From the Heart

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Biblical Foundation for the Sabbath, December 11

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. FH 357.1

Christ resisted the temptations of the enemy with the only weapon that the soldier of the cross of Christ can successfully use—“It is written.” Where? In the Old and New Testaments. With these words we are to defend ourselves and warn others, holding forth to them the Word of life. FH 357.2

Many have never understood that Sunday is not the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. In his subtlety, Satan has covered up this fact and has presented a common day as sacred, that the whole world may become guilty before God by transgression. Many are utterly ignorant that they are not keeping the fourth commandment. It is essential for all to seek for truth from the divine Guidebook, that they may decide what the Lord says on this question. People have said much, but we cannot build our faith on the words of any person. There are two sides to this question. The God of heaven presents His law, and Satan holds out his spurious sabbath.... FH 357.3

Sunday is a child of the Papacy. It has been nourished and cradled by the Protestant world as a genuine requirement of Jehovah; but it has no foundation in the Word of God. The Christian world is tested by their relation to this matter. God moves upon men and women to search the Scriptures for evidence to sustain Sunday. Those who search with a desire for truth will see that in the past they have been relying on tradition and have accepted an institution of the Papacy.... FH 357.4

We are accountable only for the light that shines upon us. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus are testing us. If we are faithful and obedient, God will delight in us and bless us as His own chosen, peculiar people. When perfect faith and perfect love and obedience abound, working in the hearts of those who are Christ's followers, they will have a powerful influence. Light will emanate from them, dispelling the darkness around them, refining and elevating all who come within the sphere of their influence, and bringing to a knowledge of the truth all who are willing to be enlightened and to follow in the humble path of obedience. FH 357.5

Great blessings are promised to those who keep holy God's Sabbath.—The Review and Herald, July 13, 1897. FH 357.6