The Sabbath in God's Law

At the heart of the Ten Commandments is found the commandment of the Sabbath. It is the longest of all, beginning with the word “Remember” — as if God knew that humanity would be tempted to forget it.

The Fourth Commandment

With what word does the fourth commandment begin?

'You shall not' 'You shall honor' 'Remember' 'Thus says'

“Remember” indicates that the Sabbath already existed before Sinai. God is not introducing something new, but calling Israel to remember what had already been established at creation.

What is the complete commandment about the Sabbath?

Only to keep the Sabbath without working To remember, sanctify, and rest on the seventh day because God created in six and rested on the seventh To go to church on the Sabbath To do no pleasurable activity

The commandment includes three elements:

Remember: Do not forget
Sanctify: Treat as sacred
Rest: Cease secular work

“The Sabbath is the sign of the fourth commandment. It alone, among all the ten, reveals both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by what authority the law was given.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 452

Which Day is the Sabbath?

Which day of the week is the biblical Sabbath?

The first day (Sunday) Any day we choose The seventh day (Saturday) The sixth day (Friday)

The commandment specifies “the seventh day,” not “a day in seven” or “any day.” God was specific because a specific day was blessed and sanctified at creation.

Can we know for certain which is the seventh day today?

No, the calendar has changed so much Yes, Jesus kept the same Sabbath that the Jews keep today It doesn't matter anymore which day it is Each culture has its own Sabbath

The Sabbath that Jesus kept is the same as the one the Jews keep today — from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. The Jews have faithfully preserved the count of days for millennia.

The Memorial of Creation

Why should we keep the Sabbath, according to the commandment?

Because Moses commanded it Because it is religious tradition Because in six days the Lord made the heavens and earth and rested on the seventh Because the Jews kept it

The Sabbath is a weekly memorial of creation. Every time we keep the Sabbath, we recognize that God is our Creator and that we depend on Him.

What does the Sabbath represent in our relationship with God?

Only a day of physical rest A sign between God and His people that He is the one who sanctifies them A Jewish cultural tradition An unnecessary burden

The Sabbath is a “sign” between God and His people. Just as a marriage covenant symbolizes the commitment between spouses, the Sabbath symbolizes our relationship with the Creator.

The Central Position of the Sabbath

Where is the Sabbath commandment located within the Ten Commandments?

At the beginning At the end In the center (the fourth commandment) Separated from the others

The Sabbath is at the heart of God’s law. It serves as the “seal” of the law, identifying who is the Lawgiver (the Lord your God), His territory (heavens and earth), and His authority (Creator).

Without the commandment of the Sabbath, would it be possible to identify who gave the Ten Commandments?

Yes, the other commandments identify God No, only the fourth commandment identifies the name, title, and territory of the Lawgiver The identification is not important Any god could give the other nine commandments

“The fourth commandment is the only one among the ten in which are found both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by what authority the law was given. Thus it contains the seal of God.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 452

The Sabbath and Grace

Does keeping the Sabbath mean we are saved by works?

Yes, the Sabbath is a meritorious work No, we are saved by grace; obedience is the fruit of love, not the means of salvation The Sabbath has no relation to salvation Yes, we must earn salvation by keeping the law

We do not keep the Sabbath to be saved — we keep it because we are already saved! Obedience is a response of love, not an attempt to earn salvation. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” ().

And Now?

The fourth commandment teaches us:

God is specific: He did not say “a day,” but “the seventh day”
The Sabbath is a memorial of creation: It reminds us of our origin
It is the seal of the law: It identifies the divine Lawgiver
It is kept by love: Not as a meritorious work, but as a response to grace

The question is not “does the Sabbath still matter?”, but “why would we abandon what God established at the beginning and placed at the heart of His law?”

I recognize that the Sabbath of the seventh day is at the heart of God’s Ten Commandments. It is a memorial of creation and a sign of the relationship between God and His people. I desire to honor this commandment out of love for God, not as an attempt to earn salvation.

2) The Sabbath in God's Law