Sabbath Guidelines

[Burbank Rob]

Hello. This is my very first post. I was baptized into the SDA church in Burbank, Illinois on October 31, 1987. I'd like to get your input on a very basic question. How do you decide what is acceptable to do on Sabbath? How do you define "work"?

 

[Chief]

Hello, Rob.

Welcome to the forum, and praise God for keeping the faith.

The Sabbath commandment directs all, without exception (including strangers within your gates), to rest and do no work on the Sabbath. However, some use excuses to avoid honoring the Sabbath. They find a convenient loophole in citing the instances when (i) Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath, (ii) retrieving the animal that fell into a ditch, (iii) Jesus and his disciples were walking in the wheat fields, and they picked and ate the wheat. The real issue lies in disobedience and convenience, as many justify working on the Sabbath. The rule is that all work should be stopped on the Sabbath, regardless of the type of work. Some argue that certain jobs are exempt because they are helpful to others, but this is not valid. Some try to find excuses to work on the Sabbath for convenience, even though many of these jobs exist due to Sabbath violations.

God permits helping in emergencies but not using loopholes to work. These should be real emergencies (like rescuing victims of a landslide that happens on a Sabbath) and not planned emergencies (like scheduling a surgery on a Sabbath). Despite observing the Sabbath as outlined in the Bible, some people still try to justify working by saying they won't take payment or will donate earnings to charity. However, God cares more about not working on that day than whether or not you are paid for it.

Ultimately, obeying God's commands is the choice we must make. Disobedience through loopholes will not benefit us in the end.

 

[Burbank Rob]

Thank you for your helpful reply. I now have a better idea of what this forum is about. So far it looks like the opinions here seem to be in line with my own convictions.

 

[Burbank Rob]

Okay, so enough about "loopholes." I've been a Sabbath keeper for many years, but sometimes I still find challenges. For example: what's accpetable Sabbath viewing on TV? I only have basic cable so 3ABN is not an option. Is a wildlife program appropriate, even with some scenes of animals being hunted and eaten? What about a non-Adventist religious program?

 

[Chief]

Okay, so enough about "loopholes." I've been a Sabbath keeper for many years, but sometimes I still find challenges. For example: what's accpetable Sabbath viewing on TV? I only have basic cable so 3ABN is not an option. Is a wildlife program appropriate, even with some scenes of animals being hunted and eaten? What about a non-Adventist religious program?

My guiding principle on deciding what is acceptable Sabbath keeping is derived from this quote, "Every Christian must stand on guard continually, watching every avenue of the soul where Satan might find access. He must pray for divine help and at the same time resolutely resist every inclination to sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering toil, he can conquer. But let him remember that to gain the victory Christ must abide in him and he in Christ (Adventist Home (403.2)).

From Isaiah 58:13-14, Sabbath keeping should glorify God. When you step out in nature on a Sabbath, there is a chance you could see a lion hunting an antelope and eating it. The only difference (in my opinion) is that the wildlife program on TV is controlled by the director, so, there is a chance you could be exposed to some inappropriate content in-between the programming - which takes me back to guarding the avenues of the soul. In as much as the program may not be bad on its own, there is need to stay watchful so that the devil may not take advantage of something good to make a bad end out of it.

If you could, please take the time to go through this article on Sabbath Rest by Ron Preast. It has some valid points to consider. I have also attached an additional article with guiding principles on Sabbath observance.

 

[Ronedion]

Interesting discussion here. I will first share quotations from EGW and give my opinion. The book Desire of Ages in page 207.1 and 2

The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath. God's holy rest day was made for man, and acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with its intent. God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour's pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day....​

​

The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity. The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. The work of Christ in healing the sick was in perfect accord with the law. It honored the Sabbath. The Desire of Ages, 207.​

​

In as much as that is clear, we will always want to use those provisions to find an excuse for work. I will use an example of a physician now that I am in that field. I don't believe it is okay to schedule a surgery for a sabbath day which can wait (be done later or prior). Only that which would otherwise lead to loss of life or complications if not done emergently be done urgently.

Replying to Burbank on what's acceptable to watch on a sabbath, I think watching sermons, christian songs and live services is okay but that sometimes comes with challenges especially if you are streaming. Adverts will pop up at ungodly hours. You are also at risk of watching other unintended programs. Wildlife programs? Well, personally I wouldn't watch. It is debatable though. Someone can say wildlife reminds them of the God of nature.

 

[Chomsky]

What a great discussion!

Sometimes, it might seem challenging to define what is work on a sabbath in our modern society because of the complexities of things we are always involved in. Unlike the time of Moses when Israelites had laws and rules regarding working on the Sabbath, today we are left to decide for ourselves concerning that issues. However, the Bible and the Spirit of Prophesy gives us adequate guidelines that should help us interpret working on a Sabbath in our modern society, while helping us to shield ourselves from the loopholes that human nature has created.

Much has been said above regarding the definition of working on the Sabbath and what activities we should be involved in. Mine is to emphasize what Chief has said:

And the Lord says, "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; . . . then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord." Isa. 58:13, 14. To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28. The Desire of Ages, pp. 289.

The good thing is that we can always rely on Christ to show us the way forward because in John 14:6 Christ affirms, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

 

[Burbank Rob]

My guiding principle on deciding what is acceptable Sabbath keeping is derived from this quote, "Every Christian must stand on guard continually, watching every avenue of the soul where Satan might find access. He must pray for divine help and at the same time resolutely resist every inclination to sin. By courage, by faith, by persevering toil, he can conquer. But let him remember that to gain the victory Christ must abide in him and he in Christ (Adventist Home (403.2)).

From Isaiah 58:13-14, Sabbath keeping should glorify God. When you step out in nature on a Sabbath, there is a chance you could see a lion hunting an antelope and eating it. The only difference (in my opinion) is that the wildlife program on TV is controlled by the director, so, there is a chance you could be exposed to some inappropriate content in-between the programming - which takes me back to guarding the avenues of the soul. In as much as the program may not be bad on its own, there is need to stay watchful so that the devil may not take advantage of something good to make a bad end out of it.

If you could, please take the time to go through this article on Sabbath Rest by Ron Preast. It has some valid points to consider. I have also attached an additional article with guiding principles on Sabbath observance.

That's helpful, thank you.
Isaiah 58:13 says
"If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight."

I've always wondered about that "turn your foot away from doing your pleasure." It sounds like "don't do anything you enjoy." What are your thoughts on this? Thank you.

 

[Chief]

My interpretation of this verse has always been that we should refrain from doing our regular secular business as usual on the Sabbath. This does not mean we should frown on the Sabbath. Absolutely not.

Just like in Isaiah's day, God warned them to stop repeating the mistakes of their forefathers (who were treading the winepress and doing commerce as usual on the Sabbath - Nehemiah 13:15; Isaiah 59). They were bearing loads on the Sabbath day while going to worship in Jerusalem and would be "wishing that the Sabbath would end" so that they could sell their wares. They were so preoccupied with their own pleasure seeking that they forgot to delight in the Sabbath as God intended.

We, likewise, derive pleasure in doing business or our regular secular work - which is not a bad thing. However, doing so on the Sabbath is what we are being cautioned against. Otherwise, the Sabbath ought to be the tenderest, most delightful day of the week, and we ought to enjoy it in the Lord.

Please see the attached article for further exposition on the subject.

 

[Evakool]

Sounds like you people don't know what you are talking about . You use power to your house on the Sabbath day other people are working to make and get the power to your house you drive to the SDA church travel is not allowed on the Sabbath day so if you really want to keep the Sabbath day stay at home and don't let anyone work for you no electricity can be used. Of course SDA church will say or make up something to get around these rules. That's how a religious group works make up things to sute their way of religion. Like teaching and keeping one law is all that matters what about the other nine laws never talk about them and the other nine laws are for every day use not just one day a week if everyone on earth just kept one law like do not lie wouldn't the world be a really better place to live or do not steal or do not commit adultery one of these law's would be really good for everyone on earth but keep the Sabbath day how is that going to make the earth better that's why Jesus only talked about nine laws didn't say to keep the Sabbath day but SDA needs to have the Sabbath law because no other church keeps the Sabbath so SDA can keep all their members there under their control. Even they don't keep the Sabbath day as it is written in the bible. Many people Work five days and on Saturday they stay at home don't go shopping or even driving resting all day Saturday and many go on Sunday to church but still don't go shopping they are keeping the Sabbath day more than SDA people do by staying at their place. But the SDA will never accept these people because only the the SDA group is the only real believers that's what they teach every Saturday nothing else but keeping the Sabbath day that's being a religious cult.

 

[adamjedgar]

Many people Work five days and on Saturday they stay at home don't go shopping or even driving resting all day Saturday and many go on Sunday to church but still don't go shopping they are keeping the Sabbath day more than SDA people do by staying at their place. But the SDA will never accept these people because only the the SDA group is the only real believers that's what they teach every Saturday nothing else but keeping the Sabbath day that's being a religious cult.

Evakool, you statement there has nothing to do with the SDA denominations beliefs.

What you are now complaining about is whether or not Gods people are to worship Him or not.

The prophet Isaiah clearly outlines a promise God makes to His people who make the Sabbath a delight, and honour it by not doing our own pleasure, then He will bless us.


Isaiah 58:13-14
If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

 

[Evakool]

You don't even know what you are talking about you just take a scripture and use the ones you want to make the SDA group look like a religion but really all SDA wants is people to join and then control them.

 

[Chief]

Like teaching and keeping one law is all that matters what about the other nine laws never talk about them and the other nine laws are for every day use not just one day a week if everyone on earth just kept one law like do not lie wouldn't the world be a really better place to live or do not steal or do not commit adultery one of these law's would be really good for everyone on earth but keep the Sabbath day how is that going to make the earth better that's why Jesus only talked about nine laws didn't say to keep the Sabbath day but SDA needs to have the Sabbath law because no other church keeps the Sabbath so SDA can keep all their members there under their control

You have selective memory, and I don't blame you for it. SDAs believe in all the 10 commandments, here are our fundamental beliefs, if you care to learn about them.

You don't even know what you are talking about you just take a scripture and use the ones you want to make the SDA group look like a religion but really all SDA wants is people to join and then control them.

Nobody is being controlled in the SDA church. Quite the contrary. According to Pew Research, SDA church tops the chart for being the most diverse religious group. Read and understand. Stop pulling things from the sky.

that's why Jesus only talked about nine laws didn't say to keep the Sabbath day

Would Jesus keep the Sabbath today?

Again, if you are going to respond to this, use facts and be specific. Don't be emotional. We are not here to assuage your anger issues. You need a therapist for that. Unfortunately, I am not a therapist.

 

[adamjedgar]

You don't even know what you are talking about you just take a scripture and use the ones you want to make the SDA group look like a religion but really all SDA wants is people to join and then control them.

I would state quite emphatically that out of the two of us, i am the only one who is using appropriate references to back up my theology here.

If you truly want to discuss what SDA denomination is really about, then you need to stop throwing these unreferenced allegations about.

So here is what you need to do:

1. Ask a question or present an issue that you wish to have answered
2. Read the answer
3. If there are things in the answer that bother you, highlight them specifically one at a time and ask a follow up seeking clarification or rebuttal.

For me the important thing is, if you dissagree with something, then please reference your dissagreement with sound sources (either biblical or published writer) so that we have something with which to debate. I cannot debate nonsense...its like conversing with a dog that is interested in nothing more than barking up trees.

 

[Evakool]

I gave you verses from the bible and you never said anything about them you sent me a verse from Revelation about if you keep my commandments. So it is talking about all the commandments or just one the Sabbath day?

 

[Chief]

I gave you verses from the bible and you never said anything about them you sent me a verse from Revelation about if you keep my commandments. So it is talking about all the commandments or just one the Sabbath day?

In the decalogue, the Sabbath commandment is the fourth.

 

[adamjedgar]

I gave you verses from the bible and you never said anything about them you sent me a verse from Revelation about if you keep my commandments. So it is talking about all the commandments or just one the Sabbath day?

We know that the apostle John was the last surviving member of Christs disciples. He was an eyewitness to Christs ministry and teachings. If the Christian church wasn't supposed to keep the Sabbath, John would not have written texts such as Rev 14.12...so as i have stated before and as is published in the SDA church fundamentals... given John wrote this 60 years after the crucifixion...he is talking about keeping all of them.

 

[Evakool]

Revelation 14:12 means to me as I read it God's people must endure persecution patiently maintaining their fath in Jesus. Of course SDA will make it mean something different as all they care about is Sabbath day law. Then if it means what you say I will be safe as I kept the Sabbath day law as it is meant to be not a changed version as SDA teaches it's no big job for me to stay at home all day Saturday and next year I am getting stand alone solar power so I can have electricity without having someone working for me as I sit at home and read and think of everything God has done to save people who accepts his plan of salvation.as SDA members will be driving on the roads to their meeting to hear how the Sabbath day is so important but don't even keep it.

 

[adamjedgar]

Revelation 14:12 means to me as I read it God's people must endure persecution patiently maintaining their fath in Jesus.

Exactly...AND WHO ARE GODS PEOPLE in Revelation 14:12?

Prove biblically that im wrong in saying that the verse defines "THE SAINTS" for us, those who:

1. keep the commandments and
2. have the faith/testimony of Jesus

I am not making any of this up, its right there in front of your eyes in the passage of scripture itself!!!

 

[Evakool]

Is the ten commandments it talking about do you keep the ten commandments or just one the Sabbath day that's all SDA talks about none of the other commandments.