Bible Handbook

Ceremonial Sabbaths

Leviticus 23:7, 8, 21, 24, 25, 27, 32, 39. There are seven ceremonial Sabbaths as follows:- 1. 16th of Abib; 2. 23rd of Abib; 3. Pentecost; 4. 1st of the 7th month; 5. 10th of the 7th month; 6. 15th of the 7th month; 7. 22nd of the 7th month. These were annual Sabbaths, coming only once a year. As they always came on the same day of the month, they would come only occasionally on the 7th day of the week. BHB 79.8

• Colossians 2:16, 17. These Sabbaths were all shadows of things to come. BHB 80.1

• Hebrews 9:8-11. The types, or shadowy service, ceased at the cross. The Desire of Ages, 774. BHB 80.2

• Matthew 27:50-51. At the death of Christ God rent the vail of the temple, thus showing that the shadowy service had ended. BHB 80.3

• Hebrews 9:10; Romans 14:1-6; Colossians 2:16. All of these ceremonial Sabbaths were connected with the annual feast days. On the Passover Sabbath bitter herbs were mingled with the feast. The day of atonement was a fast day; the others were feast days. BHB 80.4

• Leviticus 23:38. These annual Sabbaths were separate and distinct from the Sabbath of the Lord. BHB 80.5

• Exodus 20:10. The seventh day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord. BHB 80.6

• Exodus 20:8-11. “Meats and drinks” not connected with the weekly Sabbath. BHB 80.7

• Exodus 20:11. Seventh-day Sabbath a memorial of creation. The Desire of Ages, 289. BHB 80.8

• Isaiah 66:22, 23. As long as the world stands the memorial of creation will be celebrated. BHB 80.9