers of Christ “RESTED theSabbath dayaccording to the commandment.” Luke 23:56. No wonder the book of Hebrews in theNew Testament positively states “There remains therefore a REST (keeping of aSabbath) to the people of God. Let us labor therefore to enter into that REST,lest any man fall after the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:9,11,margin.
So we cansee that the seventh day Sabbath is not manmade but God-made. It is not onlythe oldestinstitution but also the first institution which God gave to man, it beingolder and as significant as the marriage institution. Since the setting apartof the seventh day as the Sabbath day was coincident with the ORIGIN of man,the observance of that seventh day as the Sabbath is to be coexistent and coextensivewith the DURATION of man.
3.Because the Sabbath was made for mankind
Jesussaid: “The Sabbath was made for MAN.” Mark 2:27. Man in this text means humanbeing, mankind.”(Cf. Webster) Matthew 4:4; John 1:9. The Bibledoes NOT say: “The Sabbath was made for the JEWS. But it does say: “The Sabbathwas made for MAN!” Mark 2:27. It also says: The woman was made for the MAN. 1Corinthians 11:9. How couldthe Sabbath be made for the Jew only when it was Instituted at Creation(Genesis 2:1- 3; Exodus20:8-11) 2,500 years before a Jew existed? A Jew Is “a descendant of Judah,”according to Young’sConcordance.
Notice theSabbath commandment itself. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy ... the seventhday is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God [not Jew]. In it thou shall not do anywork, thou, nor thy son, northy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor THYSTRANGER that is within thy gates.” Exodus 20:8-10. Please tell us to whom THYSTRANGER refers if it does not refer to some one who is not a Jew. God hastaken the most scrupulous precautions against such an idea by writing into thefourth commandment the term THY STRANGER, who is not a Jew. Cf. Exodus 12:49;Numbers 15:16, 29; Isaiah 56:6-8.
Those whocontend that the Sabbath was made ONLY for the Jew will, by the force of theirown consistency,have to admit the woman was also made ONLY for the Jew and the Jew is the onlyman who can have a wife, because the woman was made for the same MAN for whomthe Sabbath was made. The Sabbath was given about the same time marriage wasgiven, and it applies to all men the same as marriage applies. So we can seeplainly that the Sabbath is no more exclusively for the Jew than is themarriage institution. The Sabbath is not man-made but God-made, and it was madefor all men in all the world for all time.
"Itwas set apart before the fall, it was made for man, it was made for all." -R.F. Cottrel.
4.Because God commanded man to keep the Sabbath
Notice howmany times the Bible repeats God’s command for man to keep the Sabbath:
“Rememberthe Sabbath day, to KEEP It holy.” Exodus 20:13.
“Verily mySabbaths you shall KEEP.” Exodus 31:13.
“You shallKEEP my Sabbaths.” Leviticus 19:30.
“You shallKEEP my Sabbaths.” Leviticus 26:2.
“KEEP theSabbath day!” Deuteronomy. 5:12.
“KEEP mySabbaths.” Leviticus 19:1
Whatstronger language could be used? The Sabbath which most men are forgetting,that very Sabbath,God says to “Remember.” God knew that man would forget His Sabbath. No wonderthe fourth commandment, which deals with the Sabbath, is the only one of allGod’s holy Ten Commandments which begins with “REMEMBER.” “Rememberthe Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shall thou labor, and do all thywork: but THESEVENTH DAY IS THE SABBATH OF THE LORD THY GOD: In It thou shall not do anywork!’ Exodus20:8-10.
5.Because God commands man to keep not A day but THE SEVENTH DAY
God doesnot say in His commandment that man is to keep A seventh day, or ANY seventhday, or YOURseventh day. Nor did God say to keep the day of Christ’s birth, or the day ofChrist’s death, or the day of Christ’s resurrection. The ONLY weekly day whichGod or the Bible definitely and distinctly COMMANDED should be kept is “THESEVENTH DAY [which] IS THE SABBATH OF THE LORD THY GOD” Exodus 20:10. Howgrandly simple the Bible makes this in the following texts:
THESEVENTH DAY God ended His work. Genesis 2:1-3.
THESEVENTH DAY God rested. Genesis 2:1-3.
THESEVENTH DAY God blessed. Genesis 2:1-3.
THESEVENTH DAY God sanctified. Genesis 2:1-3.
THESEVENTH DAY God had rested. Genesis 2:1-3.
THESEVENTH DAY God told us to remember. Exodus 20:8.
THESEVENTH DAY God made the Sabbath day. Exodus 20:8.
THESEVENTH DAY God made holy. Exodus 20:13; Isaiah 58:13.
THESEVENTH DAY God told us to refrain from work. Exodus 20:10.
THESEVENTH DAY God made HIS Sabbath. Exodus 20:10.
THESEVENTH DAY God rested. Exodus 20:11.
THESEVENTH DAY God blessed. Exodus 20:11.
THESEVENTH DAY God hallowed. Exodus 20:11.
As thereis only one day of American Independence, only one right day to celebrate thefourth of July, soTHE SEVENTH DAY is the ONLY RIGHT SABBATH DAY for man to keep. Therefore every seventhday Sabbath should be underscored with red because it is God’s red-letter dayof the week – “Day of all the week the best!”
6.Because the seventh day Sabbath is the LORD’S DAY
Allthrough the Bible we are repeatedly told that the Lord has a definite andspecial day. The Lord’sregard for the Lord’s day is stressed in terms of possession. For example, as Iwould say of my hat: “Carl’s hat, hat of Carl, or my hat;” so the Lord showsHis possession of His day by calling it: “The Lord’s day, day of the Lord, ormy day.” Notice the following texts:
“TheLord’s day.” Revelation 1:10.
“Lord evenof the Sabbath day.” Matthew 12:8.
“Lord alsoof the Sabbath.” Mark 2.28; Luke 6:5.
“My holyday.” Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 9:14; Exodus 31:15; Leviticus 19:3, 30.
“Theseventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.” Exodus 20:10.
“Theseventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 5:14, Leviticus 23:1
Who candoubt the plain statement of the Holy Bible when it gives all these Scripturalwitnesses to testifythat the seventh day Sabbath is the Lord’s day?
7.Because the Sabbath is the SIGN between God and His people forever
As mostarticles have their particular brand or trade-mark to establish theirgenuineness, as every policemanhas a badge to vindicate his authority, as every official has his seal toascertain his identification and power, so God has a visible mark or sign betweenHim and His people that forever distinguishes them. The Bible plainly stateswhat this sign is: “I gavethem my SABBATHS, to be a SIGN between Me and them.” Ezekiel 20:12. “Hallow mySABBATHS; and they shall be a SIGN between Me and you.” Ezekiel 20:20.
“MySABBATHS you shall keep: for It is a SIGN between Me and you.” Exodus 31:13. “It is aSIGN between Me and the children of Israel FOREVER.” Exodus 31.17.
8.Because the Sabbath is God’s flag
God has aflag. I (God) will set up MY ensign. Isaiah 49:22. A flag isa sign: “They setup their ensigns for signs” Psalm 74:4.
God’s signis His Sabbath:
“I gavethem MY Sabbaths, to be a SIGN.” Ezekiel 20:12, 20.
“It [mySabbath] is a SIGN.” Exodus 31:13.
“It [mySabbath] is a SIGN forever.” Exodus 31:17.
Since Godhas a flag. Isaiah 49:22 , R. V.
And a flagis a sign Psalm 74:4.
And God’ssign is His Sabbath. Ezekiel 20:12, 20.
ThereforeGod’s FLAG IS HIS SABBATH. Things equal to the same things are equal to eachother. God tookof the fabric of time and made Himself an ensign for eternity. He made a unitof time by therolling of a globe, and He called that unit day. He took a handful of days,seven, and made them a week. And of that week He took the last day, theseventh, and made it the Sabbath. -That Sabbath is His sign, His emblem, HisFLAG.
A flag ismore than a mere piece of cloth. It is a special piece of cloth consecrated tothe definite purpose ofsignifying all that a government is and has. So Is the Sabbath. It is more thanmerely a day. It is a special day. Like the cloth in a flag it Is a piece oftime that has a special significance, being consecrated by God Himself torepresent the government of God with all its power, purpose, and privilege. TheSabbath, therefore, Is as different from any other day as the flag is differentfrom any piece of cloth. Since the Sabbath is the flag of God’s Kingdom and Iam a subject of God’s Kingdom, I want to see the HOME FLAG flutter because Itspeaks of the homeland. Just as Old Glory has gathered people out of all nationsto America and it is a sign of America, so God’s flag reminds us that we arestrangers and pilgrims in a foreign land (Hebrews 11:13 ), that our home is faraway upon a golden strand. The Sabbath is God’s flag all the way from ParadiseLost to Paradise Regained and under it will finallyrally the faithful who will be gathered from earth’s remotest bounds. Isaiah11:12.
Since noflag could take the place of Old Glory to the true American; so no other daycould take the placeof God’s seventh day Sabbath to the true Christian. Any flag won’t do; neitherwill any day do. It is nothing short of high treason to disrespect God’s flag.Men have too long scuffed God’s Old Glory under their feet. It is high time torally round the flag of God and let it wave as our standard forever at anycost, we must be as loyal to and true to Gods flag.
9.Preserving His Sabbath, a parallel to the final redemption of man kind
When Mosesendeavored to persuade Israelin Egyptto keep the Sabbath, Pharaoh made a law against it.Exodus 5:5-9. Therefore God took Israelout of Egyptto keep the Sabbath: “Keep theSabbath day to sanctify it ... the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thyGod; In It thou shallnot do any work. And REMEMBER that thou was a servant In the land of EGYPT,and that the Lord thy God brought thee thence through a MIGHTY HAND and by astretched out arm: THEREFORE the Lord Thy God COMMANDED thee to KEEP THESABBATH DAY.” Deuteronomy 5:12-15; cf. Psalm 105:43-45.
We haveevery assurance that the Sabbath will play a prominent part in the finalredemption of mankind ina manner that will be similar to and parallel to the Exodus. Notice theunmistakable evidence from the Bible. “And in THAT DAY there shall be a root ofJesse which shall stand for an ENSIGN [cf. No. 8] of the people; to It shallthe Gentiles seek: and His REST [cf. Exodus 16:23; Hebrews 4:9 margin] shall beglorious. And It shall come to pass In THAT DAY, that the Lord shall set Hishand again the SECOND TIME TO RECOVER THE REMNANT OF HIS PEOPLE [first time atthe Exodus, Deuteronomy 5:12-15]. And He shall set up an ENSIGN [cf. No. 8] forthe nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel,and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of theearth.” Isaiah 11:10-12.
10.The seventh day Sabbath before Sinai. Exodus 16:1; 19:1
Since somany falsely believe that the Sabbath command did not exist before Sinai, thisreason and proof isof profound significance to the sincere seeker of Bible Truth. Notice the Bibleevidence which shows theSabbath command existed before Sinai: “How longrefuse you to keep My COMMANDMENTS AND MY LAWS? For the Lord hath given youthe SABBATH!” Exodus 16:4, 28-29. “This Inthat which the Lord hath acid, Tomorrow Is THE REST OF THE HOLY SABBATH.” Exodus16:23.
ThisScriptural evidence showing the Sabbath commandment was in existence beforeSinai Is highlycreditable, open, aboveboard, and explicit. Notice the following lessons Godtaught His people there that day concerning the Sabbath:
1. Whatday it is Exodus 16:26.
2. What itis Exodus 16:23.
3. How toprepare for it Exodus 16:23, 26.
4. How Itshould be kept Exodus 16:30.
5. Withwhat it Is associated Exodus 16:2S.
6. Whogave it to man Exodus 16:29.
11.Because the TEN COMMANDMENT LAW will stand FOREVER
“The worksof His hands are verity and judgment; all His COMMANDMENTS are sure. They STAND FASTFOREVER AND EVER.” Psalm 111:7, 8; cf. 119:152. To provethat “His commandments” in this quotation refer to the Ten Commandment Lawwhich containsthe Sabbath, we call to your attention the expression “works of His HANDS”. Theonly commandmentswhich were the works of God’s hands and in fact the only thing that God everwrote with His own hands according to the Bible, are the TEN COMMANDMENTS.Notice the following text: “He commanded you to perform, oven TEN COMMANDMENTS;and HE WROTE THEM upon two tablesof stone.” Deuteronomy 4:13, cf. Exodus 31:18; 34:1.
12.Because God would NOT CHANGE HIS LAW
God wouldnot change it: “I am the Lord, I change not.” Malachi 3:6. Godforbade man to change it: “You SHALL NOT ADD unto the word which I COMMANDEDyou, neither shall you, DIMINISH ought from It that you may keep theCOMMANDMENTS of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 4:2; cf. 12:32.
Christtaught that the Law remained unchanged: “Do notfor a moment suppose that I have come to ANNUL THE LAW. In truth I tell youthat untilheaven and earth pass away, NOT THE SMALLEST LETTER, not a PARTICLE shall passaway from theLaw until all has taken place.” Matthew 5:17, 18. Weymouth.
Paul,James, and John taught the Law remained unchanged:
“Do wethen make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea we ESTABLISH THE LAW.” “The DOERSOF THE LAW shall be justified.” Romans 3:31, 2:13. “If youfulfill the royal law YE DO WELL For whosoever shall keep the WHOLE LAW, andyet
offend inONE POINT, he is guilty of all.” James 2:8-12; cf. I John 2:4-6. 5:1
13.He that attempts to CHANGE GOD’S LAW is AGAINST GOD.
For anyone to attempt to change God’s Holy Law, it would seem to the true Christianlike the touch of aprofane hand upon the ark of God. Through all the history of the world God hasmaintained the laissez faire theory in regard to His law-”Let well enoughclone.” In spite of this, fools rush in where angels fear to tread, and man hasattempted to change God’s law; notice what the Bible states concerning thislese majeste (high treason): “And he shall speak great words AGAINST THE MOSTHIGH, and ... think to CHANGE TIMES AND LAWS.” Daniel 7:25. “The earth also isdefiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the LAWS,CHANGED the ordinance, BROKEN the everlasting (Exodus 31:161 covenant.” Isaiah24:5; cf. Zephaniah 3:14; Ezekiel 22:26.
14.Because God is AGAINST those who are AGAINST His law
“Thereforeas the fire devours the stubble so their root shall be as rottenness becausethey have CAST AWAYTHE LAW OF THE LORD.” Isaiah 5:24. “Whoevertherefore shall break ONE of these least commandments and shall teach men so,he shall becalled LEAST In the Kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19. “He thatturns away his ear from hearing the LAW, even his PRAYER SHALL BE ABOMINATION.”Proverbs 28:9; cf. Hosea 4:6; Isaiah 30:9; Jeremiah 6:19.
15.The Ten Commandments Are God’s Character
Becausethe law which contains the Sabbath contains the same great eternal qualities ofGod Himself. The CLOSE RELATIONSHIP existing between God and His law is demonstrated below to a mathematicalnicety:
1. God isJUST - Romans 3:26. His law is JUST - Romans 7:12.
2. God isTRUE - John 3:33. His law is TRUE - Nehemiah 9:13.
3. God isPURE - 1 John 3:3. His law is PURE - Psalm 19:7,8.
4. God isLIGHT - 1 John 1:5. His law is LIGHT - Proverbs 6:23.
5. God isFAITHFUL - 1 Corinthians 1:9. His law is FAITHFUL - Psalms 119:86.
6. God isGOOD - Nahum 1:7. His law is GOOD - Romans 7:12,16.
7. God isSPIRITUAL - John 4:24 . His law is SPIRITUAL - Romans 7:14.
8. God isHOLY - Isaiah 6:3, 1 Peter 1:15. His law is HOLY - Exodus 20:8, Romans 7:12.
9. God isTRUTH - John 14:6. His law is TRUTH - Psalms 119:142,151.
10. God isLIFE - John 14:6. His law is LIFE - Matthew 19:17 .
11. God isRIGHTEOUSNESS - Jeremiah 23:6. His law is RIGHTEOUSNESS - Psalm 119:172.
12. God isPERFECT - Matthew 5:48 . His law is PERFECT - James 1:25.
13. God isETERNAL - John 8:35. His law is ETERNAL - Psalms 111:7,8.
14. God isPEACE - Isaiah 9:6. His law is PEACE - Psalm 119:165.
15. God isTHE WAY - John 14:6 His law is THE WAY - Psalm 119:30-32
16. God isSURE - 2 Timothy 2:19 His law is SURE - Psalm 19:7, 111:7,8
17. God isUNCHANGING - Malachi 3:6 His law is UNCHANGING - Psalm 111:7,8
18. God isSWEET - Psalm 34:8 His law is SWEET - Psalm 19:10, 119:103
19. God isWISE - Psalm 111:10 His law is WISE - Psalm 19:7
20. God isOUR MEDITATION - Psalm 63:6 His law is OUR MEDITATION - Psalm 1:2
21. God isJUDGE - Psalm 50:6 His law is JUDGE - James 2:12
22. God isENLIGHTENMENT - Psalm 18:27 His law is ENLIGHTENMENT - Psalm 19:8
23. God isLOVE - 1 John 4:7,8 His law is LOVE - Romans 13:8-10
24. God isCLEAN - Psalm 19:9 His law is CLEAN - Ezekiel 22:26
25. God isBLESSED - Psalm 28:6 His law is BLESSED - Exodus 20:11
26. God isDELIGHT - Psalm 37:4 His law is DELIGHT - Psalm 1:2
27. God isWONDERFUL - Isaiah 9:6 His law is WONDERFUL - Psalm 119:18
28. God isLIBERTY - Isaiah 61:1 His law is LIBERTY - James 1:25,Psalm 119:45
29. God isCOMFORT - Psalm 23:4 His law is COMFORT - Psalm 119:50
30. God isOUR SONG - Revelation 15:3 His law is OUR SONG - Psalm 119:54
31. God isMERCIFUL - Exodus 34:5 His law is MERCIFUL - Psalm 119:58
32. God isKNOWLEDGE - Isaiah 11:2 His law is KNOWLEDGE - Psalm 119:66
33. God isHOPE - Psalm 130:7 His law is HOPE - Psalm 119:74
34. God isLIFE - Psalm 36:9 His law is LIFE - Proverbs 3:1,2
35. God isSOUND - Proverbs 8:13,14 His law is SOUND - Psalm 119:80
36. God isUNDERSTANDING - Psalm 147:5 His law is UNDERSTANDING - Psalm 119:99
37. God isHAPPINESS - Psalm 146:5 His law is HAPPINESS - Proverbs 29:18
38. God isJOY - Psalm 16:11 His law is JOY - Psalm 119:162
God’s 1awmanifests His qualities to such an extent that He Himself identifies Himselfwith His law bycalling it the ROYAL LAW. James 2:8-12.
16.THE STANDARD by which TRUE AND FALSE religions are determined
“TO THELAW and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it Isbecause THERE ISNO LIGHT IN THEM.” Isaiah 8:20.
17.THE STANDARD by which God’s final JUDGMENT will be made
It is acold fact; nevertheless it Is as true as the needle is to the pole that God’slaw which contains HisSabbath will be the standard of His Judgment. Notice the following Biblicalevidence: “JUDGED BYTHE LAW.” Romans 2:12. “JUDGED BYTHE LAW.” James 2:8-13; cf. Ecclesiastes 12:12,13.
18.Because the LAW OF GOD is not the LAW OF MOSES
God spokethe Ten Commandment Law with His OWN voice and wrote it with His OWN finger upontables of stone (Deuteronomy 4:12, 13). Therefore there is no excuse for anyone, be he priest, preacher,or prelate, to be so misinformed as to say that Moses gave and wrote the TenCommandment Law. TheLAW OF MOSES is as carefully separated from the LAW OF GOD in the Holy Bible asthe north poleis from the south pole. I have taken the time to trace through the entire Biblefrom beginning to end, from Genesis to Revelation, and I have found scores ofpassages that mention these two laws, but never are they confused. On thecontrary the Bible carefully, clearly, and plainly distinguishes between the LAWOF GOD and the LAW OF MOSES, showing they are two separate and distinct laws.When the Bible separates these two laws, it is a good policy for man to do thesame. What theConstitution is to the UnitedStates, so God’s holy Ten Commandment Law isto His government.Americamay make covenants, codes, ordinances, and statutes, but never should sherepeal or change the Constitution which is her basic law. The Law of Moseslikewise contained codes, contracts, pledges, ordinances, and rites which weregiven and taken away, but not God’s holy basic Ten Commandment Law. It neverwas, is, or will be changed or repealed. How could God repeal such commandmentsas: “Thou shall not steal, murder, kill, etc?” Right in the very heart of suchbasic commandmentsis found the seventh day Sabbath commandment. No wonder the Bible says: “UNTILHEAVEN AND EARTH PASS AWAY. NOT THE SMALLEST LETTER, NOR
PARTICLESHALL PASS AWAY FROM THE LAW.” Matthew 5:18, Weymouth.
That theLAW OF GOD is carefully separated from the LAW OF MOSES in the Scriptures will bedemonstrated beyond all possibility of successful contradiction in thefollowing table:
LAW OF GOD LAW OF MOSES
CalledRoyal Law. James 2:8. Called Law contained In ordinances. Ephesians2:15.
Spoken byGod. Deuteronomy 4:12 . Spoken by Moses. Leviticus 1:1-3.
Written byGod. Deuteronomy 4:13 . Handwriting of ordinances. Colossians 2:14.
Written byGod’s finger. Exodus 31:18. Writtenby Mows. 2 Chronicles 35:12.
Written ontables of stone. Exodus 24:12. Writtenin a book. 2 Chronicles 35:12.
Placed inark. Exodus 40:20. Placed in side of ark. Deuteronomy 31:24-26.
IsPerfect. Psalm 19:7 . Made nothing perfect. Hebrews 7:19.
Stands fastforever and ever. Psalm 111:7,8 Nailedto cross. Colossians 2:14.
Was notdestroyed by Christ. Matthew 5:17-19 Was abolished by Christ. Ephesians 2:15.
Magnifiedby Christ. Isaiah 42:21. Takenout of way by Christ. Colossians2:14.
Givesknowledge of sin. Romans 3:20, 7:7 Instituted in consequence of sin. Leviticus4:7.
19.Because the Patriarchs kept the Ten Commandment Law
“AbrahamKEPT MY LAWS and COMMANDMENTS!” Genesis 26:5. cf. 4:3 margin. Some seemto think the Ten Commandment Law or God’s law was not in existence beforeSinai. The abovetext shows such an objection is not an explanation but merely an excuse aself-evident falsity. Such an opinion runs counter to facts. To those whoquestion the existence of the TEN COMMANDMENTSin the PATRIARCHAL AGE we submit the following:
1. Genesis14:19,20 17:1,9 35:2-4
6. Genesis27:42 37:21; 4:8-12; 4:23,24; 6:11; John 8:44
7.Genesis16:4,5 19:32-38 20:1-8 26:10,11 34:2-7; 39:9 2:21-25 Jude 1:7
8. Genesis21:25
9. Genesis20:1-8 12:18,19 27:24 34:13 37:30-33; 3:4,5 21:23 John 8:44
20.Because the Bible writers UPHELD THE LAW
ABRAHAM:“Kept My commandments.” Genesis 26:5.
MOSES: "Remember the SABBATH DAY to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8.
NEHEMIH:“Keep My commandments.” Nehemiah 1:9; 9:13,14.
JOB:“Receive the law.” Job 22:22.
DAVID: “Ishall keep Thy law.” Psalm 119:34.44,55; 78:1.
SOLOMON:“Who so keeps the law Is a wise son.” Proverbs 28:7; 29:18.
ISAIAH:“Blessed Is the man that keeps the Sabbath.” Isaiah 56:2.
EZEKIEL:“They shall keep My laws and hallow My Sabbaths.” Ezekiel 44:24.
DANIEL:“Keep His commandments.” Daniel 9:4.
MATTHEW:“Keep the commandments.” Matthew 19:17.
JOHN: “Hethat hath My commandments, and keeps them he loves Me!” John 14:21.
PAUL:“Keeping of the commandments.” 1 Corinthians 7: 19; Romans 3:31; 7:6,7.
JAMES:“Keep the whole law.” James 2:10.
CHRIST’SCHURCH: “Keep the commandments!” Revelation 12:17; 14:12.
PASSPORTINTO HEAVEN: “Do His commandments!” Revelation 22:14.
ANGELS:“Angels do His commandments.” Psalm 103:20.
JESUS: “Ihave kept my Father’s commandments.” John 15:10.
CHRISTSAID: “If you love Me.keep My commandments.” John14:15. “Keep the commandments!” Matthew 19:17.
Pleasenotice the sum and substance of the whole matter as stated by the Bible itself:
CONCLUSION:“Let us hear the CONCLUSION of the whole matter: Fear God, and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS:for this is the WHOLE duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13.
21.THE LAW OF GOD is endorsed by the New Testament
Some seemto think the New Testament does not endorse the Ten Commandments. Upon what groundsare such decisions based? The facts bear sufficient witness to prove beyond allreasonable doubt or question that the New Testament, as shown below, not onlyendorses the Ten Commandments, the fourth of which is the seventh day Sabbath,but repeats many of them verbatim.
A. Jesus Kept The Ten Commandments
Commandment 1
Matthew6:24 Matthew 22:37 Matthew 19:17 Matthew 4:10
Matthew14:33 Matthew 10:37,38 Matthew 10:32,33 Matthew 6:33
Mark12:24-32 Mark 8:33 Luke 2:14 Luke 4:8
Luke12:8,9 Luke 1:16 Luke 11:2 Luke 12:31
John 19:15John 17:3 John 11:25 John 4:24
Commandment 2
Commandment 3
Matthew27:29 Matthew 6:9,10 Matthew 15:19 Matthew 12:31,32
Matthew27:39-43 Mark 15:18,19 Mark 14:65 Mark 7:22
Mark3:28,29 Luke 11:2 Luke 22:64,65 Luke 23:36,37
Luke 12:10Luke 23:39 John 19:3
Commandment 4
Matthew12:2 Matthew 12:5 Matthew 12:8 Matthew 12:10
Matthew12:11 Matthew 12:12 Matthew 24:20 Matthew 28:1
Matthew12:1 Mark 3:4 Mark 16:9 Mark 16:2
Mark 16:1Mark 6:2 Mark 1:21 Mark 2:28
Mark 2:27Mark 2:24 Mark 2:23 Mark 3:2
Mark 15:42Luke 4:31 Luke 13:10 Luke 6:9
Luke 6:7Luke 6:6 Luke 6:5 Luke 6:1
Luke 4:16Luke 13:15 Luke 13:16 Luke 6:2
Luke 14:1Luke 14:3 Luke 14:5 Luke 18:12
Luke 23:54Luke 23:56 Luke 24:1 Luke 13:14
John 19:31John 20:1 John 9:16 John 9:14
John 7:22John 5:18 John 5:10 John 5:9
Commandment 5
Matthew19:18,19 Matthew 15:3,4 Matthew 12:31 Mark 10:19
Commandment 6
Matthew21:38 Matthew 27:22,23 Matthew 27:20 Matthew 27:3-5
Matthew27:1 Matthew 26:59 Matthew 5:21 Matthew 26:14-16
Matthew26:4 Matthew 24:9 Matthew 27:35 Matthew 23:31
Matthew26:66 Matthew 20:18,19 Matthew 17:23 Matthew 14:8,10
Matthew11:12 Matthew 10:28 Matthew 10:21 Matthew 22:6
Matthew19:18 Matthew 15:19 Matthew 23:34,35 Matthew 26:52
Mark 12:5Mark 7:21 Mark 10:19 Mark 3:6
Mark 6:16Mark 6:19 Mark 10:33,34 Mark 12:7,8
Mark 13:12Mark 15:20 Mark 9:31 Mark 15:24
Mark 14:1Mark 15:13-15 Mark 14:64 Mark 14:55
Mark 14:21Mark 14:10,11 Mark 6:24-27 Luke 22:2
Luke 10:30Luke 18:20 Luke 9:9 Luke 24:7
Luke 23:33Luke 23:23 Luke 22:5,6 Luke 20:19
Luke 20:14Luke 19:47 Luke 18:33 Luke 13:31
Luke11:47-51 Luke 9:22 Luke 4:29 Luke 12:4,5
John19:6,7 John 16:2 John 8:44 John 13:2
John7:19,20 John 19:15 John 7:1 John 8:37
Commandment 7
Matthew12:39 Matthew 19:9,18 Matthew 15:19 Matthew 5:27-32
Matthew14:4 Matthew 5:8 Matthew 16:4 Mark 6:18
Mark 8:38Mark 10:2-12 Mark 7:21 Mark 10:19
Luke 16:18Luke 7:37 Luke 15:30 John 8:3,4
Commandment 8
Matthew19:18 Matthew 23:14 Matthew 21:38 Matthew 21:12,13
Matthew6:19,20 Matthew 15:19 Mark 7:22 Mark 10:19
Mark 12:40Mark 11:17 Luke 18:20 Luke 19:46
Luke 3:13Luke 19:8 Luke 10:30 Luke 20:14
Commandment 9
Matthew7:15 Matthew 27:63 Matthew 26:69-75 Matthew 26:34,35
Matthew26:24,25 Matthew 26:14,16 Matthew 24:23,24 Matthew 28:13
Matthew11:18,19 Matthew 27:12,13 Matthew 24:10,11 Matthew 26:59,60
Matthew19:18 Matthew 5:11 Matthew 5:33 Matthew 15:19
Matthew24:4 Matthew 26:48 Mark 13:21,22 Mark 10:19
Mark 13:22Mark 3:22 Mark 7:22 Mark 13:12
Mark 14:1Mark 14:10,11 Mark 14:21 Mark 14:30,31
Mark 14:41Mark 14:66-72 Mark 15:3,4 Mark 14:56,57
Mark13:5,6 Luke 22:5,6 Luke 22:54-62 Luke 19:8
Luke 20:20Luke 6:22 Luke 22:21 Luke 21:16
Luke 6:16Luke 7:33,34 Luke 11:15-20 Luke 21:8
Luke 22:34Luke 23:2 John 3:19-21 John 13:2
John8:44,55 John 10:20 John 18:25-27 John 6:71
Commandment 10
Matthew26:14-16 Matthew 19:22 Matthew 21:38 Matthew 5:28
Mark 4:19Mark 7:22 Mark 12:7,8 Mark 14:10,11
Mark 10:22Luke 11:39 Luke 12:16-21 Luke 12:15
Luke 16:14Luke 16:19-22 Luke 18:23 Luke 19:8
Luke 20:14Luke 22:5,6 John 8:44 John 2:16
B. Paul Kept The Ten Commandments
Commandment 1.
Acts 24:14Acts 27:23 Romans 1:21-32 Romans 1:9
Romans3:30 Romans 3:18 1 Corinthians 14:25 1 Corinthians 8:4,6
1Corinthians 10:20,21 2 Corinthians 6:15 Ephesians 4:6 Philippians 3:19
Philippians3:3 Colossians 2:18 1 Thessalonians 1:9 2 Thessalonians 2:4
1 Timothy1:17 1 Timothy 2:5 1 Timothy 1:3 2 Timothy 3:4
Hebrews12:28 Hebrews 9:14 Hebrews 3:12
Commandment 2.
Acts15:20,29 Acts 19:35 Acts 17:16,29 Acts 21:25
Romans2:22 Romans 11:4 Romans 1:23 Romans 11:4
1Corinthians 10:7,14 1 Corinthians 6:9 1 Corinthians 10:20,21 1 Corinthians10:19
1Corinthians 5:10,11 2 Corinthians 6:16 Galatians 5:20 Ephesians 5:5
Colossians3:5 Colossians 5:21 1 Thessalonians 1:9
Commandment 3.
Acts 18:6Acts 26:11 Romans 2:24 Colossians 3:8
1 Timothy1:13 1 Timothy 6:1 1 Timothy 1:20 2 Timothy 3:2
Commandment 4.
Acts 13:42Acts 20:7 Acts 18:4-11 Acts 17:2
Acts 16:13Acts 13:44 Acts 13:27 Acts 13:14
Acts 15:211 Corinthians 16:2 Hebrews 4:4,9
Commandment 5.
Romans1:30 Ephesians 6:2 Colossians 3:20 1 Timothy 5:4
1 Timothy3:12 1 Timothy 3:4 2 Timothy 3:2
Commandment 6.
Romans3:15 Romans 11:3 Romans 1:29 Romans 13:9
Galatians5:21,1 Thessalonians 2:15 ,1 Timothy 1:9
Commandment 7.
Acts 15:20Acts 15:29 Romans 1:29 Romans 2:22
Romans7:2,3 1 Corinthians 5:11 1 Corinthians 6:13 1 Corinthians 6:18
1Corinthians 7:2 1 Corinthians 10:8,10 1 Corinthians 5:9 1 Corinthians 5:1
1Corinthians 5:10 1 Corinthians 6:15 1 Corinthians 6:9
1Corinthians 10:11,13 2 Corinthians 11:2 Galatians 5:19 Ephesians 5:3,5
Ephesians5:23,33 Colossians 3:18,19 Colossians 3:5 1 Thessalonians 4:3
1 Timothy3:2 1 Timothy 1:10 1 Timothy 3:12 2 Timothy 3:6
Titus 2:4,5Titus 1:6 Hebrews 13:4 Hebrews 12:16
Commandment 8.
Romans13:9 Romans 2:21 Romans 2:22 1 Corinthians 6:8
1Corinthians 7:5 1 Corinthians 6:10 2 Corinthians 11:8 Ephesians 4:28
1Thessalonians 4:6 1 Timothy 1:10
Commandment 9.
Acts 13:6Romans 3:4 Romans 3:13 Romans 13:9
Romans1:25 1 Corinthians 6:8 2 Corinthians 11:13 2 Corinthians 11:31
2Corinthians 11:3 Galatians 1:20 Galatians 1:6-8 Ephesians 5:6
Ephesians4:25 Ephesians 4:14 Colossians 3:9 1 Thessalonians 2:3
1Thessalonians 4:6 2 Thessalonians 2:11 1 Timothy 2:7 1 Timothy 4:2
1 Timothy6:10,21 1 Timothy 1:10 2 Timothy 2:18 2 Timothy 4:4
2 Timothy3:13 2 Timothy 3:3 Titus 1:2 Titus 2:3
Commandment 10.
Romans13:14 Romans 7:7 Romans 13:9 Romans 1:24
Romans6:12 1 Corinthians 10:6 Galatians 5:16,24 Ephesians 2:3
Ephesians4:19,22 Colossians 3:5 1 Thessalonians 2:5 1Timothy 3:3,8
1 Timothy6:10 1 Timothy 6:9 2 Timothy 4:3 2 Timothy 3:6
2 Timothy2:22 2 Timothy 3:2 Titus 2:12 Titus 3:3 Hebrews 13:5
C. The Ten Commandments In Revelation
Commandment 1.
Revelation21:3 Revelation 22:9 Revelation 21:22 Revelation 13:4
Revelation19:4,10 Revelation 4:8-11 Revelation 5:14 Revelation 7:13-17
Revelation11:16 Revelation 22:3
Commandment 2.
Revelation22:15 Revelation 9:20 Revelation 13:14,15 Revelation 14:9,11
Revelation15:2 Revelation 16:2 Revelation 21:22 Revelation 21:8
Revelation2:20 Revelation 19:20 Revelation 2:14 Revelation 20:4
Commandment 3.
Revelation2:9 Revelation 13:1,5,6 Revelation 17:1-5 Revelation 16:9
Commandment 4.
Commandment 5.
Revelation12:17 Revelation 14:12 Revelation 22:14 (Matt 17:17-22)
Commandment 6.
Revelation21:8 Revelation 22:15 Revelation 2:13 Revelation 6:8-10
Revelation11:7 Revelation 12:4 Revelation 13:15 Revelation 18:24
Revelation17:6 Revelation 19:2 Revelation 9:21
Commandment 7.
Revelation2:14 Revelation 2:20-22 Revelation 9:21 Revelation 14:8
Revelation17:15,16 Revelation 18:3,9 Revelation 19:2 Revelation 22:15
Revelation21:2 Revelation 17:1-5 Revelation 21:9 Revelation 21:8
Commandment 8.
Revelation3:11 Revelation 9:21
Commandment 9.
Revelation18:23 Revelation 13:14 Revelation 12:9 Revelation 21:8
Revelation2:2 Revelation 20:3,8 Revelation 22:15 Revelation 3:9
Revelation21:27 Revelation 20:10
Commandment 10.
Revelation7:13-17 Revelation 18:9-19 Revelation 9:21
22.Because Jesus Christ supports the Ten Commandments
Thefollowing evidence Is not only richly suggestive but affords striking testimonyin favor of them seventhday Sabbath law.
Christcame not to destroy the law. Matthew 5:17.
Christtestifies to the perpetuity of the law. Matthew 5:17-19.
Christcame to “magnify the law, and make it honorable.” Isaiah 42:21.
Christkept His “Father’s commandments:’ John 15:10.
Christ isour example. We are to keep what He kept.I Peter 2:21. I John 2:6.
Christsaid: “If thou wilt enter Into life, KEEP THE [TEN] COMMANDMENTS.” Matthew19:17-19.
Note: Iwish to stress the fact that by their association together in the Bible, theNew Testament as well asthe Old Testament, the words LAW and COMMANDMENT are interchangeable and havethe samemeaning. Cf. Genesis 26:5, Exodus 16.28; 24:12; 1 Kings 2:3; 2 Kings17:37. 2 Chronicles 14:4; 19:10; 31:21; Ezra 10:3; Nehemiah 9:13,29,34;Proverbs 3:1, Matthew 19:17,18: Luke Romans 13:8, 9: James 2:8-10.
23.Because the NEW COMMANDENT of Christ leads me to keep the Sabbath
The NewCommandment is worthy of attentive study and careful consideration. Here isChrist’s newcommandment: “That you love one another!” John 13:34; 15:12; 1 John 3:23; 4:21.Far be it from me to give any one the impression that I believe the NewCommandment does away with God’s Ten Commandments,because it does not, according to the Bible. Notice what the New Commandmentleads the true Christian to do: “Not asthough I wrote a NEW COMMANDMENT unto thee, but that which we had from the beginningthat WE LOVE ONE ANOTHER. And GOD IS LOVE, that we walk AFTER HIS COMMANDMENTS.”2 John 1:5,6. “We knowthat we love the children of God when we love God and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.For THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, that we KEEP HE COMMANDMENTS and HIS COMMANDMENTSare not grievous.” 1 John 5:2, 3.
JesusHimself did not teach the new commandment was the ONLY commandment that man shouldkeep. Christ said: “If you love me KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” John 14:15.
Of whichcommandments did Jesus speak? “Which?Jesus said,
THOU SHALTDO NO MURDER,
THOU SHALTNOT COMMIT ADULTERY,
THOU SHALTNOT STEAL,
THOU SHALTNOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS,
HONOUR THYFATHER AND THY MOTHER: and
THOU SHALTLOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF. Matthew 19:18, 19.
Thesecommandments are contained in the TEN COMMANDMENTS which also contain the SABBATH.In this passage Jesus did not command the keeping of any of the first fourcommandments. Is that any reason for man to break them? Is that any reason forman to worship idols, curse God or break God’s Sabbath? “Is the silence ofGod’s New Testament servants in the valleys of Judea more weighty than thethundering of God himself on Mt. SinaiThe answer is no. These with the other four are the commandments of which Jesuswas speaking when He said: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.”Matthew 19:17-19; cf. Exodus 20.
Since Godis love (1 John 4:8) and the whole gospel is based on love (1 Corinthians 13). Since Jesushas said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments,” we understand that love isthe basic factor of Christianity and that Jesus, the founder of Christianity,stresses love In His New Commandment. No wonder the New Commandment, which isthe real essence of the whole Ten Commandments, was given. This agrees with thefollowing text: “Love is the fulfilling (Greek, fullness) of the law.” Romans13:10.
LOVE AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
“Love toGod will admit no other God.
Love will notdebase the object it adores.
Love toGod will never dishonor His name.
Love toGod will reverence His day.
Love toparents win honor them.
Hate, notlove is, is a murderer.
Lust, notlove, commits adultery.
Love willgive but never steal.
Love willnot slander nor lie.
Love’s eyeIs not coveting.”
D. L Moody:
Thus it isas clear as day that love or Christ’s New Commandment does not do away with theTen Commandments,but establishes them because: “Love is the FULNESS OF THE LAW.” Romans 13:10.
24.Jesus Christ the Son of God KEPT THE SEVENTHDAY SABBATH all His life
If anybodywould know which was the right Sabbath day to keep, surely It would be JesusChrist, the Son ofGod, and He kept the seventh day Sabbath all His life: “AS HIS CUSTOM WAS, He[Jesus] went Into the synagogue [church] on the SABBATH DAY, and taught them onthe SABBATH DAYS.” Luke 4:16, 31. The custom of the world is not the custom ofJesus. The custom of the world causes men to keep any day, but the custom ofJesus caused Him to keep THE Sabbath day-the very day that His Father kept at creation.Genesis 2:1-3. If it was good enough for Jesus, it Is good enough for me. I amconfident of one thing and of this thing there can be no doubt or question: Itwas the CUSTOM OF JESUS TO GO TO CHURCH ON THE SABBATH DAY.
Churchesmentioned: Capernaumchurch. Mark 1:21. Nazarethchurch. Luke 4:16. His attendance: Matthew12:9; Luke 13:10; 6:6, Mark 6:2. Jesus Christ the founder of Christianity isthe great example of every Christian. What He did they are supposed to do.Notice how plain the Bible makes this: “Christ also suffered for us, leaving usan EXAMPLE, that you should FOLLOW HIS STEPS. He that said he abides in Himought himself also so to walk, EVEN AS HE [CHRIST] WALKED.” I Peter 2:21; 1John 2:6. Since Christ is our example and He kept the seventh day Sabbath, whodare aspire to the “scorner’s seat and hurl the cynic’s ban- and accuse any onewho follows the example of God Himself (Genesis 2:10 ) and the Son of GodHimself (Luke 4:16 ) in keeping the very Sabbath day which They kept?
25.Because Jesus Christ the Son of God KEPT THE SABATH AFTER the cross
It is amatter of common knowledge that after the crucifixion, Jesus RESTED in thegrave. God RESTED onthe seventh day at creation, and Jesus, the Son of God, RESTED on the seventhday at redemption.Both in life and death Jesus honored the Sabbath.
He laythere BEFORE THE SABBATH. Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:52-56. He remained there untilAFTER THE SABBATH WAS PAST. Matthew 28: 1: Mark 16:1, Luke 24:4, 6. Christ’slife climaxed in keeping the Sabbath. It was His custom to keep it all His lifeand it was the last thing He did before He arose from the grave and went to HisFather. Since it was the last thing that Christ did, if it is the last thing weever do, we should keep the Sabbath. Christ, while on earth, always kept theseventh day Sabbath. It was His custom to do so. His first sermon was on theSabbath. During His life’s record we have no mention of any other day but theseventh as the Sabbath.
It seemsvery significant that Jesus, during three years instructing His disciples,often discussing theSabbath with them and freeing it from its false burdens, making it a day ofrest rather than a day of arrest,never once alluded to any change of the Sabbath to Sunday. Moreover there isnot the slightest intimationof any change during the forty days of His resurrection. There is not a hint inthe whole New Testamentto even suggest the sanctity of any day besides the seventh day Sabbath. Wherethe Bible is silent manought to be silent.
It isstrange that some would endeavor to change the Sabbath day after the death ofJesus, since the worstkind of fraud and forgery is that which changes a man’s will after He dies. God hasgiven man a memorial of Christ’s death and resurrection. We should seek to
commemoratethe death and resurrection of our Lord in the way of HIS OWN APPOINTING,namely, by means of the Lord’s supper and baptism. The Lord’s supper was givenby Christ Himself to be a memorial of His death (1 Corinthians 11:26); and thesacred rite of baptism, to commemorate His resurrection. Colossians 2:12;Romans 6:3-5. Baptism, then, and not Sunday or any other day, is the Biblememorial of Christ’s resurrection. Since we are plainly told not to add ordiminish from the Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation22:18), it seems that all real Christians would want to honor Christ’s resurrectionthe way He wanted us to do so-not by a day but by an institution-the ordinanceof baptism.
26.Because Jesus COMMANDED the Keeping of the Sabbath AFTER the cross
Those whohave the erroneous notion that Sunday should be kept after the cross may besincere, but theyare mistaken. While Jesus left no command or example for the observance ofSunday, the solid factbehind it all is He did leave a command and example for the observance of theseventh day Sabbath. Here is the Bible proof:
Christ’sExample:
“As HisCUSTOM WAS. He [Jesus] went Into the synagogue [church] on the Sabbath day.”Luke 4:16.
Christ’sCommand. He that said “GO YE’ also said “PRAY YE’ “Pray you that your flight benot in the winter, NEITHER ON THE SABBATH DAY.” Matthew 24:20.
Christ’sCommand Obeyed:
“Theyrested the Sabbath day according to the COMMANDMENT.” Luke 23:56. Why didJesus say “neither on the Sabbath day”? Because He recognized and stressed the SANCTITYof the SABBATH with its keeping even at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, 70 AD, almostforty years AFTER the CROSS. This clears the air of any fog that might have settledover the minds of some who question whether Christ commanded the keeping of theSabbath after the cross.
27.Because Christ’s followers kept the Sabbath AFTER the cross
It ishighly significant that the Bible records the observance of the Sabbath by thefollowers of Christafter the death of Christ on the cross. If anybody ought to know about theproper Sabbath, it should be those who were instructed by Christ Himself. Hekept it while He was with them and they kept it when He left them: “They returned,and prepared spices and ointments; and RESTED the Sabbath day according to thecommandment.” Luke 23:56. As much asthey loved Jesus, they would not desecrate the Sabbath even for Him. Cf. Luke23:52- 56; 24:1;Mark 15:42-47; 16:1. Another notable feature about it all is that Christ waswith them for over a month after His resurrection and nowhere or no place do wefind any hint of His changing the Sabbath or of His correction for theirkeeping of the Sabbath after He died.
28.Because PAUL KEPT the Sabbath and PREACHED on it
The factis irrefutable that Paul’s life-long manner or custom was to keep the veryseventh day Sabbaththat God kept at creation and Jesus kept at redemption: “And Paulas his MANNER WAS, went In unto them, and three SABBATH DAYS reasoned with them outof the Scriptures.” Acts 17:2.
Anothervery striking proof of Paul’s observance of the Sabbath is found in Acts 18:4where it states: “Andhe [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue [church] EVERY SABBATH.” The Biblesays Paul knew “the DOCTRINE OF THE LORD,” (Acts 13:12), arid In the same chapter hePREACHED IT: “Preached to them the next SABBATH.” Acts 13:42. Otherverses showing Paul kept and preached on the Sabbath: Acts 13:44; 16:13; 13:14.
Those whocontend that nobody but Jews kept the Sabbath are parting company with thefacts given inthe Bible. Notice the textual evidence showing others besides Jews kept theSabbath: “And whenthe JEWS were gone out of the synagogue, the GENTILES besought that these words might bepreached to them the next SABBATH.” “The GENTILES HEARD!” Acts 13:42,48.According to the above scripture, the Gentiles asked Paul to meet with them onSABBATH. No other day is mentioned. Paul did not change the appointment,because the next Sabbath “the Gentiles heard!” Sufficient evidence to provethat Paul preached to a non Jewish audience on a Sabbath by their ownappointment. “And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue EVERY SABBATH, andpersuaded the Jews and the GREEKS.” Acts 18:4.
With theabove evidence at hand showing Gentiles and Greeks kept the Sabbath, the theorythat only Jewskept it has gone into hopeless bankruptcy.
29.Because the APOSTOLIC CHURCH kept the Sabbath after the cross
Any onewho thinks the Bible teaches that any other day besides the seventh day wasobserved as
theSabbath after the cross is asked to examine carefully the following texts:
Texts Church Date Number
Acts13:14, 42-44. Antioch 45 AD. 2 meetings
Acts16:12, 13. Philippi 53 AD. 1 meeting
Acts 17:2. Thessalonica 53 AD. 3 meetings
Acts 18:11. Corinth 54 AD. 78 meetings
Here islisted a total of eighty-four meetings on Sabbath. So we can easily see thatnothing is more
certifiedthan the fact that the apostolic church kept the Sabbath after the cross.
30.Because the Sabbath has been kept to the present time
It is afact, obvious to any student of history, and the proofs are plentiful tofurnish substantial evidence,that there have always been faithful seventh day Sabbath keepers from the timeof Christ to the present age.
A. D. 75 -FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS:
“For thereIs not any city of the Greeks, nor any of the barbarians, nor any nationwhatsoever, whitherour custom of resting on THE SEVENTH DAY hath not come!” -Flavius JosephusAgainst Apion from “The Works of Flavius Josephus,” p. 925.
A. D. 250- ORIGEN, BISHOP OF ALEXANDRIA:
“Let ustherefore no longer keep the Sabbath after Jewish manner. . . . But let everyone of you KEEP THESABBATH after spiritual manner, rejoicing in meditation on the law.” -Epistleto the Magnesians,Chap. lx.
A. D. 350- ATHANASIUS:
“We areassembled on the day of the SABBATH, not because we are Infected with Judaism,. . .but weapproach the SABBATH to adore Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath.” --The Signs ofthe Times,” Jan.17, 1933, p. 13.
A. D. 400-AUGUSTINE:
“On thisday, which is THE SABBATH, mostly those ore accustomed to meet who are desirousof the wordof God.” -”Augustine’s Sermon,” 128, tom. 7, p. 629.
A. D. 450-SOCRATES:
“Almostall of the churches throughout the world celebrate the sacred mysteries on theSABBATH of everyweek.” -”Socrates,” Book v, chap. 22.
A. D. 590-POPE GREGORY I:
“It hascome to my ears that certain men of perverse spirit have sown among you somethings that are wrongand opposed to holy faith, so as to forbid any work being done on the SABBATHDAY.”- ”Niceneand Post-Nicene Fathers,” Vol. 13, bk. 13, epist. I, p. 336.
A. D.791-COUNCIL OF TRIAU: (In Italy)
“Further,when speaking of that SABBATH which the Jews observe, that last day of theweek, and which alsoour peasants observe.” – “13th Canon of the Council of Triau!”
11THCENTURY -SCOTLAND:
“Theyworked on Sunday, but kept SATURDAY In a Sabbatical manner.” “History of Scotland.” AndrewLong, Vol. 1, page 96.
14 THCENTURY -ABYSSINIA:
“It Is nottherefore, In imitation of the Jews, but in obedience to Christ and His holyapostles that we observethat day [Sabbath].” -Reason for keeping Sabbath, given by Abyssinian legate atthe court of Lisbon (1534) In “Church. History of Ethiopia,” by Michael Geddes, pp.87. 88.
AD 1576 -WALDENSES:
“They werecalled Inzabbatt, not because they were circumcised, but because they kept the SABBATHaccording to the Jewish law.” “They kept the Sabbath day.” “DeutecheBiographie,- Art., “Goldast.”Godstus, historian.
AD 1653-GOA, INDIA:
“They keepSaturday holy, nor esteem the Saturday fast lawful, but on Easter even. Theyhave solemnservice on Saturdays.” – “History of the Sabbath,” J. N. Andrews, p. 569.
AD 1665-SIANFU, CHINA:
Stonetablet unearthed dating before the eighth century: “On the seventh day we offersacrifice. afterhaving purified our hearts and received absolution for our sins.” Id., Page 565.
AD1738-COUNT NICOLAUS VON ZINZENDORF:
He was thefounder and first bishop of the Moravian church. “The days which we keep areSunday as theLord’s resurrection day. and the SABBATH or the REAL REST DAY OF OUR LORD!” Id., 753.
AD 1844 -MRS. E. G. WHITE:
“In theautumn of 1846 we began to observe the BIBLE SABBATH. And teach and defendIt.”- ”Testimonies.”Volume 1, page 75.
31.God’s faithful church in the last days will keep the commandments of God
"And thedragon [Satan, cf. Revelation 20:2] was wroth with the woman, [God’s church,cf. Jeremiah 6:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2] and went to make war with the remnant[last or remaining part. cf. Exodus 26:12] of her seed which KEEP THECOMMANDMENTS [10 commandments. cf. Matthew 19:17-19] of God.” - Revelation12:17, 14:12.
32.Because the other churches say I am right in keeping the Seventh Sabbath
A man mayrub his eyes in amazement when he sees the following quotations. These havebeen selectedfrom the writings of reputable Sunday-keeping authors. While I have the deepestveneration for their sincerity, yet I with Job cannot help but say: “Your ownmouth condemns you and not I. Your own lips testify against you.” Job 15:6.
LUTHERAN:
“Theobservance of the Lord’s day (Sunday) Is founded not on any command of God buton the authorityof the church.” -”Augsburg Confession of Faith,” as quoted In Cox’s “Sabbath Manual.”p. 287.
EPISCOPAL:
“We havemade the change from the seventh day to the first day, from Saturday to Sunday,on the authorityof the one holy catholic, apostolic churchof Christ.” – “Why WeKeep Sunday.” by Bishop Seymour.
METHODIST:
“It istrue there is no positive command for Infant baptism. Nor is there any forkeeping holy the first dayof the week.” -”Theological Compendium,” 1902, by Revelation Amos Binney, pp.180. 181.
BAPTIST:
“There wasand Is a commandment to ‘keep holy the Sabbath day,’ but that Sabbath day wasnot Sunday.There is no Scriptural evidence of the change of the Sabbath Institution fromthe seventh to the first dayof the week.” -Edward T. Hiscox, D.D., author of “TheBaptist Church Manual.”
PRESBYTERIAN:
“TheChristian Sabbath [Sunday] is not in the Scripture, and was not by theprimitive church called theSabbath.” – “Dwight’s Theology,” Vol. 4. p. 40 1.
CONGREGATIONAL:
“There Isno command in the Bible requiring us to observe the first day of the week asthe ChristianSabbath.” – “Mode and Subjects of Baptism”, by Fowler.
CHRISTIAN:
“The firstday of the week is commonly called the Sabbath. This is a mistake. The Sabbathof the Bible wasthe day Just preceding the first day of the week. The first day of the week isnever called the Sabbathanywhere in the entire Scriptures. It Is also an error to talk about the changeof the Sabbath. Therenever was any change of the Sabbath from Saturday toSunday. There Is not at any place in the Bible any Intimation of such achange.” – “First Day Observance.” pp. 17. 19.
CATHOLIC:
CardinalGibbons In the following statement hit the nail on the head. In this statementhe is splendidlyright. “But you may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you win notfind a single line authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scripturesenforce the religious observance of Saturday. A day which we never sanctify.” –“Faith of Our Fathers,” pp. Ill,112.
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33.Because the change of the calendar has not altered or lost the seventh daySabbath
Whathigher authority could we cite than the Royal Astronomer of England and theDirector of the U. S.Naval Observatory? Notice what these authorities state concerning the change ofthe calendar and the altering of the weekly cycle. F. W. Dyson, AstronomerRoyal, Greenwich, London, in 1932 stated: “As for asI know, In the various changes of the Calendar there has been no change in theseven dayrotation of the week.”
JamesRobertson, Director American Ephemeris, U. S. Naval Observatory: “We havehad occasion to investigate the results of the works of specialists inchronology and we have neverfound one of them that has ever had the slightest doubt about the continuity ofthe weekly cycle since long before the Christian era. There has been no changeIn our calendar In past centuries that has affected in any way the cycle of theweek.”
The changefrom old style to new style did not Interfere in any way with the free-runningweek. The changewas made on Friday. October 5. 1582. Ten days wore made up by calling the 5thof October the 15th of October. This is all that was done. Thevarious changes of the calendar affected the days of the month and not the daysof the week, hence no time has been lost. Consequently the Sabbath day is stillthe seventh day of the week or SATURDAY.
34.Because keeping the commandments will he a passport into heaven
A passportis something that gives a person a RIGHT TO GO SOMEWHERE. The commandment KEEPERSand DOERS have the RIGHT TO ENTER INTO the city of God which is in heaven. Galatians 4:26. “Blessedare they that do His commandments, that they may have RIGHT to the tree oflife, and may enterIn through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14. It isadmitted man cannot do this In his own strength but he can do it THROUGHCHRIST. “I can doall things THROUGH CHRIST which strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
35.Because the Sabbath will he KEPT IN HEAVEN by ALL FLESH
Thisreason has the ring of finality in it because it leads to the inevitableconclusion that the Sabbathwill be kept in heaven by ALI-Jew as well as Gentile. Every man that gets toheaven win keep the Sabbath there. Here is the Bible proof: “For asthe NEW heavens and the NEW earth which I WILL make shall remain before Me said the Lord.So shall your seed and your name remain, and IT SHALL COME TO PASS, that fromone new moon to another [cf. Revelation 22.2] and from one SABBATH to another,shall ALL flesh come to worship before Me said the Lord.” Isaiah 66:22. 23.
Since theseventh day Sabbath was In the world before sin came, it will be in the worldwhen sin is gone.Genesis 2:1-3; Isaiah 66:22, 23. Consequently the incident of sin in thehistory of our world has not, does not and will not make void the eternalclaims of the seventh day as the Sabbath on this earth.
CONCLUSION:
The BIBLECONCLUSION and the final analysis of the Sabbath leads us to the ultimate factthat beyond alldoubt or question of uncertainty, the seventh day (Saturday) is the TRUE BIBLESABBATH and all TRUE Christians ought to keep it. Notice the Bible conclusion:
“Thereremains THEREFORE a keeping of a SABBATH to the people of God. Let us labor THEREFOREto enter into THAT REST, lest any man fall after the same example ofdisobedience.” Hebrews4:9, 11 margin.
“Let ushear the CONCLUSION of the whole matter. Fear God, and KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS [includingthe seventh day Sabbath]: for this is the WHOLE duty of man.” Ecclesiastes12:12.
Since GODkept the seventh day Sabbath at CREATION and commanded man to keep it: Genesis2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11. Since CHRIST kept it at REDEMPTION and commanded man tokeep it: Luke 4:16; Matthew 28: 1; 24:20. Since ALL THE SAINTS will keep it In heaven(Isaiah 66:22, 23).
If we are going to keep it there, why nothere? If we are going to keep it then, why not now?
By: GeorgeBurnside
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