9) The Sabbath

The Sabbath is a special gift from God to humanity. In this lesson, we will study the origin, purpose, and blessing of the weekly day of rest.

The Origin of the Sabbath

When was the Sabbath instituted?

Genesis 2:1-3

When was the Sabbath instituted?

At Mount Sinai, with Moses At creation, on the seventh day With Abraham In the New Testament

What did God do on the seventh day of creation?

Genesis 2:2-3

What did God do on the seventh day of creation?

He continued creating He only stopped working He rested, blessed, and sanctified the seventh day Nothing special

“The institutions that God has established are for the benefit of mankind.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, DA 288.1

The Fourth Commandment

What does the fourth commandment command?

Exodus 20:8-11

What does the fourth commandment command?

Keep any day of the week Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy Work seven days a week Rest whenever convenient

What is the reason given in the commandment for keeping the Sabbath?

Exodus 20:11

What is the reason given in the commandment for keeping the Sabbath?

Jewish tradition Because in six days the Lord made the heavens and earth and rested on the seventh Social convenience Physical health

What day of the week is the biblical Sabbath?

Luke 23:54-56

What day of the week is the biblical Sabbath?

The first day (Sunday) Any day chosen The seventh day (Saturday) There is no specific day

Jesus and the Sabbath

What was Jesus' custom on the Sabbath?

Luke 4:16

What was Jesus' custom on the Sabbath?

He ignored the Sabbath He worked normally As was His custom, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day He rested alone at home

Did Jesus abolish the Sabbath?

Matthew 5:17-18

Did Jesus abolish the Sabbath?

Yes, He replaced it with Sunday He did not come to abolish the law, but to fulfill He left it up to each person He abolished only the fourth commandment

Of what did Jesus declare Himself Lord?

Mark 2:28

Of what did Jesus declare Himself Lord?

Of Sunday Of all days Of the Sabbath Of no specific day

“Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ’s power to make us holy.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, DA 288.2

The Sabbath in Eternity

Will the Sabbath be kept in the new earth?

Isaiah 66:22-23

Will the Sabbath be kept in the new earth?

No, it will be abolished Yes, from Sabbath to Sabbath all flesh will come to worship before the Lord It will be replaced by another day The Bible does not say

What does the Sabbath represent for God's people?

Exodus 31:13

What does the Sabbath represent for God's people?

Only a day off A sign between God and His people A cultural tradition A religious burden

And Now?

The Sabbath is a special blessing from God:

• It was instituted at creation: Before sin, for all humanity
• It is in the Ten Commandments: It is part of God’s moral law
• Jesus kept the Sabbath: He left us an example
• It will continue in eternity: It is an everlasting memorial of creation

My Decision

I recognize that the seventh-day Sabbath is the day of rest instituted by God at creation. I accept that Jesus kept the Sabbath and I desire to follow His example. I choose to honor God by keeping the Sabbath as a special day of communion with Him.

Yes, I believe and accept this truth.