SABBATHKEEPING: PATH TO HOLINESS

Haggai 2:9 “The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.”

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound role of the Sabbath as a sign of sanctification, obedience, and our covenant relationship with God, highlighting how true observance stems from faith and heart transformation through Christ, supported by Scripture and insights from Ellen G. White.

INCREDIBLE SABBATH INSIGHTS

The Sabbath serves as a crucial sign of sanctification and obedience in our lives. According to The Great Controversy (p. 449), the Third Angel’s message warns of a sin that incurs God’s wrath without mercy, emphasizing the vital importance of the Sabbath in the final controversy between God’s people and those who follow the beast. The observance of the Sabbath is a covenantal sign, as described in Desire of Ages (p. 668), which states that true obedience comes from the heart, and through communion with Christ, we are transformed into His likeness. This transformation is echoed in Desire of Ages (p. 676), where it is explained that continual communion with Christ produces true holiness and faith-driven obedience. The Scriptures echo this truth in Isaiah 58:13-14: “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.” Likewise, Exodus 20:8-11 declares: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 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.” Ellen G. White writes: “All heaven was represented to me as beholding and watching upon the Sabbath those who acknowledge the claims of the fourth commandment and are observing the Sabbath. Angels were marking their interest in, and high regard for, this divine institution. Those who sanctified the Lord God in their hearts by a strictly devotional frame of mind, and who sought to improve the sacred hours in keeping the Sabbath to the best of their ability, and to honor God by calling the Sabbath a delight—these the angels were specially blessing with light and health, and special strength was given them.” (Counsels for the Church, p. 490, 1991). She also states: “Strict compliance with the requirements of Heaven brings temporal as well as spiritual blessings.” (Counsels for the Church, p. 491, 1991). Therefore, Sabbath-keeping is not merely an external practice but an expression of faith that reflects inner sanctification and covenant loyalty to God. This obedience leads us into a life of continual sanctification and deepens our relationship with the Creator, making the Sabbath a profound symbol of faith and transformation. But how does the Sabbath connect to the New Covenant in shaping our observance?

NEW COVENANT NEXUS!

Sabbathkeeping, as instituted by the Lord, serves a significant purpose in our lives. According to Ezekiel 20:20, the Sabbath is a sign that “ye may know that I am the LORD your God”. In essence, Sabbath observance identifies to whom we belong, marking us as God’s people. It is a perpetual covenant, as outlined in Exodus 31:16, signifying a relationship that spans eternity. This covenant is intricately connected to the New Covenant, as described in Hebrews 8:10: “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel… I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts.” True Sabbath keeping must flow from a union with Christ, wherein our life and actions are rooted in continual communion with Him. Ellen G. White explains, “This union with Christ, once formed, must be maintained… The branch becomes a part of the living vine” (The Desire of Ages, p. 676). The Scriptures echo this truth in Exodus 31:17: “It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Similarly, Hebrews 4:3 declares: “For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Sr. White writes: “The Sabbath is a pledge given by God to man—a sign of the relation existing between the Creator and His created beings. By observing the memorial of the creation of the world in six days and the rest of the Creator on the seventh day, by keeping the Sabbath holy, according to His directions, the Israelites were to declare to the world their loyalty to the only true and living God, the Sovereign of the universe.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 256, 1901). She also states: “By observing the true Sabbath Christians are ever to bear to the world faithful witness of their knowledge of the true and living God as distinguished from all false gods, for the Lord of the Sabbath is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One exalted above all other gods.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 256, 1901). Our relationship with Christ, embodied in Sabbath observance, is not a fleeting connection but a sustained, transformative bond. But what transforms obedience from external to internal in this covenant?

In this New Covenant relationship, faithful obedience arises from the heart, just as it did with Christ. As Sr. White emphasizes, “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ” (The Desire of Ages, p. 668). The transformation from mere external observance to internal obedience occurs through a deep and personal relationship with Christ. When we truly know God, our will aligns with His, and obedience becomes a natural outflow of our desires. In this state, we begin to detest sin and find joy in doing God’s will. This heart transformation is essential for Sabbath-keeping to be more than just a mechanical practice. Through constant communion with Christ, we experience a transformation of the will, enabling us to live a life of continuous obedience. The Scriptures echo this truth in Jeremiah 31:33: “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Likewise, Ezekiel 36:26-27 states: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.” Sr. White writes: “Before the setting of the sun let the members of the family assemble to read God’s word, to sing and pray. There is need of reform here, for many have been remiss. We need to confess to God and to one another. We should begin anew to make special arrangements that every member of the family may be prepared to honor the day which God has blessed and sanctified.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 356, 1901). She also states: “Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 357, 1901). This transformation is only possible through the indwelling presence of Christ, who empowers us to resist sin and overcome temptation. But how does focusing on Christ bring about this heart transformation?

The transformation in our heart is brought about by continually focusing on Christ and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within. As we look to Jesus with the “eye of faith,” He strengthens us, and the Holy Spirit renews our nature, making us new creatures in Him. Sr. White notes, “The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus” (The Desire of Ages, p. 391). This process, called sanctification, involves dying to our old, sinful ways and being renewed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation directly connects to Sabbath observance because, just as God rested on the seventh day, we are called to cease our works and enter His rest (Genesis 2:2-3; Hebrews 4:4, 10). This rest signifies a complete reliance on Christ’s righteousness rather than our own. It is not merely physical rest but a spiritual state of peace and surrender, where we acknowledge that salvation is by grace through faith, not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). The Scriptures echo this truth in Matthew 11:28-29: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Similarly, Psalm 37:7 declares: “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Sr. White writes: “We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead of this the food should be more simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think to dishonor God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 357, 1901). She also states: “While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not have every day.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 357, 1901). But what does ceasing from works truly mean for keeping the Sabbath holy?

To keep the Sabbath, one must cease from their works, as illustrated in Galatians 5:19-21, which describes the “works of the flesh” that we must abandon. In John 3:5-6, Jesus explains that to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born of the Spirit. Therefore, to keep the Sabbath holy, we must surrender to the Holy Spirit, who produces the fruit of righteousness in us. Sr. White supports this, stating, “The image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature” (The Desire of Ages, p. 391). As the Spirit works in us, our Sabbath rest becomes a reflection of our inner holiness, where we rely fully on God to work in us both to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). The Scriptures echo this truth in Romans 8:2: “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Likewise, Galatians 5:22-23 states: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Sr. White writes: “At family worship let the children take a part. Let all bring their Bibles and each read a verse or two. Then let some familiar hymn be sung, followed by prayer. For this, Christ has given a model. The Lord’s Prayer was not intended to be repeated merely as a form, but it is an illustration of what our prayers should be—simple, earnest, and comprehensive. In a simple petition tell the Lord your needs and express gratitude for His mercies. Thus you invite Jesus as a welcome guest into your home and heart. In the family long prayers concerning remote objects are not in place. They make the hour of prayer a weariness, when it should be regarded as a privilege and blessing. Make the season one of interest and joy.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 357, 1901). She also states: “The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they can. Left alone, the children soon become restless and begin to play or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 358, 1901). Sabbath keeping, then, is a continual reminder of our new covenant relationship with God—a sign of sanctification and spiritual renewal. But how do we labor to enter this rest in practice?

As we are called to “labour therefore to enter into that rest” (Hebrews 4:11, King James Version). This labor is not one of physical effort but of spiritual surrender. We must strive to lay aside our self-reliance and instead rest in the finished work of Christ. As we cease from our works, the Holy Spirit transforms us, making our Sabbath keeping an act of true worship and holiness. This type of Sabbath keeping, grounded in the New Covenant, is the only way to experience the rest God intends for His people. Through the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit, Sabbath observance becomes more than a weekly ritual—it becomes a symbol of our total dependence on God’s grace and a reflection of our union with Christ. The Scriptures echo this truth in Colossians 2:16-17: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” Similarly, James 1:25 declares: “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Sr. White writes: “I have been shown that very many of the parents who profess to believe the solemn message for this time have not trained their children for God. They have not restrained themselves and have been irritated with anyone who attempted to restrain them. They have not by living faith daily bound their children upon the altar of the Lord. Many of these youth have been allowed to transgress the Fourth Commandment, by seeking their own pleasure upon God’s holy day. They have felt no compunctions of conscience in going about the streets on the Sabbath for their own amusement. Many go where they please, and do what they please; and their parents are so fearful of displeasing them that, imitating the management of Eli, they lay no commands upon them.” (Child Guidance, p. 527, 1954). She also states: “These youth finally lose all respect for the Sabbath and have no relish for religious meetings or for sacred and eternal things.” (Child Guidance, p. 527, 1954). To understand how to maintain this type of Sabbath, we must turn to the transformative power of God’s Word, as explained in Hebrews 4:12. But what deeper meaning does faith bring to Sabbath observance?

MEANING AND PURPOSE MARVEL!

The observance of the Sabbath is a vital aspect of faith that transcends mere outward actions. It reflects a deep, inner relationship with God rooted in faith and obedience. According to Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” revealing that keeping the Sabbath is not merely a ritual but a matter of spiritual discernment and transformation. The Bible shows that Israel could not enter God’s rest because of unbelief, as stated in Hebrews 3:12 and 19. The unbelief of Israel did not stem from a single moment but was the result of rejecting the evidence of God’s leading (Hebrews 3:8-11). This refusal to trust in God’s guidance ultimately led to disobedience and the loss of the promised rest. For us today, this teaches that only through faith can the Sabbath be truly observed, as “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17, Galatians 2:20). The Scriptures echo this truth in Nehemiah 9:13-14: “Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant.” Likewise, Amos 5:4 states: “For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live.” Sr. White writes: “Above everything, take care of your children upon the Sabbath. Do not let them violate it, for you may just as well violate it yourself as to let your children do it. When you suffer your children to play upon the Sabbath, God looks upon you as a commandment breaker. You transgress His Sabbath.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 257, 1854). She also states: “Come to the table without levity. Boisterous noise and contention should not be allowed any day of the week; but on the Sabbath all should observe quietness. No loud-toned commands should be heard at any time; but on the Sabbath it is entirely out of place. This is God’s holy day, the day He has set apart to commemorate His creative works, a day He has sanctified and hallowed.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 257, 1897). Thus, Sabbathkeeping must stem from living a life of faith and obedience to God’s will. But what lessons from Israel’s failure guide our faith today?

The failure of Israel to enter God’s rest serves as a cautionary tale for all of us. Their unbelief began with the hardening of their hearts, as described in Hebrews 3:15-18. When God’s people rejected His voice and His works, they forfeited the blessings of Sabbath rest. This illustrates that Sabbathkeeping is not about legalistic observance, but rather, it is deeply connected to our faith and relationship with God. Sr. White emphasizes that “if we aren’t living by faith in perfect obedience to God, we are not keeping the Sabbath holy” (The Desire of Ages, p. 283). True Sabbath observance requires faith, for “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). The Scriptures echo this truth in Psalm 95:10-11: “Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.” Similarly, Numbers 14:22-23 states: “Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it.” Sr. White writes: “I say to those who claim to be Seventh-day Adventists, Can you claim the seal of the living God? Can you claim that you are sanctified by the truth? We have not, as a people, given the law of God the preeminence as we should. We are in danger of doing our own pleasure on the Sabbath day.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 258, 1907). She also states: “Pleasure seeking, ball playing, swimming, was not a necessity, but a sinful neglect of the sacred day sanctified by Jehovah. Christ did not perform miracles merely to display His power, but always to meet Satan in afflicting suffering humanity. Christ came to our world to meet the needs of the suffering, whom Satan was torturing.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 258, 1889). This victory over sin and self is the essence of Sabbathkeeping, as it reflects our complete dependence on God’s grace. But where does the journey of Sabbathkeeping through faith truly begin?

Faith in God’s power is where this journey of Sabbathkeeping begins. Romans 3:28 explains that “a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” This justification, signified by the Sabbath, points to God’s mighty work of creation and redemption, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:15. God delivered Israel from Egypt through a mighty hand, and this same mighty power is what He uses to create a new heart in us. The Sabbath, therefore, is not only a reminder of the original creation but also a symbol of God’s ongoing work of recreating our hearts through justification (2 Corinthians 5:17). Psalm 51:10 expresses this clearly: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” The Scriptures echo this truth in Ezekiel 20:12: “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.” Likewise, Isaiah 43:1 states: “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Sr. White writes: ““Remember” is placed at the very first of the Fourth Commandment. Parents, you need to remember the Sabbath day yourselves to keep it holy. And if you do this, you are giving the proper instruction to your children; they will reverence God’s holy day…. Christian education is needed in your homes. All through the week keep the Lord’s holy Sabbath in view, for that day is to be devoted to the service of God. It is a day when the hands are to rest from worldly employment, when the soul’s needs are to receive especial attention.” (Child Guidance, p. 527, 1954). She also states: “When the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed, we shall be too weary to engage in His service.” (Child Guidance, p. 528, 1954). Just as God rested after His work of creation, we are called to rest in His completed work of salvation, continually renewing our faith in Him. But how must faith be sustained to uphold Sabbath sanctification?

Yet, faith is not merely a one-time event; it must be sustained throughout our lives. Hebrews 3:13-14 reminds us that we must “exhort one another daily” and “hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.” The Sabbath, as described in Exodus 31:13, is a sign of sanctification—a process by which we are made holy through continuous surrender and faith. Sr. White explains that the Sabbath “was to be a token of their separation from idolatry, and their connection with the true God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 283). Through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, we are transformed into the likeness of Christ, enabling us to keep the Sabbath holy in both spirit and truth. The Scriptures echo this truth in 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 states: “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” Sr. White writes: “On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness, and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked, and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule, you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun, let all secular work be laid aside, and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment.” (Child Guidance, p. 528, 1954). She also states: “In many families [on Sabbath] boots and shoes are blacked and brushed, and stitches are taken, all because these little odds and ends were not done on Friday. They did not “remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” …” (Child Guidance, p. 528, 1954). But in what ways does the sanctifying power of the Sabbath manifest?

The sanctifying power of the Sabbath is evident in several ways. First, we must be cleansed from sin before the Sabbath begins, as Nehemiah 13:22 emphasizes preparation day for the Sabbath. As the community, we are connected to a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), called to live holy lives. Just as the shewbread was prepared every Sabbath (1 Chronicles 9:32), we are to partake of the true bread of life—Jesus Christ—especially on the Sabbath day. Christ declared, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48), and those who partake of His word receive spiritual nourishment (John 6:63). On the Sabbath, we are called to gather and meet (Leviticus 23:3, Hebrews 10:25), encouraging one another in faith and good works (Hebrews 10:24). These practices—preparation, partaking of Christ, and fellowship—work together to sanctify us and set the Sabbath apart as a holy day. The Scriptures echo this truth in Exodus 35:3: “Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.” Likewise, Jeremiah 17:27 states: “But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.” Sr. White writes: “On Friday the clothing of the children is to be looked after. During the week they should be all laid out by their own hands under the direction of the mother, so that they can dress quietly, without any confusion or rushing about and hasty speeches.” (Child Guidance, p. 528, 1954). She also states: “God made the world in six days and rested on the seventh, sanctifying this day, and setting it apart from all others as holy to Himself, to be observed by His people throughout their generations. But the man of sin, exalting himself above God, sitting in the temple of God, and showing himself to be God, thought to change times and laws. This power, thinking to prove that it was not only equal to God, but above God, changed the rest day, placing the first day of the week where the seventh should be. And the Protestant world has taken this child of the papacy to be regarded as sacred. In the Word of God this is called her fornication [Revelation 14:8].” (The S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 979, 1900). But what blessings come from observing the Sabbath?

In keeping the Sabbath, God pronounces a blessing upon those who observe it. Isaiah 56:2 says, “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it.” This blessing produces joy and happiness, as Psalm 144:15 states, “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” The Sabbath, therefore, becomes not only a sign of obedience but also a source of deep spiritual joy and fulfillment. Sr. White explains that the Sabbath was given to humanity as a sign of their relationship with God: “There remaineth therefore a keeping of a Sabbath to the people of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 283). It is a day designed for communion with God, where we can rest in His promises and reflect on His goodness. The Scriptures echo this truth in Isaiah 56:6-7: “Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” Similarly, Psalm 92:1 states: “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” Sr. White writes: “During the Christian dispensation the great enemy of man’s happiness has made the Sabbath of the fourth commandment an object of special attack. Satan says, ‘I will work at cross purposes with God. I will empower my followers to set aside God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath. Thus I will show the world that the day sanctified and blessed by God has been changed. That day shall not live in the minds of the people. I will obliterate the memory of it. I will place in its stead a day that does not bear the credentials of God, a day that cannot be a sign between God and His people. I will lead those who accept this day to place upon it the sanctity that God placed upon the seventh day.’” (Prophets and Kings, p. 183, 1917). She also states: “In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be united, in opposition to God’s people, all the corrupt powers that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah. In this warfare the Sabbath of the fourth commandment will be the great point at issue, for in the Sabbath commandment the great Lawgiver identifies Himself as the Creator of the heavens and the earth.” (Selected Messages Book 3, p. 392, 1891). But how does heart devotion elevate Sabbathkeeping beyond outward actions?

However, Sabbathkeeping is more than outward observance; it must stem from a heart of love and devotion. Sr. White warns that “mere outward observance was a mockery” when disconnected from genuine love and faith in God (The Desire of Ages, p. 286). The Sabbath was intended to bring humanity into communion with God, not as a burdensome ritual, but as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. Jesus taught that “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28), emphasizing that its purpose is to bless and restore us. The Sabbath calls us to set aside the distractions and burdens of daily life and focus fully on God, experiencing the peace and joy that come from abiding in His presence. The Scriptures echo this truth in Luke 13:15-16: “The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering? And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?” Similarly, Matthew 12:12 states: “How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.” Sr. White writes: “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,’ the Lord says, ‘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). Some will seek to place obstacles in the way of Sabbath observance, saying, ‘You do not know what day is the Sabbath,’ but they seem to understand when Sunday comes, and have manifested great zeal in making laws compelling its observance.” (The Kress Collection, p. 148, 1900). She also states: “We must take a firm stand that we will not reverence the first day of the week as the Sabbath, for it is not the day that was blessed and sanctified by Jehovah, and in reverencing Sunday we should place ourselves on the side of the great deceiver.” (Last Day Events, p. 133, 1900). Sabbathkeeping is a profound expression of faith and a sign of our relationship with God. It is not merely about resting on the seventh day but about entering God’s rest through faith, obedience, and sanctification. As Hebrews 4:9 reminds us, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (King James Version). This rest is a spiritual reality that can only be experienced through a life of faith and dependence on Christ. Therefore, as we are called to “arise and build the old waste places” (Isaiah 58:12), restoring the true meaning and purpose of the Sabbath in our lives. Let us strive to keep the Sabbath holy, not as a mere ritual but as a sign of our faith in God’s creative and redemptive power. But what final reflections solidify the Sabbath’s role in our faith journey?

GRAND CONCLUSION!

The Sabbath stands as a vital element in our lives, embodying the principles of faith, obedience, and sanctification. The Great Controversy (p. 449) emphasizes that the Sabbath will play a central role in the final controversy between those who follow God and those who follow the beast, highlighting its importance as a mark of loyalty to God. Moreover, Desire of Ages (p. 668) clarifies that true Sabbath observance comes from a heart transformed by communion with Christ, where obedience is not just an external act but a reflection of inner sanctification. As we experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to fully embrace the Sabbath as a sign of our covenant relationship with God. Ultimately, as Desire of Ages (p. 676) explains, Sabbath-keeping becomes a continual reminder of faith-driven obedience, leading us into a deeper spiritual rest with God. The Scriptures echo this truth in Revelation 14:12: “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Likewise, Isaiah 66:23 states: “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.” Sr. White writes: “The Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all the world will act a part.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 352, 1901). She also states: “As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration.” (The Great Controversy, p. 615, 1911). In conclusion, the Sabbath is far more than a day of physical rest; it is a powerful symbol of spiritual renewal and a testament to our commitment to live by faith and uphold God’s covenant.

“And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.” (Ezekiel 20:20, KJV)

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

SABBATHKEEPING: PATH TO HOLINESS

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