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Keeping the Sabbath in Light of the Cross

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“The sacrifice of Christ as an atonement for sin is the great truth around which all other truths cluster. In order to be rightly understood and appreciated, every truth in the Word of God, from Genesis to Revelation, must be studied in the light that streams from the cross of Calvary. I present before you the great, grand monument of mercy and regeneration, salvation and redemption—the Son of God uplifted on the cross. This is to be the foundation of every discourse given by our ministers.”- Ellen White, Gospel Workers, 315 (1915).

With this thought in mind, I would like to share a study from the “In Light Of The Cross Bible Study Guides,” which I prepared so that people can see our sacred truths in the light of God’s love as opposed to the legalistic view we are often accused of.

The Sabbath
Brief overview: The seventh day of the week, Saturday, is God’s holy Sabbath on which we are to rest from all secular work and activity. God sanctified the Sabbath day and made it holy. See Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus, 20:8-11, Exodus 31:13, John 14:15, Revelation 14:12

Photo by William Earnhardt

Why it is important to understand the truth about the Sabbath:
The Sabbath is the only commandment that begins with “remember” while it is also the one commandment man has forgotten. While many agnostics believe that God created us and then left us on our own, the Sabbath tells us that our Creator wants to have a relationship with us. The Sabbath also tells us who our God is. You can keep the other nine commandments and worship any god you choose. You can have no other gods before you besides television and not bow to any other god than television and so forth. The Sabbath commandment is the only commandment that tells us who the Lord is. He is the Creator. This is why Satan wants us to forget this commandment. He wants us to forget God. He wants to be our god instead!

The Sabbath is a sign that we belong to the true God, the one who created us and died for us.

Why it is important to understand the Sabbath in light of the cross:
Satan does not want us to forget the Sabbath in order for us to forget the law. Satan knows we are not saved by the works of the law but by grace.  Satan wants us to forget the Sabbath because he wants us to forget God’s grace.

The Sabbath is a sign of God’s grace. We do no work on that day, demonstrating that it is not our works that sustain or save us but rather God’s work, both at creation and the cross, that sustain and save us. We rest on the Sabbath, showing that we are resting our faith in the only One who can save us, Jesus Christ. I can imagine God walking with Adam and Eve through the garden, as He showed them all He had made for them, and the wonders of not their works but His works. Adam and Eve realized that day with God, “it is] He [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves.” (Psalms 100:3) Before and after the cross, the Sabbath is a sign that it is God’s work that creates and sustains us.

The Sabbath commandment reminds us that God is our Creator and we refrain from work and worldly activities on the Sabbath day as we rest our faith in God’s power to save and provide for us, instead of our own works and ability to do business and make money.

The same principle is seen in the story of Cain and Abel. In Genesis 4 we read about Abel worshiping the way God had commanded in bringing a lamb as a sacrifice. God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because the lamb God instructed him to bring pointed to Jesus – the Lamb of God who would be sacrificed for our sins. Abel, beyond just worshiping as God had instructed, was saying he trusted in Jesus to save him, rather than his own works. He was looking to the cross. Cain’s sacrifice was refused because he did not worship the way God had instructed, and he brought his own fruit, the work of his own hands. God cannot accept our works and could not accept Cain’s works either. Only the Christ can save us.

Today, many people like Cain, try to be saved by worshiping their own way. Jesus says about them, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). Our own works and man-made ways of worship will never save us.

There’s a story of a little boy years ago who had built his own wooden sailboat. After tying it to a string he set the boat out to sail in a nearby creek, and then would use the string to reel it back in. One day the string broke and the little boat fell victim to the rapids and sailed away. Several days later the boy was window shopping downtown when he saw his boat in a toy store window. He went inside told the owner, “That’s my boat in the window.” The owner of the store, not sure if he should believe the young lad, told the boy he would have to purchase the boat if he wants it back.

The boy did chores around the home and neighborhood to earn the few dollars the boat cost. He returned to the store and purchased his own boat. Walking home, holding his boat close to his chest he was overheard saying, “Little boat, you are twice mine. First I made you, and then I bought you.” That is what Jesus is telling us through the Sabbath today. As we rest from our works on the Sabbath and put our faith in Him, He tells us, “You are twice mine. First, at creation I made you, and then at the cross I bought you.”

Further study on the Sabbath:

Which day is the Sabbath?
But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:10, 11

How can we know which day is the seventh day?
Some reject the seventh-day Sabbath over the belief that we cannot know which day it falls on today, so picking any day should be okay. But this is fallacy.

According to Scripture, Christ died on Friday and rose on Sunday, the first day of the week. Practically all churches acknowledge this by observing Easter Sunday and Good Friday.

“This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on. The women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment” (Luke 23:52–56).

This is clear evidence that Jesus died the day before the Sabbath. The day of His death was a “preparation day” because it was the time to get ready for the Sabbath. Notice, then, that the women rested over the Sabbath “according to the commandment.” The commandment says, “The seventh day is the Sabbath,” so we know they were resting on Saturday. The very next verse says, “Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared. … And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre” (Luke 24:1, 2).

Hasn’t the calendar been changed since the time of Christ?
The calendar has not been changed so as to confuse the days of the week. Just as we know that Jesus and His followers observed the same day as Moses, we can be positive that our seventh day is the same day Jesus observed.

Pope Gregory XIII did make a calendar change in 1582, but it did not interfere with the weekly cycle. What did Gregory do to the calendar? He changed Friday, October 5, 1582, to be Friday, October 15, 1582. He did not affect the weekly cycle of days.

The Jews have observed the seventh day from the time of Abraham, and they still keep it today. An entire nation of people, all around the world, continue to observe a Sabbath they have known for more than 4,000 years.

Over 100 languages on earth use the word “Sabbath” for Saturday. For example, the Spanish word for Saturday is “Sabado,” meaning Sabbath. What does this prove? It proves that when those languages originated long ago, Saturday was recognized as the Sabbath day and was incorporated into the very name of the day.” -Joe Crews, Seven Facts About the 7th Day.

Who was the Sabbath made for?

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Mark 2:27

Whose day is the Sabbath?

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. Mark 2:28

What does God call the Sabbath?

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: Isaiah 58:13

When is the Sabbath to be observed?

From even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath. Leviticus 23:32

What marks the beginning of a day?

And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:5

What did Jesus do on the Sabbath?

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. Luke 4:16

What else should be done on the Sabbath?

And, behold, there was a man which had [his] hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. Matthew 12:10-12

What are we to “remember” to do?

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8

What are we to refrain from on the Sabbath?

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Exodus 20:9-11

Why were the Jews carried into captivity?

In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals.There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. Nehemiah 13:15-18

What are we to learn from this?

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:9-11

What does God want us to be?

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. Isaiah 58:12

How only is this possible?

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: Isaiah 58:13

What is God’s promise?

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]. Isaiah 58:14

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The post Keeping the Sabbath in Light of the Cross appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/keeping-the-sabbath-in-light-of-the-cross/

God First Your Daily Prayer Meeting #653

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Matthew 21:22 – "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Tag someone in need of prayer, and kindly share your prayer requests here. https://bit.ly/3GdFXpR Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azkhiF8fp44

AWR360° India – The Tithe Child Pt05

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AWR360° India – The Tithe Child Pt05 #AWR #Evangelism #India #Tithe #short Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5fMbAZt9Tk

Ebrei 13:18 – Lunedì 27 maggio 2024

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"Siamo convinti di avere una buona coscienza, e siamo decisi a condurci onestamente in ogni cosa". (Ebrei 13:18) Meditazione giornaliera “Apri la porta del tuo cuore”. Rubrica a cura di Anna Cupertino. Speaker: Veronica Addazio. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4d6rkt1fYc

Lesson 9.The Foundation of God’s Government | 9.2 The Immutability of God’s Law

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9.2 The Immutability of God’s Law
The Eternal Validity of God’s Law in Christian Faith
Read Matthew 5:17–18; Psalm 111:7–8; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; 1 John 5:3, and Proverbs 28:9. What do these verses teach us about the Christian’s relationship to the law?
The mentioned verses provide clear insight into the Christian’s relationship to God’s law:
  1. Matthew 5:17–18: Jesus explains that he has not come to abolish the law or the prophets, but to fulfill them. The law remains valid until all is fulfilled.
  2. Psalm 111:7–8: The psalmist attests to the immutability and eternity of God’s law. His commandments are firm and enduring.
  3. Ecclesiastes 12:13–14: The fear of God and obedience to his commandments are considered the duty of man, as God will bring every deed into judgment, whether good or evil.
  4. 1 John 5:3: Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to his commandments. His commandments are not burdensome to keep when one loves God.
  5. Proverbs 28:9: God does not listen to the prayers of those who disregard his law. These verses teach that God’s law, especially the moral law, is immutable, eternal, and binding. It is a source of wisdom and guidance for the lives of believers. Seventh-day Adventists and Protestant reformers emphasize the importance of obeying God’s law, especially the Ten Commandments, as an expression of love for God and for maintaining moral order in society.
Compare Exodus 34:5–7 with Romans 7:11–12; Psalm 19:8–12; 89:15, and 119:142, 172. What do these verses tell us about the relationship between God’s law and God’s character?
The mentioned verses provide insights into the relationship between God’s law and his character:
  1. Exodus 34:5–7: Here, God himself reveals his attributes by describing himself as merciful, gracious, patient, full of goodness, and truth. At the same time, he declares that he will not hold the guilty innocent and that he will visit the sins of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations. These attributes of God are reflected in his law.
  2. Romans 7:11–12: God’s law is described as holy, righteous, and good. It illustrates that the law itself is not the cause of sin but rather sin uses the law to be revealed.
  3. Psalm 19:8–12: The psalmist praises the perfection of God’s law and its ability to revive the soul, enlighten the eyes, and impart wisdom. He also emphasizes the need to guard against hidden faults and to remain pure from willful sins.
  4. Psalm 89:15: Here, God is described as just and faithful, with righteousness and justice as the foundation of his throne. These characteristics are reflected in his law, which forms the basis of his rule and his relationship with his people.
  5. Psalm 119:142, 172: God’s law is praised as eternal, true, and righteous. It is an expression of his character and faithfulness. Those who love his law and live by it experience joy and blessing in their lives.
These verses clearly show that God’s law is not just a list of commandments but an expression of his character and attributes. It is the foundation of his rule and relationship with his people. Therefore, the observance and obedience to his law are crucial for believers as it is a direct revelation of his divine nature.
What are often the arguments used to claim that we are no longer obligated to keep the Ten Commandments? What do you think lies behind this?
There are various arguments used to claim that we are no longer obligated to keep the Ten Commandments:
  1. Abrogation of the law by the New Testament: Some argue that the New Testament, especially the teachings of Jesus, has abolished certain laws of the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments. They emphasize that love for God and neighbor is the fulfillment of the law and that Christians are under grace, not under the law.
  2. Fulfillment in Christ: Another argument is that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Ten Commandments, and thus they are no longer applicable to believers. They see in Christ the fulfillment of the law and argue that believers are freed from the obligation of the law through their faith in him.
  3. Cultural changes: Some claim that the Ten Commandments were written in a specific cultural and historical context and are therefore no longer applicable to our modern society. They argue that moral standards have changed over time, and thus we are no longer bound by the commandments of the Old Testament.
  4. Emphasis on grace: Some argue that the emphasis on grace and faith in Christ means that believers are no longer under the law but under grace, and thus they are exempt from keeping the Ten Commandments.
However, behind these arguments often lies a theological interpretation aimed at relativizing or minimizing the significance and role of the Ten Commandments in Christian life. Some see them as a restriction on freedom and grace in Christ, while others argue that morality should not be bound by commandments but should come from an inner sense of love and compassion. Ultimately, the perspective on the Ten Commandments depends heavily on the theological orientation and interpretation of the Bible.
The relationship between God’s law and everyday life as well as faith is profound and crucial for the spiritual life of a believer:
  1. Guidance and direction: God’s law serves as guidance and direction for the daily life of a believer. It provides clear guidelines and principles for moral behavior, interpersonal relationships, and dealing with God.
  2. Sanctification and growth: By obeying God’s law, the believer seeks sanctification and spiritual growth. Following God’s commandments helps to develop character traits such as love, patience, faithfulness, and mercy.
  3. Relationship with God: Observing the law is an expression of love for God. By obeying his commandments, one demonstrates devotion and faithfulness to him. The law fosters a deep and trusting relationship with God by encouraging believers to obey his will.
  4. Community and ethics: God’s law forms the basis for ethical behavior and a just society. Observing the commandments promotes a harmonious community where love, respect, and justice prevail.
  5. Grace and forgiveness: Although God’s law makes demands on believers, it also emphasizes the need for grace and forgiveness. When we break the law, we can be restored through God’s grace and forgiveness, leading to a deeper understanding of his mercy.
Ultimately, obeying God’s law is not just an external duty but an expression of faith and love for God. It touches all aspects of daily life and shapes the identity of a believer as a disciple of Christ.

God’s law is a mirror of his character and a source of wisdom for our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-9-the-foundation-of-gods-government-9-2-the-immutability-of-gods-law/

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