Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #6 — God Blessed And Sanctified The Sabbath

Picture: Counsel #6 — God Blessed And Sanctified The Sabbath CCW 83.1

Keeping the 7th day Sabbath is a core part of our connection with God. It's like a unique code that shows everyone we belong to God's team and respect His teachings. Just like the Sabbath marked the Israelites as different when they left Egypt, the Sabbath shows we're distinct from the world as we head towards our heavenly eternal rest. CCW 83.2

God made the Sabbath holy and blessed it at Creation, a celebration made to endure forever, even after Christ’s crucifixion. Nowhere does the Bible state that we should observe Sunday in honor of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Seventh-day Adventists follow the biblical practice of baptism and the Lord’s Supper to honor Jesus’ resurrection. CCW 83.3

The Sabbath is a double sign: God as Creator and God as Sanctifier (the One who makes things holy). The same Power that created everything can re-create our inner selves into His image. Keeping the Sabbath is a sign of His transformative ability.^[115] CCW 83.4

“Surely my Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” Exodus 31:13 NKJV CCW 83.5

“To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character.” Ellen White in Jesus, Name Above All Names, p. 193 CCW 83.6

Reflect: The citation mentions "harmony with God." What does this concept mean to you? CCW 83.7