KEEPING
THE SABBATH!
Robert E.
Hanna
Scripture Reading; Exodus 31:16, 17
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Ex. 20:8). Obedience to this commandment of God is the hub and focal point of more than one religious denomination claiming the truth of Holy Scripture as their doctrine. Truly, this is a direct commandment — a stern and severe declaration. "...Whosoever doeth work therein SHALL BE PUT TODEATH. Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day" (Ex. 35:2b, 3).
How uncomfortable this would be in the winter time. "See, for the Lord hath given you the sabbath...abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day" (Ex. 16:29). Confined to quarters with no heat, and non-compliance to be punishable by death! "Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth ANY WORK in the sabbath day, he shall SURELY be put to death" (Ex. 31:15).
Indeed, this would appear to be quite a predicament. However, it becomes even more confusing when we read elsewhere in the Word of God: "Let no man judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, OR OF THE SABBATH DAYS" (Col. 2:16). Does God contradict Himself? Is God inconsistent? Does the Psalmist lead us astray? "The law of the Lord is perfect...The testimony of the Lord is sure...The statutes of the Lord are right ...The commandment of the Lord is pure..." (Ps. 19:7, 8).
By what means can our strict religionist friends find verification of their deep-seated conviction regarding the keeping of the sabbath? Shall they abide by "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy"? Or shall they observe the admonition to "Let no man judge you in respect of the sabbath days"? There is but one solution to such a dilemma. He must resolve the seeming contradiction by "Rightly dividing the Word of truth". In giving the commandment. God said, "THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL shall keep the sabbath, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign BETWEEN ME AND THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL for ever."
Grace Bible Church
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Les Feldick Ministries
30706 W. Lona Valley Rd.
Kinta, OK 74552
Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey
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