Ultimate Rest: The Sabbath

hese studies will explore the historical evolution of the Sabbath, the Ten Commandments, and our connection as Christians to the everlasting covenant.

t feels threatening to questions beliefs that have defined our lives. But refusing to do so suggests fear that the teachings cannot stand up under scriptural scrutiny.

Legitimate questions arise as we undertake the study of the foundations and doctrines unique to Adventism. “Why should we study them?  Isn’t this just a distraction from the gospel and from Jesus? Is this just another form of legalism and the religious spirit? Who cares? Do you think we are hung up on that old stuff?”

Because the Adventist Church has stated that none of its beliefs come from Ellen White but from the Bible alone (as supported by Ellen White), I believe it is very important to investigate this claim and to be clear on what scriptures actually teach. Are any of the above assertions true? 

“What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator.  A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one. ” Gal 3:19-20 (NIV)

Summary of the Old Covenant: Covenant partners: God and Israel as they replied “All you have said we will do”. Beneficiaries: the people of Israel.  The prerequisite sign: circumcision The repetitive sign: The Sabbath

There is a teaching in Adventism that alleges that the Ten Commandments are eternal and unchanging. We were taught, “they are a transcript of God’s character.” And since God never changes this law can never change. Even speaking those words seems to carry with them the weight of cannon truth. The difficulty comes when one tries to find that teaching in the Bible. 

On the seventh day, God rested from creating the Earth.

Jesus went out of His way to demonstrate that He had taken authority or precedence over the Sabbath by breaking or destroying the Sabbath.  The religious leaders understood this to the point that they set about to kill Him.

"The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. "

The Lord’s Day did not begin as a combination of pagan and Christian observances.  The Christian church, by meeting on Sunday, The Lord’s Day, is not keeping a Sabbath. 

A number of scriptures are used to buttress the rationalization for continuing to observe the Sabbath of the Ten Commandments.  We will look at the most often used texts and see if that is what they are really saying.

“Here is the life-insurance policy for every soul that shall strive in the right way and upon the right principles. They shall never fall, but shall have their eternal life insurance papers in the sign given in Exodus 31:12-18, in the observance of the Lord's Sabbath.

So, finally, in Jesus, the shadow meets substance; the ritual meets reality. This is what the Sabbath was intended to teach from its inception on Mount Sinai. 

Father in Heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus who has purchased my salvation on the cross by becoming a curse for me and fulfilling the law on my behalf. I acknowledge that you are present and that you will hear and answer this prayer.

The books noted below influenced the direction of my study and thought processes.  I am so appreciative of these writers and of all of the hapless Christians I have accosted over the years who have patiently answered my incessant questions. 

An audio presentation by Herschel Hughes of this message to a Southern California SDA church can be heard at this website: WWW.AmessageFromGodToTheSDAChurch.com.

From Adventist Currents, Vol. 1, No. 1, July, 1983 Walter Martin, Christianity's cult-watcher discusses Adventism in trouble - including his fear that SDA leaders are on Masada and they don't know it.

The three questions [referred to in the interview] that Walter Martin asked the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are:

Why Walter Martin Considered Seventh-Day Adventism Evangelical*