TheSabbath:AMemorialtotheCreator

AStudyofGod’sDesireforaRelationshipwithUs,Forever

Presentedby:MarkLaRoseDate:03/03/19DraftFile:Sabbath

RelationshipwithChrist•  TheMostImportantUnderstandingaboutourSalvation:– WebelieveeternallifeisagiftfromGodinChristJesusandwearejustifiedbyHisgraceandHisfaithwhopaidtheprice;death,forourtransgressions

Romans3:21-26;4:4-5,25;6:23;Ephesians2:4-10;Titus3:4-7(Is53;Eze36:25-27;John3:3-8,16;16:8;Rom5:6-10;8:1-4,14-17;1Cor15:3-4,20-22;2Cor5:14-15,19-21;Gal1:4;3:13-14,26;4:4-7;Phil2:6-11;Col1:13-14;Heb8:7-12;1Pet1:23;2Pet1:3-4;1John2:2;4:10)

•  God“senthisangeltoshowhisservants”thefuture(Rev22:6)“Donotdespiseprophecies.”1Thess5:20–  Purpose:TosharethevitalnecessityofacharactertransformingrelationshipwithChrist,namelytheGospelofHissacrificeforallwhocallHimLordandSavior(Ps1:1-2;Matt20:25-28;Luke19:17-20;John20:21;Rom12:2;2Cor3:17-18;Gal5:22-25;Eph5:19-21;6:12-18;Phil3:7-14;Col2:6;1Thess5:16-23;Heb10:25;2Pet2:9;3:18;1John4:4)

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PrinciplesofBibleStudy•  Paul’scounseltoTimothy:

–  16AllScriptureisgivenbyinspirationofGod,andisprofitablefordoctrine,forreproof,forcorrection,forinstructioninrighteousness,17thatthemanofGodmaybecomplete,thoroughlyequippedforeverygoodwork.2Tim3:16-17(Ps119:105;Prov30:5-6;Is8:20;John17:17;1Thess2:13;Heb4:12)

–  forprophecynevercamebythewillofman,butholymenofGodspokeastheyweremovedbytheHolySpirit.2Pet1:21

•  Bibleversions:–  Useversionswiththeclosesttranslationtotheoriginallanguage

•  RecommendcomparingNKJV(usedhere),NASB95,KJV,andESV

–  Concordancesources:www.abibleconcordance.com;www.blueletterbible.org

•  UseofExpositorystudymethods(versusThematicstudy)–  ThismethodexplorestheliteralmeaningofeachwordinScriptureandits

relationshiptootherwordsinitscontext(exegesis)

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Sabbath…aMemorialtoourCreator

•  “1InthebeginningwastheWord,andtheWordwaswithGod,andtheWordwasGod.2HewasinthebeginningwithGod.3AllthingsweremadethroughHim,andwithoutHimnothingwasmadethatwasmade…14AndtheWordbecamefleshanddweltamongus,andwebeheldHisglory,thegloryasoftheonlybegottenoftheFather,fullofgraceandtruth.”John1:1-3,14–  Jesuscreatedtheworldin6daysandrestedonthe7th–  Jesusredeemedusallbypayingthepriceofsin,death,onthecross,on

thepreparationday,Friday

–  Jesusrestedinthetombonthe7thdaySabbath,theCreator’sdayofrest

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EllenWhiteComments•  God’speoplewillnotfindtheirsafetyinworking

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Sabbath…aMemorialtoCreation

•  Commemorationoftheliteral6DayCreationinordertoGiveGlorytoGodonthe7thDay:

!  Gen2:3“ThenGodblessedtheseventhdayandsanctifiedit,becauseinitHerestedfromallHisworkwhichGodhadcreatedandmade.”–  Blessed:tomakeholy,toconsecrate,havingasacrednature,connected

withGod

–  Sanctified:tosetapartforasacredpurpose,todeclareholy,tofreefromsin,toconsecrate,toentitletoreverence

!  Deut5:12“ObservetheSabbathday,tokeepitholy,astheLordyourGodcommandedyou.”

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Sabbath…aMemorialtoCreationHowImportantisit?

•  “RemembertheSabbathday,tokeepitholy.Sixdaysyoushalllaboranddoallyourwork,buttheseventhdayistheSabbathoftheLordyourGod.Inityoushalldonowork:you,noryourson,noryourdaughter,noryourmaleservant,noryourfemaleservant,noryourcattle,noryourstrangerwhoiswithinyourgates.ForinsixdaystheLordmadetheheavensandtheearth,thesea,andallthatisinthem,andrestedtheseventhday.ThereforetheLordblessedtheSabbathdayandhallowedit.”Exodus20:8-11! WhenthegovernmentofliteralIsraelwasatheocracy,thepenaltyof

deathwasappliedtointentionalSabbathbreakers(Numbers15:32-36)

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Sabbath…RelationshipwithOurCreator

•  Is56:1-2“ThussaystheLord:“Keepjustice,anddorighteousness,ForMysalvationisabouttocome,AndMyrighteousnesstoberevealed.Blessedisthemanwhodoesthis,Andthesonofmanwholaysholdonit;WhokeepsfromdefilingtheSabbath,Andkeepshishandfromdoinganyevil.”

•  Is56:6-7“AlsothesonsoftheforeignerwhojointhemselvestotheLord,toserveHim,AndtolovethenameoftheLord,tobeHisservants—EveryonewhokeepsfromdefilingtheSabbath,AndholdsfastMycovenant,EventhemIwillbringtoMyholymountain,AndmakethemjoyfulinMyhouseofprayer.

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Sabbath…Holy&Delightful

•  Is58:13-14“IfyouturnawayyourfootfromtheSabbath,FromdoingyourpleasureonMyholyday,AndcalltheSabbathadelight,TheholydayoftheLordhonorable,AndshallhonorHim,notdoingyourownways,Norfindingyourownpleasure,Norspeakingyourownwords,ThenyoushalldelightyourselfintheLord;AndIwillcauseyoutorideonthehighhillsoftheearth,AndfeedyouwiththeheritageofJacobyourfather.ThemouthoftheLordhasspoken.”

!  TheLordcommandsIsaiahin58:1-2totellthepeoplehowtheyhaveturnedawayfromGod,whiletheystillseekhim!

!  Isaiah58:3-5describeswhatthepeopleweredoing!  Isaiah58:6-10indicateswhatGodasksHispeopletodo

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Sabbath…God’sSeal

•  Eze20:12,20“12MoreoverIalsogavethemMySabbaths,tobeasignbetweenthemandMe,thattheymightknowthatIamtheLordwhosanctifiesthem.20HallowMySabbaths,andtheywillbeasignbetweenMeandyou,thatyoumayknowthatIamtheLordyourGod.”–  Hallow:Honorasholy,tosanctify,makeholy,consecrate

•  Revelation4:11“Youareworthy,OLord,Toreceivegloryandhonorandpower;ForYoucreatedallthings,AndbyYourwilltheyexistandwerecreated.”

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Jesus’SabbathTeaching•  Mark2:27-28“27AndHesaidtothem,“TheSabbathwasmadefor

man,andnotmanfortheSabbath.28ThereforetheSonofManisalsoLordoftheSabbath.”–  DirectreferencetocreationandtheCreator

•  John14:15,21“15IfyouloveMe,keepMycommandments.21HewhohasMycommandmentsandkeepsthem,itishewholovesMe.AndhewholovesMewillbelovedbyMyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestMyselftohim.”

•  Matt22:36-40“36Teacher,whichisthegreatcommandmentinthelaw?”37Jesussaidtohim,“‘YoushalllovetheLordyourGodwithallyourheart,withallyoursoul,andwithallyourmind.’38Thisisthefirstandgreatcommandment.39Andthesecondislikeit:‘Youshallloveyourneighborasyourself.’40OnthesetwocommandmentshangalltheLawandtheProphets.”

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Jesus’SabbathTeaching•  Luke4:16“SoHecametoNazareth,whereHehadbeenbrought

up.AndasHiscustomwas,HewentintothesynagogueontheSabbathday,andstooduptoread.”

•  Matt12:8-14“8‘FortheSonofManisLordevenoftheSabbath.’9NowwhenHehaddepartedfromthere,Hewentintotheirsynagogue.10Andbehold,therewasamanwhohadawitheredhand.AndtheyaskedHim,saying,“IsitlawfultohealontheSabbath?”—thattheymightaccuseHim.11ThenHesaidtothem,“Whatmanisthereamongyouwhohasonesheep,andifitfallsintoapitontheSabbath,willnotlayholdofitandliftitout?12Ofhowmuchmorevaluethenisamanthanasheep?ThereforeitislawfultodogoodontheSabbath.”13ThenHesaidtotheman,“Stretchoutyourhand.”Andhestretcheditout,anditwasrestoredaswholeastheother.14ThenthePhariseeswentoutandplottedagainstHim,howtheymightdestroyHim.”

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Jesus’SabbathTeaching•  Matt24:16“15Thereforewhenyouseethe‘abominationof

desolation,’spokenofbyDanieltheprophet,standingintheholyplace”(whoeverreads,lethimunderstand),16“thenletthosewhoareinJudeafleetothemountains.17Lethimwhoisonthehousetopnotgodowntotakeanythingoutofhishouse.18Andlethimwhoisinthefieldnotgobacktogethisclothes.19Butwoetothosewhoarepregnantandtothosewhoarenursingbabiesinthosedays!20AndpraythatyourflightmaynotbeinwinterorontheSabbath.”

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ImportanceofGod’sunchanginglaw•  “10Forwhoevershallkeepthewholelaw,andyetstumbleinonepoint,heis

guiltyofall.11ForHewhosaid,“Donotcommitadultery,”alsosaid,“Donotmurder.”Nowifyoudonotcommitadultery,butyoudomurder,youhavebecomeatransgressorofthelaw.12Sospeakandsodoasthosewhowillbejudgedbythelawofliberty.”James2:10-12

•  “2BythisweknowthatwelovethechildrenofGod,whenweloveGodandkeepHiscommandments.3ForthisistheloveofGod,thatwekeepHiscommandments.AndHiscommandmentsarenotburdensome.”1John5:2-3

•  “4Hewhosays,“IknowHim,”anddoesnotkeepHiscommandments,isaliar,andthetruthisnotinhim.5ButwhoeverkeepsHisword,trulytheloveofGodisperfectedinhim.BythisweknowthatweareinHim.6HewhosaysheabidesinHimoughthimselfalsotowalkjustasHewalked.”1John2:4-6

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Disciple’sSabbathUnderstanding•  Luke23:50–24:3“50Nowbehold,therewasamannamedJoseph,acouncil

member,agoodandjustman.51Hehadnotconsentedtotheirdecisionanddeed.HewasfromArimathea,acityoftheJews,whohimselfwasalsowaitingforthekingdomofGod.52ThismanwenttoPilateandaskedforthebodyofJesus.53Thenhetookitdown,wrappeditinlinen,andlaiditinatombthatwashewnoutoftherock,wherenoonehadeverlainbefore.54ThatdaywasthePreparation,andtheSabbathdrewnear.55AndthewomenwhohadcomewithHimfromGalileefollowedafter,andtheyobservedthetombandhowHisbodywaslaid.56Thentheyreturnedandpreparedspicesandfragrantoils.AndtheyrestedontheSabbathaccordingtothecommandment.1Nowonthefirstdayoftheweek,veryearlyinthemorning,they,andcertainotherwomenwiththem,cametothetombbringingthespiceswhichtheyhadprepared.2Buttheyfoundthestonerolledawayfromthetomb.3ThentheywentinanddidnotfindthebodyoftheLordJesus.”–  Friday:PreparationDay(“GoodFriday”continuestobecelebrated)–  Saturday:SabbathDay–  Sunday:FirstDayoftheWeek

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Disciple’sSabbathUnderstanding•  Acts13:14,42-44“14ButwhentheydepartedfromPerga,theycameto

AntiochinPisidia,andwentintothesynagogueontheSabbathdayandsatdown.42SowhentheJewswentoutofthesynagogue,theGentilesbeggedthatthesewordsmightbepreachedtothemthenextSabbath.43Nowwhenthecongregationhadbrokenup,manyoftheJewsanddevoutproselytesfollowedPaulandBarnabas,who,speakingtothem,persuadedthemtocontinueinthegraceofGod.44OnthenextSabbathalmostthewholecitycametogethertohearthewordofGod.”

•  Acts16:13“AndontheSabbathdaywewentoutofthecitytotheriverside,whereprayerwascustomarilymade;andwesatdownandspoketothewomenwhometthere.”

•  Acts18:4“AndhereasonedinthesynagogueeverySabbath,andpersuadedbothJewsandGreeks.”

•  Rev1:10“IwasintheSpiritontheLord’sDay…”

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WhatisGod’sSeal?•  Rev14:12“Hereisthepatienceofthesaints;herearethosewho

keepthecommandmentsofGodandthefaithofJesus.”

•  Rev14:6-7“ThenIsawanotherangelflyinginthemidstofheaven,havingtheeverlastinggospeltopreachtothosewhodwellontheearth—toeverynation,tribe,tongue,andpeople—sayingwithaloudvoice,“FearGodandgiveglorytoHim,forthehourofHisjudgmenthascome;andworshipHimwhomadeheavenandearth,theseaandspringsofwater.”

•  Rev1:3“Blessedishewhoreadsandthosewhohearthewordsofthisprophecy,andkeepthosethingswhicharewritteninit;forthetimeisnear.”

•  1John5:3“…thisisloveforGod:tokeephiscommands.Andhiscommandsarenotburdensome”NIV

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WhatisGod’sSeal?•  Ex31:13-17“SpeakalsotothechildrenofIsrael,saying:‘SurelyMy

Sabbathsyoushallkeep,foritisasignbetweenMeandyouthroughoutyourgenerations,thatyoumayknowthatIamtheLordwhosanctifiesyou.YoushallkeeptheSabbath,therefore,foritisholytoyou.Everyonewhoprofanesitshallsurelybeputtodeath;forwhoeverdoesanyworkonit,thatpersonshallbecutofffromamonghispeople.Workshallbedoneforsixdays,buttheseventhistheSabbathofrest,holytotheLord.WhoeverdoesanyworkontheSabbathday,heshallsurelybeputtodeath.ThereforethechildrenofIsraelshallkeeptheSabbath,toobservetheSabbaththroughouttheirgenerationsasaperpetualcovenant.ItisasignbetweenMeandthechildrenofIsraelforever;forinsixdaystheLordmadetheheavensandtheearth,andontheseventhdayHerestedandwasrefreshed.’”

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Sabbath…RelianceonGod•  “Sixdaysyoushallwork,butontheseventhdayyoushallrest;in

plowingtimeandinharvestyoushallrest.”Ex34:21–  OurfaithismadestrongerwhenwekeeptheSabbathinthefaceof

seeminglynecessaryactionorinvolvementtoavoidearthlylosswhichmayindeedoccur,however,GodhasoureternalsalvationinmindandwillpreserveusforHiskingdom(1John5:13;1Pet1:5)

–  JesusasksustoletHimtransformourcharacterstobecompatiblewiththeprinciplesofheaven

•  “Behold,Istandatthedoorandknock.IfanyonehearsMyvoiceandopensthedoor,Iwillcomeintohimanddinewithhim,andhewithMe.”Rev3:20

–  TheSabbathisassociatedwiththerichestofblessings:•  “BlessedarethosewhodoHiscommandments,thattheymayhavetherighttothetreeoflife,andmayenterthroughthegatesintothecity.”Rev22:14

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JesusandtheSabbath

•  Thegospelsrecord7miraclesJesusperformedontheSabbath–  34othermiraclesarerecordedinadditiontoHisresurrection

–  HewasaccusedofblasphemywhenHeexercisedHisrighttoforgivesins

•  Luke,agentileconvert,recordsthatJesuswasburied,resting“ontheSabbathinobediencetothecommandment”Luke23:56–  Jesusre-enforcedtheSabbathbywhatHedidandbyHisrest,inthe

tomb,throughouttheSabbathhours

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JesusandtheSabbath•  John14:15-17“IfyouloveMe,keepMycommandments.AndI

willpraytheFather,andHewillgiveyouanotherHelper,thatHemayabidewithyouforever—theSpiritoftruth,whomtheworldcannotreceive,becauseitneitherseesHimnorknowsHim;butyouknowHim,forHedwellswithyouandwillbeinyou.”

!  In108languagesoftheworld,thewordfortheseventhdayoftheweekis“Sabbath.”

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KeepingtheSabbath•  The“greatwoman”ofShunem(2Ki4:8-37)wasinthehabitofseeking

spiritualfoodontheSabbathandnewmoons

–  “Andshecalleduntoherhusband,andsaid,Sendme,Ipraythee,oneoftheyoungmen,andoneoftheasses,thatImayruntothemanofGod,andcomeagain.Andhesaid,Whereforewiltthougotohimtoday?itisneithernewmoon,norsabbath.”2Ki4:22-23aKJV

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SabbathinHeaven•  Isaiah66:22-23“22Forasthenewheavensandthenewearth

WhichIwillmakeshallremainbeforeMe,”saystheLord,“Soshallyourdescendantsandyournameremain.23AnditshallcometopassThatfromoneNewMoontoanother,AndfromoneSabbathtoanother,AllfleshshallcometoworshipbeforeMe,”saystheLord.”

•  John4:23-24“23Butthehouriscoming,andnowis,whenthetrueworshiperswillworshiptheFatherinspiritandtruth;fortheFatherisseekingsuchtoworshipHim.24GodisSpirit,andthosewhoworshipHimmustworshipinspiritandtruth.”

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WhoareGod’sPeople?•  2Tim2:19“NeverthelessthesolidfoundationofGodstands,

havingthisseal:“TheLordknowsthosewhoareHis,”and,“LeteveryonewhonamesthenameofChristdepartfrominiquity.”

•  1John2:4“Hewhosays,“IknowHim,”anddoesnotkeepHiscommandments,isaliar,andthetruthisnotinhim.”

•  John14:21“HewhohasMycommandmentsandkeepsthem,itishewholovesMe.AndhewholovesMewillbelovedbyMyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestMyselftohim.”

!  SatanattacksandcounterfeitseveryprincipleandlawofGodinordertodeceivepeople

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OurMissionastheRemnant

•  “WorshipGod!ForthetestimonyofJesusisthespiritofprophecy.”(Rev19:10)–  Theunderstandingofprophecyisacalltoaction;tosharethegospelof

everlastinglifethrougharelationshipwithJesus,proclaimingthe3angels’messageofRev14:6-12

•  “…obeyGod’scommandments”(Rev12:17)and“Worshiphimwhomadetheheavens,theearth,theseaandthespringsofwater.”(Rev14:7)

•  “…EveryonewhokeepsfromdefilingtheSabbath,AndholdsfastMycovenant—EventhemIwillbringtoMyholymountain,AndmakethemjoyfulinMyhouseofprayer.(Is56:6-7)

•  “Beholy…blameless”(1Pet1:16-19;2Pet3:10-14)

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AdditionalInformationForanexcellentversebyversecommentarysee:

http://www.bibleexplained.com

EllenGouldWhitewasaprolificauthorandanAmericanChristianpioneer.AlongwithotherSabbatarianAdventistleaderssuchasJosephBatesandherhusbandJamesWhite,sheformedwhatbecameknownastheSeventh-dayAdventistChurch.TheSmithsonianmagazinenamedEllenG.Whiteamong100MostSignificantAmericansinanacknowledgementofherinfluenceonreligion.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_G._White

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TheSabbath…soontobeAttacked

•  “WhenthePhariseesafterwardquestionedHimconcerningthelawfulnessofdivorce,JesuspointedHishearersbacktothemarriageinstitutionasordainedatcreation.“Becauseofthehardnessofyourhearts,”Hesaid,Moses“sufferedyoutoputawayyourwives:butfromthebeginningitwasnotso.”HereferredthemtotheblesseddaysofEdenwhenGodpronouncedallthings“verygood.”ThenmarriageandtheSabbathhadtheirorigin,twininstitutionsforthegloryofGodinthebenefitofhumanity.Then,astheCreatorjoinedthehandsoftheholypairinwedlock,saying,Amanshall“leavehisfatherandhismother,andshallcleaveuntohiswife:andtheyshallbeone,”HeenunciatedthelawofmarriageforallthechildrenofAdamtothecloseoftime.ThatwhichtheeternalFatherHimselfhadpronouncedgoodwasthelawofhighestblessinganddevelopmentforman.”EGWhite,{AH340.4}

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TheSabbath…soontobeAttacked

•  “ThevalueoftheSabbathasameansofeducationisbeyondestimate.WhateverofoursGodclaimsfromus,Hereturnsagain,enriched,transfigured,withHisownglory.TheSabbathandthefamilywerealikeinstitutedinEden,andinGod’spurposetheyareindissolublylinkedtogether.Onthisdaymorethanonanyother,itispossibleforustolivethelifeofEden.ItwasGod’splanforthemembersofthefamilytobeassociatedinworkandstudy,inworshipandrecreation,thefatheraspriestofhishousehold,andbothfatherandmotherasteachersandcompanionsoftheirchildren.Buttheresultsofsin,havingchangedtheconditionsoflife,toagreatdegreepreventthisassociation.Oftenthefatherhardlyseesthefacesofhischildrenthroughouttheweek.Heisalmostwhollydeprivedofopportunityforcompanionshiporinstruction.ButGod’slovehassetalimittothedemandsoftoil.OvertheSabbathHeplacesHismercifulhand.InHisowndayHepreservesforthefamilyopportunityforcommunionwithHim,withnature,andwithoneanother.”EGWhite,{CG535.2-3}

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TheSabbath…underAttack

•  “AllwholoveGodshoulddowhattheycantomaketheSabbathadelight,holyandhonorable.Theycannotdothisbyseekingtheirownpleasureinsinful,forbiddenamusements.YettheycandomuchtoexalttheSabbathintheirfamiliesandmakeitthemostinterestingdayoftheweek.Weshoulddevotetimetointerestingourchildren.Achangewillhaveahappyinfluenceuponthem.Wecanwalkoutwiththemintheopenair;wecansitwiththeminthegrovesandinthebrightsunshine,andgivetheirrestlessmindssomethingtofeeduponbyconversingwiththemupontheworksofGod,andcaninspirethemwithloveandreverencebycallingtheirattentiontothebeautifulobjectsinnature.TheSabbathshouldbemadesointerestingtoourfamiliesthatitsweeklyreturnwillbehailedwithjoy.InnobetterwaycanparentsexaltandhonortheSabbaththanbydevisingmeanstoimpartproperinstructiontotheirfamiliesandinterestingtheminspiritualthings,givingthemcorrectviewsofthecharacterofGodandwhatHerequiresofusinordertoperfectChristiancharactersandattaintoeternallife.Parents,maketheSabbathadelight,thatyourchildrenmaylookforwardtoitandhaveawelcomeintheirheartsforit.Asthesungoesdown,letthevoiceofprayerandthehymnofpraisemarkthecloseofthesacredhours,andinviteGod’spresencethroughthecaresoftheweekoflabor.ThusparentscanmaketheSabbath,asitshouldbe,themostjoyfuldayoftheweek.Theycanleadtheirchildrentoregarditasadelight,thedayofdays,theholyoftheLord,honorable.”EGWhite,{CG536.1-4}

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TheSabbath…underAttack

•  “Andatthecommencementofthetimeoftrouble*,wewerefilledwiththeHolyGhostaswewentforthandproclaimedtheSabbathmorefully.”{EW85.3}

–  *This“timeoftrouble”referstowhenthenationsareangry,beginningatthe“latterrain”oftheHolySpirit

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EllenWhiteComments•  “God’speoplewillnotfindtheirsafetyinworkingmiracles,forSatanwill

counterfeitthemiraclesthatwillbewrought.God’striedandtestedpeoplewillfindtheirpowerinthesignspokenofinExodus31:12-18.Theyaretotaketheirstandonthelivingword:“Itiswritten.”Thisistheonlyfoundationuponwhichtheycanstandsecurely.ThosewhohavebrokentheircovenantwithGodwillinthatdaybewithoutGodandwithouthope.”{9T16.1}

•  “(QuotingEx31:12-17),DonotthesewordspointusoutasGod’sdenominatedpeople?anddotheynotdeclaretousthatsolongastimeshalllast,wearetocherishthesacred,denominationaldistinctionplaceduponus?ThechildrenofIsraelweretoobservetheSabbaththroughouttheirgenerations“foraperpetualcovenant.”TheSabbathhaslostnoneofitsmeaning.ItisstillthesignbetweenGodandHispeople,anditwillbesoforever.”{9T18.1}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “WhentheSabbathcommences,weshouldplaceaguarduponourselves,

uponouractsandourwords,lestwerobGodbyappropriatingtoourownusethattimewhichisstrictlytheLord’s.Weshouldnotdoourselves,norsufferourchildrentodo,anymannerofourownworkforalivelihood,oranythingwhichcouldhavebeendoneonthesixworkingdays.Fridayisthedayofpreparation.TimecanthenbedevotedtomakingthenecessarypreparationfortheSabbathandtothinkingandconversingaboutit.NothingwhichwillinthesightofHeavenberegardedasaviolationoftheholySabbathshouldbeleftunsaidorundone,tobesaidordoneupontheSabbath.GodrequiresnotonlythatwerefrainfromphysicallaborupontheSabbath,butthatthemindbedisciplinedtodwelluponsacredthemes.Thefourthcommandmentisvirtuallytransgressedbyconversinguponworldlythingsorbyengaginginlightandtriflingconversation.Talkinguponanythingoreverythingwhichmaycomeintothemindisspeakingourownwords.Everydeviationfromrightbringsusintobondageandcondemnation.”{2T702.1}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “Noneshouldfeelatlibertytospendsanctifiedtimeinanunprofitable

manner.ItisdispleasingtoGodforSabbathkeeperstosleepduringmuchoftheSabbath.TheydishonortheirCreatorinsodoing,and,bytheirexample,saythatthesixdaysaretoopreciousforthemtospendinresting.Theymustmakemoney,althoughitbebyrobbingthemselvesofneededsleep,whichtheymakeupbysleepingawayholytime.Theythenexcusethemselvesbysaying:“TheSabbathwasgivenforadayofrest.Iwillnotdeprivemyselfofresttoattendmeeting,forIneedrest.”Suchmakeawronguseofthesanctifiedday.Theyshould,uponthatdayespecially,interesttheirfamiliesinitsobservanceandassembleatthehouseofprayerwiththefeworwiththemany,asthecasemaybe.Theyshoulddevotetheirtimeandenergiestospiritualexercises,thatthedivineinfluencerestingupontheSabbathmayattendthemthroughtheweek.Ofallthedaysintheweek,nonearesofavorablefordevotionalthoughtsandfeelingsastheSabbath.”{2T704.2}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “Allheavenwasrepresentedtomeasbeholdingandwatchinguponthe

SabbaththosewhoacknowledgetheclaimsofthefourthcommandmentandareobservingtheSabbath.Angelsweremarkingtheirinterestin,andhighregardfor,thisdivineinstitution.ThosewhosanctifiedtheLordGodintheirheartsbyastrictlydevotionalframeofmind,andwhosoughttoimprovethesacredhoursinkeepingtheSabbathtothebestoftheirability,andtohonorGodbycallingtheSabbathadelight—thesetheangelswerespeciallyblessingwithlightandhealth,andspecialstrengthwasgiventhem.But,ontheotherhand,theangelswereturningfromthosewhofailedtoappreciatethesacrednessofGod’ssanctifiedday,andwereremovingfromthemtheirlightandtheirstrength.Isawthemovershadowedwithacloud,desponding,andfrequentlysad.TheyfeltalackoftheSpiritofGod.”{2T704.3}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “TheobservanceoftheSabbathisthesignbetweenGodandHispeople.Let

usnotbeashamedtobearthesignthatdistinguishesusfromtheworld.AsIconsideredthismatterinthenightseasonrecently,OneofauthoritycounseledustostudytheinstructiongiventheIsraelitesinregardtotheSabbath.“VerilyMySabbathsyeshallkeep,”theLorddeclaredtothem;“foritisasignbetweenMeandyouthroughoutyourgenerations;thatyemayknowthatIamtheLordthatdothsanctifyyou.YeshallkeeptheSabbaththerefore;foritisholyuntoyou....Sixdaysmayworkbedone;butintheseventhistheSabbathofrest,holytotheLord:whosoeverdoethanyworkintheSabbathday,heshallsurelybeputtodeath.WhereforethechildrenofIsraelshallkeeptheSabbath,toobservetheSabbaththroughouttheirgenerations,foraperpetualcovenant.ItisasignbetweenMeandthechildrenofIsraelforever.”Exodus31:13-17.”{7T105.1}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “Theeducatorsandthosebeingeducatedinourmedicalinstitutionsshould

rememberthattokeeptheSabbatharightmeansmuchtothemandtothepatrons.InkeepingtheSabbath,whichGoddeclaresshallbekeptholy,theygivethesignoftheirorder,showingplainlythattheyareontheLord’sside.”{7T106.3}

•  “Nowandeverwearetostandasadistinctandpeculiarpeople,freefromallworldlypolicy,unembarrassedbyconfederatingwiththosewhohavenotwisdomtodiscernGod’sclaimssoplainlysetforthinHislaw.…Wearetobearwitnesstoallnations,kindreds,andtonguesthatweareapeoplewholoveandfearGod,apeoplewhokeepholyHismemorialofcreation,thesignbetweenHimandHisobedientchildrenthatHesanctifiesthem.AndweareplainlytoshowourfaithinthesooncomingofourLordinthecloudsofheaven.”{7T106.4}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “Wearecalledtobeholy,andweshouldcarefullyavoidgivingtheimpression

thatitisoflittleconsequencewhetherornotweretainthepeculiarfeaturesofourfaith.Uponusreststhesolemnobligationoftakingamoredecidedstandfortruthandrighteousnessthanwehavetakeninthepast.ThelineofdemarcationbetweenthosewhokeepthecommandmentsofGodandthosewhodonotistoberevealedwithunmistakableclearness.WeareconscientiouslytohonorGod,diligentlyusingeverymeansofkeepingincovenantrelationwithHim,thatwemayreceiveHisblessings,theblessingssoessentialforthepeoplewhoaretobesoseverelytried.”{7T108.1}

•  “ConcerningIsrael,theLorddeclared:“Thepeopleshalldwellalone,andshallnotbereckonedamongthenations.”Numbers23:9.TousaswellastoancientIsraelthesewordsapply.God’speoplearetostandalone.Theobservanceoftheseventh-daySabbathistobeasignbetweenthemandGod,showingthattheyaretobeapeculiarpeople,separatefromtheworldinhabitandpractice.ThroughthemGodwillworktogatherfromallnationalitiesapeopleforHimself.”{7T109.3}

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EllenWhiteComments•  “Brethrenattheheartofthework,enternotintoSodom.Bewillingtosuffer

inconvenience,ifyoucanremainfarfromSodom.Theidolsofgoldandsilverwillverysoonbecasttothemolesandtothebats.Becontenttolivewhereyoucanhavethebreadoflife,thatlivingbreadthatcamedownfromheaven.KeepholytheSabbathday.WeneedtobemuchmoreparticularthanweareinregardtotheLord’sinstitution.BindabouttheedgesoftheSabbath.Letusstudytheprospect.Letusallallowourworkers,ifpossible,thehoursfromnoononFridayuntilthebeginningoftheSabbath.Relievethem,thattheymaypreparetomeettheLord’sdaywithquietudeofmind.Letalltheworkofpreparation,cleansingthebody,blackingtheboots,befinishedearly,andthefamilyassembleearlytoreadtheWord,tosingandpraybeforetheSabbathshallbegin.Youwillbenoloserstemporally.Letusstudythis,forwehaveallbeenremiss.WeneedtoconfesstoGodandtooneanother,andbeginanewtomakespecialarrangements,thateverymemberofthefamilymaybepreparedtogreettheSabbath,witheverypreparationmade,tohonortheLord’sday,thatHehassanctifiedandblessed.”{Lt4-1898.36}

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CalltoPersonalAction

•  “24Andletusconsideroneanotherinordertostiruploveandgoodworks,25notforsakingtheassemblingofourselvestogether,asisthemannerofsome,butexhortingoneanother,andsomuchthemoreasyouseetheDayapproaching.26Forifwesinwillfullyafterwehavereceivedtheknowledgeofthetruth,therenolongerremainsasacrificeforsins”Heb10:24-26(Repent:2Chron6:37-39;Eze14:6;Matt3:2;Luke24:47;Acts17:30)

•  TheBridegroomofMatt25:1-13isreturningfromthewedding,soon.Preparebystoringoil(TheSpirit)inourlampsnow:1.  AcceptandinviteJesusdaily(theAltarofSacrifice)

2.  WashinthebaptismoftheSpirit(theLaver)

3.  Keepaprayerinmind,constantly(theGoldenAltarofIncense)

4.  ReadGod’sWorddaily(theTableofShowbread)

5.  SharethegospelofJesus;the3angels’message(theLampstand)6.  DwellonthegoodnessofHislaw(theArkofHisCovenant)3/3/19 39

CalltoPublicAction

•  The4thangelofRev14:15,theilluminatingangelofRev18:1-3,istheproclamationoftheinterpretationofthemysteryofRev17:8-11.God’sremnantwillrepeatthe2ndand3rdangelmessages(Rev14:8-13)withmuchgreaterpowerthanduringthe“midnightcry”in1844.(Hab2:14)–  1AfterthesethingsIsawanotherangelcomingdownfromheaven,

havinggreatauthority,andtheearthwasilluminatedwithhisglory.2Andhecriedmightilywithaloudvoice,saying,“Babylonthegreatisfallen,isfallen,andhasbecomeadwellingplaceofdemons,aprisonforeveryfoulspirit,andacageforeveryuncleanandhatedbird!3Forallthenationshavedrunkofthewineofthewrathofherfornication,thekingsoftheearthhavecommittedfornicationwithher,andthemerchantsoftheearthhavebecomerichthroughtheabundanceofherluxury.”Rev18:1-3

–  ThisisawarningforallofGod’speopletocomeoutofspiritualBabylon,thecounterfeittrinity(spiritualism,thepapacy,apostateProtestants/falseprophet)(theabyssbeast,theseabeast,theearthbeast)

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SharetheGospel•  “42SowhentheJewswentoutofthesynagogue,theGentiles

beggedthatthesewordsmightbepreachedtothemthenextSabbath.43Nowwhenthecongregationhadbrokenup,manyoftheJewsanddevoutproselytesfollowedPaulandBarnabas,who,speakingtothem,persuadedthemtocontinueinthegraceofGod.44OnthenextSabbathalmostthewholecitycametogethertohearthewordofGod.”Acts13:42-44

•  “4AndhereasonedinthesynagogueeverySabbath,andpersuadedbothJewsandGreeks.11Andhecontinuedthereayearandsixmonths,teachingthewordofGodamongthem.”Acts18:4,11

•  ForHehasspokeninacertainplaceoftheseventhdayinthisway:“AndGodrestedontheseventhdayfromallHisworks”Heb4:4

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FinalPleabeforeMichaelStands

•  The5thangelofRev14:18(Jesus,Himself),correspondswiththewarningvoiceofRev18:4:–  AndIheardanothervoicefromheavensaying,“Comeoutofher,my

people,lestyoushareinhersins,andlestyoureceiveofherplagues.”Rev18:4Thisplea,notheardbymany(notaloudvoice),isforHispeopletoleavethegreatcityBabylontoescapetheplagues.

–  Speakingofthe2Witnesses,“…Andtheyascendedtoheaveninacloud,andtheirenemiessawthem.”Rev11:12•  TheWord/witnessoftheOldandNewTestaments,includingthelawandtheprophets,areknowntoall,sothateachonewillmakeaninformeddecisiononWhomtoWorship

–  ThisistheverylastwarningtoacceptsalvationthroughJesusChristbeforethepre-advent“investigative”judgmentcloses(Dan12:1),followedbytheplaguesofRev16(Rev14:17-20;Eze9:5-10)

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EveryoneisInvitedtoKeepSabbath

•  Is56:3-8“DonotletthesonoftheforeignerwhohasjoinedhimselftotheLordspeak,saying,“TheLordhasutterlyseparatedmefromHispeople;Norlettheeunuchsay,“HereIam,adrytree.”ForthussaystheLord:“TotheeunuchswhokeepMySabbaths,andchoosewhatpleasesMe,AndholdfastMycovenant,EventothemIwillgiveinMyhouseandwithinMywallsaplaceandanamebetterthanthatofsonsanddaughters;Iwillgivethemaneverlastingnamethatshallnotbecutoff.“AlsothesonsoftheforeignerwhojointhemselvestotheLord,toserveHim,andtolovethenameoftheLord,tobeHisservants—EveryonewhokeepsfromdefilingtheSabbath,andholdsfastMycovenant—EventhemIwillbringtoMyholymountain,andmakethemjoyfulinMyhouseofprayer.TheirburntofferingsandtheirsacrificeswillbeacceptedonMyaltar;ForMyhouseshallbecalledahouseofprayerforallnations.”TheLordGod,whogatherstheoutcastsofIsrael,says,“YetIwillgathertohimothersbesidesthosewhoaregatheredtohim.”

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“AnditshallcometopassThatfromoneNewMoontoanother,AndfromoneSabbathtoanother,AllfleshshallcometoworshipbeforeMe,”saystheLord.Isaiah66:23

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