Brakelite
Well-Known Member
Ziggy, I do enjoy your contributions, however, I think I need to remind you that not doing the will of God...that is disobeying Him... Is not to His glory. I agree with you that there are many interpretations as to what the Sabbath means and how it applies to individuals and churches. And that's the trouble. People want to "interpret" that which is already plainly declared in scripture. Why? Because they don't want to allow God to make such changes to their lives necessary for them to do God's will. They will do all manner of things to please their flesh and look good in the sight of others. But the moment anything requires sacrifice, they look for excuses to avoid it, and thus miss out on the many blessings that would have followed complete surrender.
And when it comes to observing the Sabbath, or the myriad of alternatives that are offered in its stead, it reminds me of the fruit that Cain offered instead of simply doing what was required.
KJV Matthew 15:9
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
KJV Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
We have to take extreme care and much prayer and be transparent and honest in all our dealings with God. Many here have correctly declared that spiritually resting in Christ...that is surrendered, placing ones full confidence in, and trusting in Christ in all things, is the right and proper thing to do. Doing this brings peace, and allows Christ to work in the life with our full cooperation. However, while all that is true, nowhere in scripture, either in the teachings of Jesus Himself, or from any of the Apostles, is there ever a hint that such a rest actually replaces or morphs from the 4th commandment. The same can be said of Sunday sacredness. That particular teaching and doctrine does not exist. It is an invention of man, a tradition of the church handed down after centuries of determined papal enforcement and political power.
Many historians are in agreement with scripture, that the apostles observed the Sabbath, being mentioned over 70 times in the NT, as did the early church in a variety of nations unhampered by papal decrees to the contrary, the declarations of Roman church councils, and persecutions and wars against those who chose the Sabbath within Rome's jurisdiction. Ethiopia, the Celtic church in Britain, and the Assyrian church of the east all honoured the 4th commandment until opposition slowly wore them down. Seventh Day Adventists did not invent the Sabbath. Nor were they the first people in the NT to observe it. But they will be the last.
KJV Revelation 12:17
17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
KJV Revelation 14:9-12
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
