“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The Sabbath serves as a profound emblem of God’s authority and affection, integral to the third angel’s proclamation that summons unity, contrition, and readiness for Christ’s advent. Delving into the Sabbath renewal unveils deep insights into divine benevolence, equity, and compassion, urging the community to embrace this sacred rhythm for spiritual restoration and communal harmony.

IMPORTANCE OF SABBATH IN THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE

The Sabbath is more than a day of rest—it is a divine seal of God’s love and authority. Its role in the third angel’s message emphasizes the need for unity, repentance, and preparation for Christ’s return. Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you (Exodus 31:13, KJV). Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them (Ezekiel 20:12, KJV). The inspired pen of Ellen G. White affirms, “The sign, or seal, of God is revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 117, 1904). Furthermore, through prophetic counsel, we learn, “While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God” (The Great Controversy, p. 640, 1911). By exploring the Sabbath reform, we uncover profound truths about God’s love, justice, and mercy, drawing the community into deeper fellowship with the Creator. What urgent plea from the divine heart invites us to heed this seal amid our wanderings?

THE CALL TO RETURN TO GOD

Hosea 6:1 beckons us: “Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” This plea resonates across all faiths, urging individuals and communities to reconnect with their Creator. The Sabbath reform, birthed after 1844, exemplifies this call to return. Initially, the connection between the third angel’s message and Sabbath observance was unclear, but further study illuminated its importance (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, pp. 78-79). And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil (Joel 2:13, KJV). Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 1:3, KJV). A prophetic voice declares, “The true Sabbath is to be restored to its rightful position as God’s rest day. The law is to be magnified and made honorable. To those who do this work the Lord says: ‘Thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in’” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 368, 1900). In Patriarchs and Prophets, a passage reminds us, “These prophetic words suggested a Sabbath reform” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307, 1890). The third angel’s message challenges us to examine our hearts, fostering renewal within the community. Have we neglected God’s commandments, and have we sought healing from Him? When we return to God, He binds our wounds, restoring us spiritually and preparing us for eternity—but what fracture in divine order demands our immediate repair?

THE BREACH IN GOD’S LAW

Sr. White highlights that the disregard for the Sabbath has caused a breach in God’s law (Selected Messages, vol. 1, pp. 67-68). This reform is a divine repair. 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, KJV). In those days saw I in Judah some treading winepresses on the sabbath, and bringing 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 (Nehemiah 13:15, KJV). Through inspired counsel, we are told, “The breach was made in the law of God when the Sabbath was changed…. But the time has come for that divine institution to be restored. The breach is to be repaired” (The Great Controversy, p. 52, 1888). An inspired pen further notes, “The fourth commandment has been trampled upon, therefore we are called upon to repair the breach in the law and plead for the desecrated Sabbath” (Christian Experience and Teachings, p. 86, 1922). The Sabbath is not merely a day of worship but a symbol of loyalty to God as Creator. It distinguishes the true God from false idols, calling humanity to honor Him, and envisioning a transformed society where the community thrives in covenant harmony. Imagine a society that acknowledges this truth—what sweeping changes might unfold if we collectively embraced the Sabbath, yet how pressing is the warning of judgment that accompanies such neglect?

THE URGENCY OF THE THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE

The third angel’s message warns of impending judgment and the eternal consequences of our choices (Revelation 14:12). Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7, KJV). The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Several have written to me, inquiring if the message of justification by faith is the third angel’s message, and I have answered, ‘It is the third angel’s message in verity’” (Review and Herald, April 1, 1890). In The Great Controversy, we read, “The most fearful threatening ever addressed to mortals is contained in the third angel’s message. That must be a terrible sin which calls down the wrath of God unmingled with mercy” (The Great Controversy, p. 449, 1888). Sr. White underscores its seriousness, stating, “The destiny of souls depends on how it is received” (Early Writings, pp. 258-259). Accepting this message means aligning our lives with God’s commandments, including Sabbath observance, mirroring the community’s current battles against worldly distractions. Are we vigilant in our spiritual walk, or have we allowed the noise of the world to drown out God’s voice? The third angel’s message calls us to a deeper commitment, preparing us for the final conflict between good and evil—but in what way does this urgent call mirror God’s boundless affection?

REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE THROUGH THE SABBATH

How does the Sabbath reflect God’s love? The answer lies in its design. 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: 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 58:13-14, KJV). The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath (Mark 2:27, KJV). As Sr. White states, the Sabbath is “the memorial of His creative power” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 117). It was a memorial of the work of creation, and thus a sign of God’s power and His love (The Desire of Ages, p. 288, 1898). In a passage from The Desire of Ages, we read, “The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when ‘the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.’ Job 38:7. Peace brooded over the world; for earth was in harmony with heaven” (The Desire of Ages, p. 281, 1898). It is an invitation to rest in His provision, a metaphor for the peace found in His grace, embodying God’s desire for relationship and offering a weekly reminder of His care and mercy to the community. When we keep the Sabbath, we declare our allegiance to God and testify of His love to the world, strengthening our collective faith and purpose—yet how does this testimony shape the church’s broader calling?

THE MISSION OF SABBATH OBSERVANCE

The church bears the responsibility of proclaiming the third angel’s message with clarity and power. Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins (Isaiah 58:1, KJV). And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come (Matthew 24:14, KJV). Sr. White warns, “None should treat it as of little importance” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 16). God calls upon the workers in this mission to elevate the standard, and to show their regard for his requirements by honoring the Sabbath (Selected Messages, vol. 3, p. 259, 1980). Observing the Sabbath is not just a personal act but a communal witness to God’s truth. As a global community, we must reflect on the societal implications of this message, becoming beacons amid spiritual shadows. How can we address the spiritual darkness caused by neglecting God’s law? By living the principles of the third angel’s message, we become lights in a world seeking direction—through what profound revelation does this mission unveil God’s heart?

GOD’S LOVE IN ACTION

The concepts of the third angel’s message reveal God’s love through His justice and mercy. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations (Deuteronomy 7:9, KJV). Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face (Psalm 89:14, KJV). The Sabbath stands as His seal, affirming our identity as His children. Sr. White writes, “The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 16). He is “slow to anger, and of great kindness,” “because He delighteth in mercy” (Steps to Christ, p. 10, 1892). This test reflects God’s desire for a faithful and prepared people. God’s love shines through His commandments, guiding us to a life of purpose and joy within the community. Observing the Sabbath demonstrates trust in His plan, evidencing our hope in His promises, as we journey together toward eternity with Him.

In embracing the Sabbath and the third angel’s message, we answer God’s call to return, repair the breach in His law, and reflect His love to the world. Let us stand united in this mission, preparing ourselves and others for Christ’s return.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?