Counsels on Church Life

Counsel #7 — A Sign Of Loyalty

Picture: Counsel #7 — A Sign Of Loyalty CCL 54.1

The main purpose of the Sabbath is to know God. Before sin came onto the scene, God spent personal time with Adam and Eve on the Sabbath, allowing them to become His friends. In a world that is now fallen, the Sabbath has gained even more importance. It not only helps us grow closer to God and deepen our friendship with Him, but it also represents our loyalty to Him and our rejection of sin and evil. When we keep the Sabbath holy, God keeps us close to Him - transforming our characters — removing sin from our lives.^[82] CCL 54.2

"Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between them and Me, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them." Ezekiel 20:12 CCL 54.3

“All who understand that the Sabbath is a sign between them and God that He is the Lord who sanctifies them will represent the principles of His government by cherishing His words and bringing into the daily practice the laws of His kingdom. They will live in constant submission to His will. They will learn from Christ, having the very words of His law written in their hearts.” Ellen White in Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 14, Manuscript 68, 1899, par. 18 CCL 54.4

Reflect: Do you observe the Sabbath to know God better? Does it make you love Him more? CCL 54.5