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Quote from: Amo on Sat Feb 21, 2026 - 10:08:23No one but you, is talking about ceremonial fasting laws. ?

The ceremonial sabbath fast is what I thought we were discussing ?Are you referring to a different kind of rest?
 

Quote from: garee on Sun Feb 22, 2026 - 08:42:15The ceremonial sabbath fast is what I thought we were discussing ?Are you referring to a different kind of rest?

No, we are not talking about a ceremonial fast rest, whatever you think that is. We are discussing God's holy Sabbath rest instituted by our Lord at the end of creation before there was anything like ceremonial laws and or any need of them. Sin not existing, and therefore no need for any ceremonies in relation to forgiveness and right standing with God.

The fourth commandment of God being of the moral law which has nothing to do with ceremony, but rather proper principles of living in manifesting the character of God, which the moral law reveals. The basic understanding and faith in the fourth commandment being the fundamentals of the faith necessary to salvation. Acknowledging that God actually is, exactly who the fourth commandment testifies that He is.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

This topic addresses the fact that seventh day Sabbath keepers are actually the ones who observe their day by faith in God's word, while Sunday keepers are not able to do so, and therefore have relied upon civil legislation to enforce their day of observance throughout history. As they continue to call for such legislation to this very day. They themsleves being the actual legalists between us. Though the opposite accusation is often made by them concerning those who believe the testimony of God's commandments spoken from his own mouth to humanity, as well as written by His own finger in tables of stone for those who would be His own. Go back to the OP for clarity. Thank you.

Quote from: Amo on Sun Feb 22, 2026 - 10:54:15No, we are not talking about a ceremonial fast rest, whatever you think that is. We are discussing God's holy Sabbath rest instituted by our Lord at the end of creation before there was anything like ceremonial laws and or any need of them. Sin not existing, and therefore no need for any ceremonies in relation to forgiveness and right standing with God.

The fourth commandment of God being of the moral law which has nothing to do with ceremony, but rather proper principles of living in manifesting the character of God, which the moral law reveals. The basic understanding and faith in the fourth commandment being the fundamentals of the faith necessary to salvation. Acknowledging that God actually is, exactly who the fourth commandment testifies that He is.

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

This topic addresses the fact that seventh day Sabbath keepers are actually the ones who observe their day by faith in God's word, while Sunday keepers are not able to do so, and therefore have relied upon civil legislation to enforce their day of observance throughout history. As they continue to call for such legislation to this very day. They themsleves being the actual legalists between us. Though the opposite accusation is often made by them concerning those who believe the testimony of God's commandments spoken from his own mouth to humanity, as well as written by His own finger in tables of stone for those who would be His own. Go back to the OP for clarity. Thank you.

Thanks The sabbath ceremony is the two day resting fast  used as ceremonial laws as shadows to reveal the unseen eternal good things to come.

The creative let there be and it was God alone good began in the first verse "let there be the substance of my shadow .

Hebrews 10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. ...


Aaron two sons shadow worshipers)  demonstrated what happens when a person violate a ceremonial law as shadow a sign to the world not a sign to dying mankind the church ---they have prophecy no need of signs that lead a person to the father living word

The ceremonial Sabbath fast .the two day fast . The first preparation day collect and cook the the what is it? (manna) ? the next day of the weekend fast eat and share with the others the gospel fast.

Isaiah 58:6-8 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.


Numbers 15:32-34King James Version And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

AI help organize which I do not have great fact checker.
1. The Law as Shadow — pointing forward, not the final substance

You quoted Hebrews 10:1, which gives the key principle:

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things..."

This same teaching appears clearly in:

Colossians 2:16–17 —
"Let no man therefore judge you... in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Scripture distinguishes two things:

Shadow — ceremonial forms, sacrifices, sabbaths, rituals

Substance (Body) — Christ Himself and His finished work

The shadow was real, but temporary. It revealed something greater to come. 🌅

2. Sabbath preparation and manna — shadow of dependence on God

In Exodus 16, God gave manna with a specific pattern:

Six days: gather manna

Sixth day: gather double

Seventh day: rest (Sabbath)

This taught several spiritual truths:

Visible lesson (shadow):

Trust God's provision

Obey His command

Rest from labor

Spiritual meaning (substance):

Christ is the true manna (John 6:35)

Salvation is not earned by works

True rest comes from trusting God's finished work

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
— Hebrews 4:9

This rest ultimately points to faith in Christ, not merely a calendar day. 🕊�

3. The Sabbath violator gathering sticks (Numbers 15:32–36)

This event demonstrated how serious the covenant law was under Moses.

Why such seriousness?

Because the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant (Exodus 31:13):

It represented obedience

It represented God's authority

It represented covenant relationship

Violating it publicly was rejecting the covenant sign itself.

Again, this functioned as a shadow sign, showing that sin leads to death and that obedience matters.

4. Fasting — outward practice pointing to inward transformation

You correctly quoted Isaiah 58, which explains God's true intention for fasting:

True fast is not merely abstaining from food, but:

Loosing wickedness

Helping the oppressed

Feeding the hungry

Showing mercy and love

This reveals an important principle:

External rituals were never the ultimate goal.
They pointed toward inward transformation of the heart. ❤️

5. Nadab and Abihu — Aaron's sons and unauthorized worship

Leviticus 10 records that Aaron's sons offered "strange fire" and died.

This showed:

Worship must follow God's instruction

Humans cannot invent their own approach to God

God defines acceptable worship

Again, this was a visible shadow demonstrating a deeper spiritual reality.

6. Fulfillment: Christ is the substance behind every shadow

Scripture consistently teaches that the ceremonial system pointed forward to Christ.

Examples:

Passover lamb → Christ the Lamb of God

Manna → Christ the Bread of Life

Sabbath rest → Rest in Christ

Temple → Christ and His people

Sacrifices → Christ's once-for-all sacrifice

Hebrews 10:10:

"We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

No repeated sacrifices needed.

The shadow ended when the substance came. ✝️

7. Key principle: Shadow teaches — substance saves

The ceremonial laws served important purposes:

They:

Taught spiritual truths

Pointed forward prophetically

Revealed God's holiness

Prepared humanity for Christ

But they could not themselves remove sin permanently.

Only Christ could do that.

Summary in simple form

Shadow (Old Covenant) → Substance (Christ)

Manna → Christ the Bread

Sabbath → Christ our Rest

Sacrifices → Christ's sacrifice

Temple → Christ's presence

Ceremonial fasting → Spiritual transformation

The shadow was real — but the substance is greater.

Quote from: garee on Thu Feb 26, 2026 - 08:57:12Thanks The sabbath ceremony is the two day resting fast  used as ceremonial laws as shadows to reveal the unseen eternal good things to come.

The creative let there be and it was God alone good began in the first verse "let there be the substance of my shadow .

Hebrews 10 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. ...


Aaron two sons shadow worshipers)  demonstrated what happens when a person violate a ceremonial law as shadow a sign to the world not a sign to dying mankind the church ---they have prophecy no need of signs that lead a person to the father living word

The ceremonial Sabbath fast .the two day fast . The first preparation day collect and cook the the what is it? (manna) ? the next day of the weekend fast eat and share with the others the gospel fast.

Isaiah 58:6-8 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward.


Numbers 15:32-34King James Version And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day.And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation.

AI help organize which I do not have great fact checker.
1. The Law as Shadow — pointing forward, not the final substance

You quoted Hebrews 10:1, which gives the key principle:

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things..."

This same teaching appears clearly in:

Colossians 2:16–17 —
"Let no man therefore judge you... in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Scripture distinguishes two things:

Shadow — ceremonial forms, sacrifices, sabbaths, rituals

Substance (Body) — Christ Himself and His finished work

The shadow was real, but temporary. It revealed something greater to come. 🌅

2. Sabbath preparation and manna — shadow of dependence on God

In Exodus 16, God gave manna with a specific pattern:

Six days: gather manna

Sixth day: gather double

Seventh day: rest (Sabbath)

This taught several spiritual truths:

Visible lesson (shadow):

Trust God's provision

Obey His command

Rest from labor

Spiritual meaning (substance):

Christ is the true manna (John 6:35)

Salvation is not earned by works

True rest comes from trusting God's finished work

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
— Hebrews 4:9

This rest ultimately points to faith in Christ, not merely a calendar day. 🕊�

3. The Sabbath violator gathering sticks (Numbers 15:32–36)

This event demonstrated how serious the covenant law was under Moses.

Why such seriousness?

Because the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant (Exodus 31:13):

It represented obedience

It represented God's authority

It represented covenant relationship

Violating it publicly was rejecting the covenant sign itself.

Again, this functioned as a shadow sign, showing that sin leads to death and that obedience matters.

4. Fasting — outward practice pointing to inward transformation

You correctly quoted Isaiah 58, which explains God's true intention for fasting:

True fast is not merely abstaining from food, but:

Loosing wickedness

Helping the oppressed

Feeding the hungry

Showing mercy and love

This reveals an important principle:

External rituals were never the ultimate goal.
They pointed toward inward transformation of the heart. ❤️

5. Nadab and Abihu — Aaron's sons and unauthorized worship

Leviticus 10 records that Aaron's sons offered "strange fire" and died.

This showed:

Worship must follow God's instruction

Humans cannot invent their own approach to God

God defines acceptable worship

Again, this was a visible shadow demonstrating a deeper spiritual reality.

6. Fulfillment: Christ is the substance behind every shadow

Scripture consistently teaches that the ceremonial system pointed forward to Christ.

Examples:

Passover lamb → Christ the Lamb of God

Manna → Christ the Bread of Life

Sabbath rest → Rest in Christ

Temple → Christ and His people

Sacrifices → Christ's once-for-all sacrifice

Hebrews 10:10:

"We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

No repeated sacrifices needed.

The shadow ended when the substance came. ✝️

7. Key principle: Shadow teaches — substance saves

The ceremonial laws served important purposes:

They:

Taught spiritual truths

Pointed forward prophetically

Revealed God's holiness

Prepared humanity for Christ

But they could not themselves remove sin permanently.

Only Christ could do that.

Summary in simple form

Shadow (Old Covenant) → Substance (Christ)

Manna → Christ the Bread

Sabbath → Christ our Rest

Sacrifices → Christ's sacrifice

Temple → Christ's presence

Ceremonial fasting → Spiritual transformation

The shadow was real — but the substance is greater.

Gobbledegook. The seventh day Sabbath of the moral law is not a shadow of anything, it is part of the substance which needed no transformation before the Old or New covenants. It was observed on the very first complete day of humanities existence in a perfect world, by beings in the created perfection of God. It is not among the ceremonial or shadowy sabbaths spoken of in Colossians, concerning the traditions or rudiments of this world, or ordinances, commandments, and doctrines of men. It is a commandment of God, to be observed by God's own before there was sin, more especially afterwards, and even more especially when sin has been eradicated. As Holy Scripture itself testifies.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

No temple in the new heaven, earth and Jerusalem. No shadows, only substance. Nevertheless, God's holy Sabbath shall still be kept in the new heaven and new earth, where all will come to worship before Him.

Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

God's holy Sabbath was established amidst the substance of perfection, and will continue long after all shadows have been replaced by substance alone. 

Quote from: Amo on Fri Feb 27, 2026 - 09:59:08Gobbledegook. The seventh day Sabbath of the moral law is not a shadow of anything, it is part of the substance which needed no transformation before the Old or New covenants. It was observed on the very first complete day of humanities existence in a perfect world, by beings in the created perfection of God. It is not among the ceremonial or shadowy sabbaths spoken of in Colossians, concerning the traditions or rudiments of this world, or ordinances, commandments, and doctrines of men. It is a commandment of God, to be observed by God's own before there was sin, more especially afterwards, and even more especially when sin has been eradicated. As Holy Scripture itself testifies.

Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.

No temple in the new heaven, earth and Jerusalem. No shadows, only substance. Nevertheless, God's holy Sabbath shall still be kept in the new heaven and new earth, where all will come to worship before Him.

Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

God's holy Sabbath was established amidst the substance of perfection, and will continue long after all shadows have been replaced by substance alone.

I get it moral law thou shall not or you are deader than deep fried chicken ---Remember the Holy Spirit according to the law of interpretation ..without parables the signified understand of the gospel.. Christ spoke not even once . In that was the ten commandment make up a parable  as a witness two Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 by the understanding of no understanding the law of the witness of two

After revealing the moral law of those who take his name in vain then the remembrance like a shadow In one   Exodus 20identifying the eternal rest Christ uses Creation as the reasoning authority

And in the born again freedom from captivity(Deuteronomy 5) the gospel of two working as one 

God does not provide reasoning with moral laws thou shall no deader than deep fried chicken only with shadows good enriching  parables hid from the father of lies 

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within
thy gates:For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

My Ditor

1. The Sabbath command appears twice, with two different reasons

You quoted both correctly, and the difference is significant.

In Exodus 20 — the Sabbath rooted in Creation

"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth... and rested the seventh day." — Exodus 20:11

Here, the Sabbath points back to God's rest after creation. It establishes God as Creator and the source of order and life.

In Deuteronomy 5 — the Sabbath rooted in Redemption

"Remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt... therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day." — Deuteronomy 5:15

Here, the Sabbath points to deliverance from bondage.

So the Sabbath has two witnesses:

Creation rest

Redemption rest

Both point to God as the source of life and freedom.

2. Scripture itself says the law contains shadows pointing to Christ

The New Testament explains that the law was not the final reality, but a shadow pointing forward.

Colossians 2:16–17 — "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Hebrews 10:1 — "The law having a shadow of good things to come."

The shadow prepares the way for the substance.

3. Christ spoke in parables to reveal and conceal truth

You correctly noted that Christ used parables consistently.

Matthew 13:34 — "Without a parable spake he not unto them."

Matthew 13:11 — "It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."

Parables reveal truth to those seeking understanding, while concealing it from those not ready to receive it.

4. Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest

The New Testament connects Sabbath rest with Christ Himself.

Hebrews 4:9–10 — "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

Matthew 11:28 — "Come unto me... and I will give you rest."

This rest is not merely physical cessation from labor, but spiritual rest in God.

5. The law serves as a witness pointing beyond itself

Paul explains the purpose of the law clearly:

Galatians 3:24 — "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ."

The law reveals God's holiness and prepares the way for grace.

It exposes sin, but Christ provides life.

Summary of the biblical pattern you're describing

Scripture presents:

The law as a witness

The Sabbath pointing to creation and redemption

Parables revealing deeper spiritual truth

Shadows pointing to Christ as fulfillment

Christ as the source of true rest

Quote from: garee on Sat Feb 28, 2026 - 08:54:18I get it moral law thou shall not or you are deader than deep fried chicken ---Remember the Holy Spirit according to the law of interpretation ..without parables the signified understand of the gospel.. Christ spoke not even once . In that was the ten commandment make up a parable  as a witness two Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 by the understanding of no understanding the law of the witness of two

After revealing the moral law of those who take his name in vain then the remembrance like a shadow In one  Exodus 20identifying the eternal rest Christ uses Creation as the reasoning authority

And in the born again freedom from captivity(Deuteronomy 5) the gospel of two working as one 

God does not provide reasoning with moral laws thou shall no deader than deep fried chicken only with shadows good enriching  parables hid from the father of lies 

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within
thy gates:For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee.Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

My Ditor

1. The Sabbath command appears twice, with two different reasons

You quoted both correctly, and the difference is significant.

In Exodus 20 — the Sabbath rooted in Creation

"For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth... and rested the seventh day." — Exodus 20:11

Here, the Sabbath points back to God's rest after creation. It establishes God as Creator and the source of order and life.

In Deuteronomy 5 — the Sabbath rooted in Redemption

"Remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt... therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day." — Deuteronomy 5:15

Here, the Sabbath points to deliverance from bondage.

So the Sabbath has two witnesses:

Creation rest

Redemption rest

Both point to God as the source of life and freedom.

2. Scripture itself says the law contains shadows pointing to Christ

The New Testament explains that the law was not the final reality, but a shadow pointing forward.

Colossians 2:16–17 — "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Hebrews 10:1 — "The law having a shadow of good things to come."

The shadow prepares the way for the substance.

3. Christ spoke in parables to reveal and conceal truth

You correctly noted that Christ used parables consistently.

Matthew 13:34 — "Without a parable spake he not unto them."

Matthew 13:11 — "It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."

Parables reveal truth to those seeking understanding, while concealing it from those not ready to receive it.

4. Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest

The New Testament connects Sabbath rest with Christ Himself.

Hebrews 4:9–10 — "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

Matthew 11:28 — "Come unto me... and I will give you rest."

This rest is not merely physical cessation from labor, but spiritual rest in God.

5. The law serves as a witness pointing beyond itself

Paul explains the purpose of the law clearly:

Galatians 3:24 — "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ."

The law reveals God's holiness and prepares the way for grace.

It exposes sin, but Christ provides life.

Summary of the biblical pattern you're describing

Scripture presents:

The law as a witness

The Sabbath pointing to creation and redemption

Parables revealing deeper spiritual truth

Shadows pointing to Christ as fulfillment

Christ as the source of true rest

Actually the Sabbath commandment is not a thou shalt not do commandment, it is a thou shalt do commandment.

The first declaration in Exodus being spoken directly by the mouth of God to the entire nation of Israel, and written with his own finger in tables of stone for them as well. The second account being spoken by the mouth of Moses in summary of that event.

Both declarations of course being true, while neither negates the truth of the other in any way. The first declaration by God being a reference to the Sabbath established at creation by God to be observed by the substance of perfection in which humanity was brought forth by the hand,  word, and spirit or breath of God. The second declaration by Moses referring to this Sabbath as well, but more specifically in relation to humanities deliverance from sin after the fall. The observance of which became even more crucial for those who need the rest of salvation from sin and guilt, by remembering that their great God and creator can and will save them from the consequences of sin, which is death. AMEN!

Which Sabbath will be observed as a memorial of both of course in the new heaven and new earth for eternity as an everlasting sign and seal of these most basic truths which must be believed by the saved. That God alone created and sustains any and all life, and that his great mercy can, has, and will always save to the uttermost all who will place their faith in Him regardless of any and all circumstances. AMEN!

Quote from: Amo on Sun Mar 01, 2026 - 10:04:14Actually the Sabbath commandmentis not a thou shalt not do commandment, it is a thou shalt do commandment.

The first declaration in Exodus being spoken directly by the mouth of God to the entire nation of Israel, and written with his own finger in tables of stone for them as well. The second account being spoken by the mouth of Moses in summary of that event.

Both declarations of course being true, while neither negates the truth of the other in any way. The first declaration by God being a reference to the Sabbath established at creation by God to be observed by the substance of perfection in which humanity was brought forth by the hand,  word, and spirit or breath of God. The second declaration by Moses referring to this Sabbath as well, but more specifically in relation to humanities deliverance from sin after the fall. The observance of which became even more crucial for those who need the rest of salvation from sin and guilt, by remembering that their great God and creator can and will save them from the consequences of sin, which is death. AMEN!

Which Sabbath will be observed as a memorial of both of course in the new heaven and new earth for eternity as an everlasting sign and seal of these most basic truths which must be believed by the saved. That God alone created and sustains any and all life, and that his great mercy can, has, and will always save to the uttermost all who will place their faith in Him regardless of any and all circumstances. AMEN!

Actually the Sabbath commandment is not a thou shalt not do commandment, but do it as commanded a shadow of good things to come not the very thing . Aarons two Sons when performing the ceremonial shadow law as a sign to the whole unbelieving world they did not take the sign lightly it consumed them not a hint of smoke of the ceremonial attire .Just like the Sabbath guy gathering firewood of the day he was to eat and share the gospel fast .it is a thou shall do the loving shadow commandment for a sign to the whole unbelieving world commandment.

The sign like manna (what is it) is still doing its work drawing men in to its source Bible

Make a little clearer AI edit

1. The Law Contained Shadows of Future Things

Hebrews 10:1

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things..."

A shadow is not the substance itself.
It points forward to something greater.

The ceremonial laws were therefore:

visible

temporary

instructional

They were teaching signs pointing to Christ and the gospel.

2. The Sabbath Was Explicitly Called a Sign

Exodus 31:13

"Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations."

This shows two things:

The Sabbath was a sign.

Signs function as visible teaching markers.

A sign is something seen that points beyond itself.

That is the very definition of a shadow.

3. Paul Connects Sabbaths With Shadows

Colossians 2:16-17

"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ."

Here Scripture plainly says:

Sabbaths = shadow

Christ = substance

So the Sabbath was a visible sign-shadow pointing to the rest found in Christ.

4. The Seriousness of Ceremonial Signs

You brought up two important examples that show how seriously God treated these sign-shadows.

Nadab and Abihu – Aaron's Sons

Leviticus 10:1-2

They offered strange fire in the sanctuary.

Result:

"There went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them."

Because the ceremonial worship was a prophetic shadow, it could not be altered.

The Sabbath Breaker Gathering Wood

Numbers 15:32-36

A man gathered sticks on the Sabbath.

God commanded he be stoned.

Why?

Because the Sabbath was a public covenant sign.

Violating the sign destroyed the lesson it was meant to teach the world.

5. Signs Were Given for Witness to the World

Signs in Scripture often serve as visible testimony.

Examples:

Sabbath – sign between God and Israel

Circumcision – sign of covenant (Genesis 17:11)

Passover – memorial sign (Exodus 12:13)

They teach the gospel through visible actions.

6. The Shadow Continues to Point to the Reality

Even after Christ fulfilled the shadows, the lesson remains.

The shadow taught:

God provides rest

Man cannot save himself

Salvation is God's finished work

Hebrews 4:9-10

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

The Sabbath shadow pointed to the true rest in Christ.

7. Your Main Point (Well Said)

You are essentially saying:

The Sabbath command was not just a prohibition ("thou shalt not work").

It was a commanded sign-shadow meant to teach the gospel.

It was a do this commandment, not merely avoid something.

The shadow was meant to draw men to the reality.

Short way to summarize your thought

You could phrase it like this:

The Sabbath was a commanded sign-shadow, not merely a prohibition.
As Hebrews teaches, the law contained shadows of good things to come, not the substance itself.
When Nadab and Abihu corrupted the ceremonial sign, judgment came immediately, showing that the shadow was sacred because it pointed to Christ.
These visible signs were given as a witness to the world, drawing men to the unseen reality.

QuoteActually the Sabbath commandment is not a thou shalt not do commandment, but do it as commanded a shadow of good things to come not the very thing . Aarons two Sons when performing the ceremonial shadow law as a sign to the whole unbelieving world they did not take the sign lightly it consumed them not a hint of smoke of the ceremonial attire .Just like the Sabbath guy gathering firewood of the day he was to eat and share the gospel fast .it is a thou shall do the loving shadow commandment for a sign to the whole unbelieving world commandment.

WRONG!

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The Sabbath was established at creation by the word of God, as the rest of creation was as well. For humanity in the perfection of substance in which God created us. Before anything like a shadow was needed to represent anything else. You may ignore this if you wish, but this will not, and cannot change the truth of the matter. You will simply be choosing to ignore the truth. Such is a very unhealthy decision though.

2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The moral law of God, the Ten Commandments are not shadows, they are the standard by which we shall be judged. If we will believe this, we will know of our true condition before the Lord, seek out forgiveness, repentance, and a right standing with these standards unto salvation through Christ alone. It was the laws pertaining to our salvation in Christ as our Sacrifice, Mediator, and Righteousness, that were shadows of the real substance which is Christ, during the Old Covenant. The purpose of the moral law though, remains the same. To convict and convert the heart toward conviction, repentance, and conversion in Christ our Lord alone. As our Savior Himself testified.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 9 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

As Paul expressed as well.

Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Quote from: Amo on Fri Mar 06, 2026 - 21:44:15WRONG!

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The Sabbath was established at creation by the word of God, as the rest of creation was as well. For humanity in the perfection of substance in which God created us. Before anything like a shadow was needed to represent anything else. You may ignore this if you wish, but this will not, and cannot change the truth of the matter. You will simply be choosing to ignore the truth. Such is a very unhealthy decision though.

2Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

The moral law of God, the Ten Commandments are not shadows, they are the standard by which we shall be judged. If we will believe this, we will know of our true condition before the Lord, seek out forgiveness, repentance, and a right standing with these standards unto salvation through Christ alone. It was the laws pertaining to our salvation in Christ as our Sacrifice, Mediator, and Righteousness, that were shadows of the real substance which is Christ, during the Old Covenant. The purpose of the moral law though, remains the same. To convict and convert the heart toward conviction, repentance, and conversion in Christ our Lord alone. As our Savior Himself testified.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 9 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

As Paul expressed as well.

Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

It would seem you forgot the other witness. At the witness of one no doctrine can be developed.

The witness of Christ's faithfulness  .two fold  - - -Let there be" (1) And "it was God alone very good" (2)  it also avoids cherry picking take a verse out of context  .

Like the two parables in mind  One parable Creation 7th day in another gospel parable new creation born again experience the beginning of the forty year rest not under the rule of another nation .

Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

We keep the sabbath day as as long as we do not harden our hearts against the two different reasoning working as one. If we look for earthly rewards divide the two.. no matter where you go there you are. Got to dig a little for the pearl raking the leaves will not work .   

Quote from: garee on Sat Mar 07, 2026 - 07:52:49It would seem you forgot the other witness. At the witness of one no doctrine can be developed.

The witness of Christ's faithfulness  .two fold  - - -Let there be" (1) And "it was God alone very good" (2)  it also avoids cherry picking take a verse out of context  .

Like the two parables in mind  One parable Creation 7th day in another gospel parable new creation born again experience the beginning of the forty year rest not under the rule of another nation .

Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

We keep the sabbath day as as long as we do not harden our hearts against the two different reasoning working as one. If we look for earthly rewards divide the two.. no matter where you go there you are. Got to dig a little for the pearl raking the leaves will not work .   

I have not forgotten anything, as I have already stated that the seventh day Sabbath of God has even more significance and importance for fallen humanity in particular, than it had when established for the perfection of God's creation. I just do not negate either by the other. The seventh day Sabbath of God has not become a shadow, because it now represents a new creation for those who will once again choose to rest in God's grace and mercy. His grace and mercy have always been the traits of His character, which have become more crucial to the believer since our fall. As likewise His seventh day Sabbath therefore has also become more crucial to our experience. See post #7 at the link below.

https://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/index.php?topic=113707.0

https://adventmessenger.org/a-call-to-revive-sunday-laws-prominent-methodist-bishop-says-they-helped-fill-the-pews/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteA Call to Revive Sunday Laws: Prominent Methodist Bishop Says They Helped Fill the Pews

On March 2, 2026, Bishop David Bard, Chair of the Committee on Faith and Order in the United Methodist Church, spoke about the need to revive the civil structures that once played a beneficial role in supporting religious life in America. He pointed out that "Sunday closing laws were seen as support for Christian churches" and that they made "inviting people to participate in our church a bit easier."

The bishop was highlighting a period in American history when Sunday laws restricted commercial activity so that society as a whole paused for worship and rest. He explained that these "social pressures" encouraged participation in Sunday worship, acknowledging that government policies once created a favorable environment for churches. In other words, Sunday worship was not entirely voluntary but was reinforced by legal and cultural pressures.

Bishop David Bard expressed the following remarks:

• "I chair the Committee on Faith and Order, which is charged with giving leadership to The United Methodist Church in reflecting upon, discerning and living out matters of faith, doctrinal teaching, order, and discipline in the midst of mission and ministry in the church and world."

• "On the Sunday I was in Copenhagen, many of us attended a United Methodist church ... One of the things that struck me was the intertwining of church and crown, church and state, in Danish history."

• "While we have no long history of a state church in the United States, we certainly have a long history of broad social and cultural support for and reinforcement of participation in religious communities. Sunday closing laws were seen as support for Christian churches."

• "Just as the state church in Denmark no longer functions as it once did, so, too, have most of the broad social and cultural supports for religious participation eroded in the United States. People no longer assume that most of their coworkers belong to a religious community."

• "In light of that, the church's task has become more challenging. It is one thing to have broad social forces that encourage religious participation. That makes inviting people to participate in our church a bit easier, though truth be told, we relied too long on such social pressures to do our work for us."

• "We have a task, and it is no longer supported by the social and cultural contexts it once was."

• "I think people want to see people of faith speak about and work for the common good. We will wade into some uncomfortable territory here, as the common good concerns our shared life in political communities. We need to continually raise questions about how we promote the flourishing of all, how we create a more beloved community."

• "We need to engage in actions for the common good with a generous spirit and kind, compassionate hearts."

The Bishop lamented that these social supports—namely, Sunday laws—have "eroded," essentially making the church's work more difficult for them. His comparison with Denmark's historical union of church and state reinforces the idea that religious institutions often benefit when church doctrines are supported by civil authority. His argument points back to a time when Sunday laws helped strengthen churches and normalize Christian worship in society. By emphasizing the loss of these supports, he indirectly implies that the church would benefit if society once again promoted religious participation through public mandates.

Furthermore, when the Bishop David Bard speaks about Christians engaging politically to promote the "common good," he opens the door for the church to influence the state through public policy. The concept of the "common good" has historically been used by many religious leaders to justify legislation that reflects Christian moral values. In this context, speaking positively about Sunday laws while simultaneously encouraging the church to engage politically is to advocate for Sunday laws.

By presenting Sunday closing laws as helpful to churches and lamenting their disappearance, the argument clearly points toward the idea of reviving these laws in order to strengthen religious participation. The logic is that the government can and should support Sunday observance in order to benefit both the church and society.

"The enforcement of Sunday-keeping on the part of Protestant churches is an enforcement of the worship of the papacy—of the beast" (Great Controversy, p. 448).

The following is from the CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

Quote2188 In respecting religious liberty and the common good of all, Christians should seek recognition of Sundays and the Church's holy days as legal holidays. They have to give everyone a public example of prayer, respect, and joy and defend their traditions as a precious contribution to the spiritual life of society. If a country's legislation or other reasons require work on Sunday, the day should nevertheless be lived as the day of our deliverance which lets us share in this "festal gathering," this "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven."[125]

https://adventmessenger.org/the-conference-of-catholic-bishops-in-france-claims-that-sunday-rest-serves-society-as-a-whole-and-makes-life-more-humane/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteThe Conference of Catholic Bishops in France Claims that Sunday Rest Serves Society As a Whole and Makes Life More Humane

The Conference of Catholic Bishops is the national authority within a country and functions as the policy and teaching entity for the Roman Catholic Church. This body does advocate for public policies on national issues; they meet with lawmakers and publish their policy priorities, which are shared with local and national leaders. Recently, the Conference of Catholic Bishops in France published a statement on the "Christian meaning of Sunday," which was posted on its official church website.

The article stated the following:

• "Sunday for Christians is the "Lord's Day," the day of Christ's resurrection, the first day of the week ... Therefore, the meaning of Sunday, for a Christian, through the celebration of the Eucharist to which he is invited, preceded in the early centuries the establishment of Sunday as a weekly day of rest."

• "The blessed tradition of Sunday as a day of rest has enriched the celebration of the Lord's Day. Taking time off from work to refresh oneself spiritually, strengthening family and fraternal bonds, and taking time for contemplation is already a taste of the joy of the resurrection."

• "Therefore, the meaning of Sunday, for a Christian, through the celebration of the Eucharist to which he is invited, preceded in the early centuries the establishment of Sunday as a weekly day of rest."

• "Man is not reducible to his economic dimension. The questioning of Sunday, which would tend to make it a day like any other, risks obscuring the meaning of human life as revealed to us by Christ."

• "Certainly, modern life requires adjustments to ensure that social life can continue on Sundays. These adjustments should only be considered as exceptional measures that concern only certain specific areas: health, safety, transport, leisure, professionals, etc."

• "By preserving for Sunday the meaning of the celebration of the Resurrection, the Church affirms its desire to enable Christians to experience it under favorable conditions. It also wishes to serve society as a whole so that it may find a path that makes human life ever more humane.

When the Roman Catholic Church says that Sunday rest serves society and makes life more humane, the real goal is to make Sunday the universal day of rest for all people. The Catholic Bishops are advocating for Sunday as the Christian Sabbath to be recognized and observed by society as a whole. By presenting Sunday rest as beneficial for workers, families, and social stability, the argument becomes more appealing to governments and the public, making it easier to promote legislation to stop activities and commerce on that day.

This emphasis reinforces the prophetic warning found in Daniel 7:25 and reflects the Catholic Church's long-standing position that it has the authority to designate Sunday as the day of rest and worship in place of the biblical seventh-day Sabbath. By promoting Sunday rest in society and encouraging people and governments to structure their lives and laws around church attendance on that day, it seeks to establish Sunday as the universal day of rest and worship for all people, elevating a tradition of the church above the commandment of God.

This is exactly the kind of development Bible prophecy warned about in the books of Daniel and Revelation. The Great Controversy also predicted that a movement would arise to promote Sunday through the untion of both church and state, presenting it as something good for society while setting aside the biblical seventh-day Sabbath. As these signs become more visible around us, the real question is: when will God's people wake up to what is happening, believe the warnings given in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, and boldly share the message of Revelation 14 with a world that is quickly moving toward the fulfillment of these prophecies?

"In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import—the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels' messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention." (Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 19).

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

https://adventmessenger.org/brazil-enacts-law-ending-sunday-labor-mandating-union-approval-for-businesses-to-operate-on-this-day/

quoted article below from link above.

QuoteBrazil Enacts Law Ending Sunday Labor, Mandating Union Approval for Businesses to Operate on This Day

A new labor law in Brazil, MTE nº 3.665/2023, goes into effect in March 2026, which will change how retailers can operate on Sunday. The law effectively closes retail stores on Sunday and requires approval from trade unions in order for businesses to open their doors on that day. If a business wants to operate on Sunday, it must get express authorization through collective bargaining. This new measure does in fact restrict Sunday activities, strengthening Sunday rest throughout the nation.

Pinto & Fernando Pinto Law Firm published the following explaining how the new law works:

• "MTE Ordinance No. 3,665/2023 has introduced significant changes to the rules authorizing work on Sundays and holidays within the retail sector. The regulation will come into full effect in March 2026 and significantly alters how establishments may organize their work schedules on these days."

• "Under the new regulation, provisions of MTP Ordinance No. 671/2021—which previously allowed commercial establishments to operate automatically on Sundays and holidays—have been revoked."

• "Under the new rule, working on these dates now requires express authorization via a collective bargaining agreement negotiated between companies and the relevant trade unions."

The new ordinance revokes earlier rules that allowed retail stores to operate automatically on Sundays and holidays. Work on those days now requires explicit authorization negotiated between companies and trade unions—a process that is so restrictive and bureaucratically burdensome that obtaining approval becomes exceedingly difficult, effectively limiting or preventing Sunday operations.

Across many parts of the world, a clear pattern has been emerging: governments, labor organizations, and religious groups are increasingly promoting Sunday as a protected weekly day of rest. The goal is simple: restricting commercial activity on Sunday and elevating it as a special day within society. These developments are not isolated, and Brazil is the most recent nation to get on board the growing international movement to normalize Sunday as the official day of rest in civil law.

Quote from: Amo on Sat Mar 07, 2026 - 10:24:39I have not forgotten anything, as I have already stated that the seventh day Sabbath of God has even more significance and importance for fallen humanity in particular, than it had when established for the perfection of God's creation. I just do not negate either by the other. The seventh day Sabbath of God has not become a shadow, because it now represents a new creation for those who will once again choose to rest in God's grace and mercy. His grace and mercy have always been the traits of His character, which have become more crucial to the believer since our fall. As likewise His seventh day Sabbath therefore has also become more crucial to our experience. See post #7 at the link below.

https://www.gracecentered.com/christian_forums/index.php?topic=113707.0

The eternal Kingdom of God our husband does not come by observing dead things that some lust after 

It was that kind of spirit of this world that caused the atheist Jew to try and make Jesus the Son of man into a circus seal...do some magic work a miracle then when we see with our own eyes we will trust for a 1/2 a second. 

John 4:48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

John 6:30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?


Ceremonial signs  are gospel signs to the unbelieving world as shadow they point ahead they lead mankind to the one source of faith (sola scriptura) sign for unbeliever prophecy for those who do believe unto salvation  without a sign--- no need to wonder, wonder, wonder.   Making it into a works righteousness ending up in death each time. There is no sign we could perform outwardly that would prove Christ in us.

Quote from: garee on Mon Mar 16, 2026 - 09:20:19There is no sign we could perform outwardly that would prove Christ in us.

What about confess with our lips that Jesus is lord? (Romans 10:9)

Quote from: Jaime on Fri Mar 20, 2026 - 07:18:04What about confess with our lips that Jesus is lord? (Romans 10:9)

Hear the confession not seeing it.....Like with Hannah

1 Samuel 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.


Christ uses an object lesson as a sign to teach the spiritual understanding as a parable 

John20: 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.


There Christ the Holy Father  working through Jesus the prophet lovingly commanded Thomas to believe ---then the confession or witness not seen
 
John20:29 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

QuoteThe eternal Kingdom of God our husband does not come by observing dead things that some lust after

God's holy sabbath created by His word at creation, is not a dead thing, to be lusted after. For He spoke, and it stood and stands fast. It is a command of God, which has and will stay in force until God Himself determines otherwise, and no one else. The law of God is the standard. It is not the standards of God that must die, but rather the sinner that breaks them. We will either die in Christ Jesus our Lord unto a new life conformable to his law, or we will die the second and final death by the condemnation of that law.

No one will be saved by keeping the law, but many will be lost for breaking the law. Not just that they broke it, for they can be forgiven of such, if they will confess their sins and repent. It is those who reject the law, or say the law no longer matters, who cannot be saved. For they will not confess sins, they do not believe are sins, if the law no longer matters to them. Nevertheless -

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

1Jn 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

1Jn 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

Rev 12:16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

QuoteIt was that kind of spirit of this world that caused the atheist Jew to try and make Jesus the Son of man into a circus seal...do some magic work a miracle then when we see with our own eyes we will trust for a 1/2 a second.

What does God's law or his sabbath have to do with the gobbledygook you wrote above? The perfect life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ which perfectly fulfilled the law of God, was in no way shape or form, a circus or any other of the gobbledygook you have suggested above. Our Lord overcame sin, that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled within us also.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

You seem to be greatly confused concerning the gospel.

QuoteJohn 4:48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

John 6:30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

Ceremonial signs  are gospel signs to the unbelieving world as shadow they point ahead they lead mankind to the one source of faith (sola scriptura) sign for unbeliever prophecy for those who do believe unto salvation  without a sign--- no need to wonder, wonder, wonder.  Making it into a works righteousness ending up in death each time. There is no sign we could perform outwardly that would prove Christ in us.

Like I said, you are confused. God's holy sabbath is not part of the ceremonial laws, it is one of the Ten Commandments of God. As already stated, it was established at creation for humanity in perfection, in a perfect world. Before there was ever a need for ceremonial sacrifices or anything else, according to the ceremonial laws of Israel long after the fall. If you reject this, you simply reject biblical truth.

https://adventmessenger.org/msn-news-misrepresents-the-seventh-day-sabbath-falsely-claiming-it-belongs-to-israel-not-christians/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteMSN News Misrepresents the Seventh-day Sabbath, Falsely Claiming it Belongs to Israel, Not Christians

On March 20, 2026, MSN News published an article claiming that keeping Saturday as the Sabbath was intended only for Israel and not for the Christian church. It further falsely stated that neither Jesus nor Paul ever spoke about the Sabbath, using this claim to reject the seventh-day Sabbath altogether. Once again, this type of reporting by the mainstream media aligns perfectly with longstanding Roman Catholic teachings on rest and worship and contributes to the growing movement to promote Sunday within society.

MSN News published the following:

• "The Bible says that the Sabbath, the fourth commandment, was a sign given to the nation of Israel. Christians do not keep the biblical Saturday Sabbath, because Christianity is not Israel, and because the Lord Jesus Christ is our rest. We try our best to keep the moral commandments of the law, which Jesus summarized as "love thy neighbor as thyself." When listing commandments to follow, as recorded in the New Testament, neither Jesus nor Paul mentioned the Sabbath—just the moral commands."

First, the argument that the Sabbath belongs only to Israel ignores its origin at Creation. The Sabbath was not introduced at Sinai; it was established in Eden when God rested on the seventh day: "And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:2-3.

This took place long before the existence of the Jewish nation, indicating that the Sabbath was designed for all of God's children. Jesus affirmed the universal application of the Sabbath when He declared, "The sabbath was made for man" (Mark 2:27). The language includes all nations and people, not only Jews. Therefore, to dismiss the Sabbath on the basis that Christians are not Israel is to overlook the clear teachings of the Bible.

Second, while it is true that Jesus offers spiritual rest to the weary (Matthew 11:28), Scripture never presents this rest as a replacement for obedience to God's commandments. Instead, Christ's rest addresses the burden of sin, not the removal of the moral law. The idea that spiritual rest eliminates the need for obedience is not biblical. Christ is our righteousness, but it does not eliminate the need for righteous living. Christ being the truth does not eliminate truth. And Christ being our rest does not abolish the Sabbath commandment.

Hebrews 4:9 explicitly states, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." The Greek New Testament word for "rest" in the verse is "sabbatismos," implying Sabbath-keeping. The verse literally says that there remains a "Sabbath-keeping" for the people of God. This indicates that the Sabbath continues to hold relevance even after the cross.

Third, the claim that Christians must only follow parts of the moral law ignores that the Sabbath is part of it. The Ten Commandments, written by the finger of God on stone, represent an unchanging moral standard. The fourth commandment—"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8)—stands in the middle of this law, not apart from it. There is no biblical basis for removing one commandment while retaining the other nine. To do so undermines the integrity of the entire law, as James 2:10 warns that breaking one point makes one guilty of all.

Fourth, the claim that neither Jesus nor Paul emphasized the Sabbath is not true. It's a lie. Jesus Himself kept the Sabbath regularly, as seen in Luke 4:16, where it was His custom to attend synagogue on that day. Moreover, in Matthew 24:20, Christ instructed His followers to pray that their flight from Jerusalem would not occur on the Sabbath—an event that would take place decades after His crucifixion. This demonstrates that He anticipated the continued observance of the Sabbath among His followers.

Likewise, the apostle Paul consistently worshiped and preached on the Sabbath. In Acts 13, Gentiles specifically requested that Paul preach to them "the next sabbath," and the following week nearly the entire city gathered. Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4 further show that Paul reasoned in the synagogues every Sabbath, engaging both Jews and Gentiles. This pattern reflects not a temporary accommodation, but an established practice in the early Christian church.

Fifth, while love is indeed the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10), it does not replace the law. Paul himself illustrates this by listing commandments such as "Thou shalt not steal" and "Thou shalt not kill" immediately after affirming love as the fulfilling of the law. In the same way, the Sabbath commandment expresses love toward God by setting aside sacred time for Him and love toward others by ensuring rest for all. To remove the Sabbath on the basis of love is to misunderstand love's relationship to obedience.

The Sabbath serves as a sign of God's authority as Creator and a symbol of loyalty to Him (Ezekiel 20:12; Exodus 20:11). In the final message of Revelation, God's people are described as those who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12). The Sabbath, therefore, is not a side issue but a central expression of obedience and worship.

The claim that Christians are not required to keep the biblical seventh-day Sabbath, Saturday, does not come from the Holy Scriptures. The Sabbath was established at Creation, upheld by Christ, practiced by the apostles, and embedded within God's moral law. Far from being abolished, it remains a lasting sign of God's authority and a call to faithful obedience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGmAmtE0xX8

Issues regarding Sunday laws.

https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/133.2557#2557

Quoted chapter below from link above. Emphasis is mine.

QuoteChapter 35—Character and Aims of the Papacy

Romanism is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor than in former years. In those countries where Catholicism is not in the ascendency, and the papists are taking a conciliatory course in order to gain influence, there is an increasing indifference concerning the doctrines that separate the reformed churches from the papal hierarchy; the opinion is gaining ground, that, after all, we do not differ so widely upon vital points as has been supposed, and that a little concession on our part will bring us into a better understanding with Rome. The time was when Protestants placed a high value upon the liberty of conscience which has been so dearly purchased. They taught their children to abhor popery, and held that to seek harmony with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how widely different are the sentiments now expressed.

The defenders of popery declare that the church has been maligned; and the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement. Many urge that it is unjust to judge the church of today by the abominations and absurdities that marked her reign during the centuries of ignorance and darkness. They excuse her horrible cruelty as the result of the barbarism of the times, and plead that the influence of modern civilization has changed her sentiments.

Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility put forth for eight hundred years by this haughty power? So far from being relinquished, this claim has been affirmed in the nineteenth century with greater positiveness than ever before. As Rome asserts that she "never erred, and never can err," how can she renounce the principles which governed her course in past ages?

The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility. All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her dogmas, she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now imposed by secular governments be removed, and Rome be re-instated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and persecution.

A recent writer [Josiah Strong, D.D., In "Our Country," pp. 46-48.] speaks thus of the attitude of the papal hierarchy as regards freedom of conscience, and of the perils which especially threaten the United States from the success of her policy:—

"There are many who are disposed to attribute any fear of Roman Catholicism in the United States to bigotry or childishness. Such see nothing in the character and attitude of Romanism that is hostile to our free institutions, or find nothing portentous in its growth. Let us, then, first compare some of the fundamental principles of our government with those of the Catholic Church.

"The Constitution of the United States guarantees liberty of conscience. Nothing is dearer or more fundamental. Pope Pius IX., in his Encyclical Letter of August 15, 1854, said: 'The absurd and erroneous doctrines or ravings in defense of liberty of conscience, are a most pestilential error—a pest, of all others, most to be dreaded in a State.' The same pope, in his Encyclical Letter of December 8, 1864, anathematized 'those who assert the liberty of conscience and of religious worship,' also 'all such as maintain that the church may not employ force.'

"The pacific tone of Rome in the United States does not imply a change of heart. She is tolerant where she is helpless. Says Bishop O'Connor: 'Religious liberty is merely endured until the opposite can be carried into effect without peril to the Catholic world.'" "The archbishop of St. Louis once said: 'Heresy and unbelief are crimes; and in Christian countries, as in Italy and Spain, for instance, where all the people are Catholics, and where the Catholic religion is an essential part of the law of the land, they are punished as other crimes.'"

"Every cardinal, archbishop, and bishop in the Catholic Church takes an oath of allegiance to the pope, in which occur the following words: 'Heretics, schismatics, and rebels to our said lord the pope, or his aforesaid successors, I will to my utmost persecute and oppose.'"

It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to his Word, and therefore they do not discern the truth. They have never seen the contrast between a living heart-service and a round of mere forms and ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth, as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with his people.

But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. Catholicism is gaining ground upon every side. [See Appendix, Note 10.] See the increasing number of her churches and chapels in Protestant countries. Look at the popularity of her colleges and seminaries in America, so widely patronized by Protestants Look at the growth of ritualism in England, and the frequent defections to the ranks of the Catholics. These things should awaken the anxiety of all who prize the pure principles of the gospel.

Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; they have made compromises and concessions which papists themselves are surprised to see, and fail to understand. Men are closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism, and the dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy. The people need to be aroused to resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty.

Many Protestants suppose that the Catholic religion is unattractive, and that its worship is a dull, meaningless round of ceremony. Here they mistake. While Romanism is based upon deception, it is not a coarse and clumsy imposture. The religious service of the Romish Church is a most impressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous display and solemn rites fascinate the senses of the people, and silence the voice of reason and of conscience. The eye is charmed. Magnificent churches, imposing processions, golden altars, jeweled shrines, choice paintings, and exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty. The ear also is captivated. The music is unsurpassed. The rich notes of the deep-toned organ, blending with the melody of many voices as it swells through the lofty domes and pillared aisles of her grand cathedrals, cannot fail to impress the mind with awe and reverence.

This outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks the longings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption. The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it. In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure and lovely that no external decorations can enhance its true worth. It is the beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with God.

Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevated thought. High conceptions of art, delicate refinement of taste, often exist in minds that are earthly and sensual. They are often employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul, to lose sight of the future, immortal life, to turn away from their infinite Helper, and to live for this world alone.

A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship have a seductive, bewitching power, by which many are deceived; and they come to look upon the Roman Church as the very gate of Heaven. None but those who have planted their feet firmly upon the foundation of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the Spirit of God, are proof against her influence. Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge of Christ will be led to accept the forms of godliness without the power. Such a religion is just what the multitudes desire.

The church's claim to the right to pardon, causes the Romanist to feel at liberty to sin; and the ordinance of confession, without which her pardon is not granted, tends also to give license to evil. He who kneels before fallen man, and opens in confession the secret thoughts and imaginations of his heart, is debasing his manhood, and degrading every noble instinct of his soul. In unfolding the sins of his life to a priest,—an erring, sinful mortal, and too often corrupted with wine and licentiousness,—his standard of character is lowered, and he is defiled in consequence. His thought of God is degraded to the likeness of fallen humanity; for the priest stands as a representative of God. This degrading confession of man to man is the secret spring from which has flowed much of the evil that is defiling the world, and fitting it for the final destruction. Yet to him who loves self-indulgence, it is more pleasing to confess to a fellow-mortal than to open the soul to God. It is more palatable to human nature to do penance than to renounce sin; it is easier to mortify the flesh by sackcloth and nettles and galling chains than to crucify fleshly lusts. Heavy is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing to bear rather than bow to the yoke of Christ.

There is a striking similarity between the Church of Rome and the Jewish Church at the time of Christ's first advent. While the Jews secretly trampled upon every principle of the law of God, they were outwardly rigorous in the observance of its precepts, loading it down with exactions and traditions that made obedience painful and burdensome. As the Jews professed to revere the law, so do Romanists claim to reverence the cross. They exalt the symbol of Christ's sufferings, while in their lives they deny him whom it represents.

Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviour's words concerning the bigoted Jews, apply with still greater force to the Romish leaders: "They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." [Matthew 23:4.] Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror, fearing the wrath of an offended God, while the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure.

The worship of images and relics, the invocation of saints, and the exaltation of the pope, are devices of Satan to attract the minds of the people from God and from his Son. To accomplish their ruin, he endeavors to turn their attention from Him through whom alone they can find salvation. He will direct them to any object that can be substituted for the One who has said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." [Matthew 11:28.]

It is Satan's constant effort to misrepresent the character of God, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the great controversy. His sophistry lessens the obligation of the divine law, and gives men license to sin. At the same time he causes them to cherish false conceptions of God, so that they regard him with fear and hate, rather than with love. The cruelty inherent in his own character is attributed to the Creator; it is embodied in systems of religion, and expressed in modes of worship. Thus the minds of men are blinded, and Satan secures them as his agents to war against God. By perverted conceptions of the divine attributes, heathen nations were led to believe human sacrifices necessary to secure the favor of Deity; and horrible cruelties have been perpetrated under the various forms of idolatry. The Romish Church, uniting the forms of paganism and Christianity, and, like paganism, misrepresenting the character of God, has resorted to practices no less cruel and revolting. In the days of Rome's supremacy, there were instruments of torture to compel assent to her doctrines. There was the stake for those who would not concede to her claims. There were massacres on a scale that will never be known until revealed in the Judgment. Dignitaries of the church studied, under Satan their master, to invent means to cause the greatest possible torture, and not end the life of their victim. The infernal process was repeated to the utmost limit of human endurance, until nature gave up the struggle, and the sufferer hailed death as a sweet release.

Such was the fate of Rome's opponents. For her adherents she had the discipline of the scourge, of famishing hunger, of bodily austerities in every conceivable, heartsickening form. To secure the favor of Heaven, penitents violated the laws of God by violating the laws of nature. They were taught to sunder every tie which he has formed to bless and gladden man's earthly sojourn. The churchyard contains millions of victims, who spent their lives in vain endeavors to subdue their natural affections, to repress, as offensive to God, every thought and feeling of sympathy with their fellow-creatures.

If we desire to understand the determined cruelty of Satan, manifested for hundreds of years, not among those who never heard of God, but in the very heart and throughout the extent of Christendom, we have only to look at the history of Romanism. Through this mammoth system of deception the prince of evil achieves his purpose of bringing dishonor to God and wretchedness to man. And as we see how he succeeds in disguising himself, and accomplishing his work through the leaders of the church, we may better understand why he has so great antipathy to the Bible. If that book is read, the mercy and love of God will be revealed; it will be seen that he lays upon men none of these heavy burdens. All that he asks is a broken and contrite heart, a humble, obedient spirit.

Christ gives no example in his life for men and women to shut themselves in monasteries in order to become fitted for Heaven. He has never taught that love and sympathy must be repressed. The Saviour's heart overflowed with love. The nearer man approaches to moral perfection, the keener are his sensibilities, the more acute is his perception of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. The pope claims to be the vicar of Christ; but how does his character bear comparison with that of our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to consign men to the prison or the rack because they did not pay him homage as the King of Heaven? Was his voice heard condemning to death those who did not accept him? When he was slighted by the people of a Samaritan village, the apostle John was filled with indignation, and inquired, "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?" Jesus looked with pity upon his disciple, and rebuked his harsh spirit, saying, "The Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." [Luke 9:54, 56.] How different from the spirit manifested by Christ is that of his professed vicar.

The Romish Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christ-like garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of popery that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The popery that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty, and slew the saints of the Most High.

Popery is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. [2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.] It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon, she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. "We are not bound to keep faith and promises to heretics," she declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ?

It is not without reason that the claim has been put forth in Protestant countries, that Catholicism differs less widely from Protestantism than in former times. There has been a change; but the change is not in the papacy. Catholicism indeed resembles much of the Protestantism that now exists, because Protestantism has so greatly degenerated since the days of the reformers.

As the Protestant churches have been seeking the favor of the world, false charity has blinded their eyes. They do not see but that it is right to believe good of all evil; and as the inevitable result, they will finally believe evil of all good. Instead of standing in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints, they are now, as it were, apologizing to Rome for their uncharitable opinion of her, begging pardon for their bigotry.

A large class, even of those who look upon Romanism with no favor, apprehend little danger from her power and influence. Many urge that the intellectual and moral darkness prevailing during the Middle Ages favored the spread of her dogmas, superstitions, and oppression, and that the greater intelligence of modern times, the general diffusion of knowledge, and the increasing liberality in matters of religion, forbid a revival of intolerance and tyranny. The very thought that such a state of things will exist in this enlightened age is ridiculed. It is true that great light, intellectual, moral, and religious, is shining upon this generation. In the open pages of God's holy Word, light from Heaven has been shed upon the world. But it should be remembered that the greater the light bestowed, the greater the darkness of those who pervert or reject it.

A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy, and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences; and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world,—those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power.

A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of popery. It will yet be demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. In past ages, when men were without God's Word, and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded, and thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for their feet. In this generation there are many whose eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations, "science falsely so-called;" they discern not the net, and walk into it as readily as if blindfolded. God designed that man's intellectual powers should be held as a gift from his Maker, and should be employed in the service of truth and righteousness; but when pride and ambition are cherished, and men exalt their own theories above the Word of God, then intelligence can accomplish greater harm than ignorance. Thus the false science of the nineteenth century, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages.

In the movements now in progress in the United States to secure for the institutions and usages of the church the support of the State, Protestants are following in the steps of papists. [See Appendix, Note 11.] Nay, more, they are opening the door for popery to regain in Protestant America the supremacy which she has lost in the Old World. And that which gives greater significance to this movement is the fact that the principal object contemplated is the enforcement of Sunday observance,—a custom which originated with Rome, and which she claims as the sign of her authority. It is the spirit of the papacy,—the spirit of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for human traditions above the commandments of God,—that is permeating the Protestant churches, and leading them on to do the same work of Sunday exaltation which the papacy has done before them.

If the reader would understand the agencies to be employed in the soon-coming contest, he has but to trace the record of the means which Rome employed for the same object in ages past. If he would know how papists and Protestants united will deal with those who reject their dogmas, let him see the spirit which Rome manifested toward the Sabbath and its defenders.

Royal edicts, general councils, and church ordinances sustained by secular power, were the steps by which the pagan festival attained its position of honor in the Christian world. The first public measure enforcing Sunday observance was the law enacted by Constantine. [A. D. 321.] This edict required townspeople to rest on "the venerable day of the sun," but permitted countrymen to continue their agricultural pursuits. Though virtually a heathen statute, it was enforced by the emperor after his nominal acceptance of Christianity.

The royal mandate not proving a sufficient substitute for divine authority, Eusebius, a bishop who sought the favor of princes, and who was the special friend and flatterer of Constantine, advanced the claim that Christ had transferred the Sabbath to Sunday. Not a single testimony of the Scriptures was produced in proof of the new doctrine. Eusebius himself unwittingly acknowledges its falsity, and points to the real authors of the change. "All things," he says, "whatsoever that it was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lord's day." But the Sunday argument, groundless as it was, served to embolden men in trampling upon the Sabbath of the Lord. All who desired to be honored by the world accepted the popular festival.

As the papacy became firmly established, the work of Sunday exaltation was continued. For a time the people engaged in agricultural labor when not attending church, and the seventh day was still regarded as the Sabbath. But steadily a change was effected. Those in holy office were forbidden to pass judgment in any civil controversy on the Sunday. Soon after, all persons, of whatever rank, were commanded to refrain from common labor, on pain of a fine for freemen, and stripes in the case of servants. Later it was decreed, that rich men should be punished with the loss of half of their estates; and finally, that if still obstinate they should be made slaves. The lower classes were to suffer perpetual banishment.

Miracles also were called into requisition. Among other wonders it was reported that as a husbandman who was about to plow his field on Sunday, cleaned his plow with an iron, the iron stuck fast in his hand, and for two years he carried it about with him, "to his exceeding great pain and shame."

Later, the pope gave directions that the parish priest should admonish the violators of Sunday, and wish them to go to church and say their prayers, lest they bring some great calamity on themselves and neighbors. An ecclesiastical council brought forward the argument, since so widely employed, even by Protestants, that because persons had been struck by lightning while laboring on Sunday, it must be the Sabbath. "It is apparent," said the prelates, "how high the displeasure of God was upon their neglect of this day." An appeal was then made that priests and ministers, kings and princes, and all faithful people, "use their utmost endeavors and care that the day be restored to its honor, and, for the credit of Christianity, more devoutly observed for time to come."

The decrees of councils proving insufficient, the secular authorities were besought to issue an edict that would strike terror to the hearts of the people, and force them to refrain from labor on the Sunday. At a synod held in Rome, all previous decisions were reaffirmed with greater force and solemnity. They were also incorporated into the ecclesiastical law, and enforced by the civil authorities throughout nearly all Christendom.

Still the absence of scriptural authority for Sunday-keeping occasioned no little embarrassment. The people questioned the right of their teachers to set aside the positive declaration of Jehovah, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God," in order to honor the day of the sun. To supply the lack of Bible testimony, other expedients were necessary. A zealous advocate of Sunday, who about the close of the twelfth century visited the churches of England, was resisted by faithful witnesses for the truth; and so fruitless were his efforts that he departed from the country for a season, and cast about him for some means to enforce his teachings. When he returned, the lack was supplied, and in his after-labors he met with greater success. He brought with him a roll purporting to be from God himself, which contained the needed command for Sunday observance, with awful threats to terrify the disobedient. This precious document—as base a counterfeit as the institution it supported—was said to have fallen from Heaven, and to have been found in Jerusalem, upon the altar of St. Simeon, in Golgotha. But in fact, the pontifical palace at Rome was the source whence it proceeded. Frauds and forgeries to advance the power and prosperity of the church have in all ages been esteemed lawful by the papal hierarchy.

The roll forbade labor from the ninth hour, three o'clock, on Saturday afternoon, till sunrise on Monday; and its authority was declared to be confirmed by many miracles. It was reported that persons laboring beyond the appointed hour were stricken with paralysis. A Miller who attempted to grind his corn, saw, instead of flour, a torrent of blood come forth, and the mill-wheel stood still, notwithstanding the strong rush of the water. A woman who placed dough in the oven, found it raw when taken out, though the oven was very hot. Another who had dough prepared for baking at the ninth hour, but determined to set it aside till Monday, found, the next day, that it had been made into loaves and baked by divine power. A man who baked bread after the ninth hour on Saturday, found, when he broke it the next morning, that blood started therefrom. By such absurd and superstitious fabrications did the advocates of Sunday endeavor to establish its sacredness.

In Scotland, as in England, a greater regard for Sunday was secured by uniting with it a portion of the ancient Sabbath. But the time required to be kept holy varied. An edict from the king of Scotland declared that Saturday from twelve at noon ought to be accounted holy, and that no man, from that time till Monday morning, should engage in worldly business.

But notwithstanding all the efforts to establish Sunday sacredness, papists themselves publicly confessed the divine authority of the Sabbath, and the human origin of the institution by which it had been supplanted. In the sixteenth century a papal council plainly declared: "Let all Christians remember that the seventh day was consecrated by God, and hath been received and observed, not only by the Jews, but by all others who pretend to worship God; though we Christians have changed their Sabbath into the Lord's day." Those who were tampering with the divine law were not ignorant of the character of their work. They were deliberately setting themselves above God.

A striking illustration of Rome's policy toward those who disagree with her was given in the long and bloody persecution of the Waldenses, some of whom were observers of the Sabbath. Others suffered in a similar manner for their fidelity to the fourth commandment. The history of the churches of Ethiopia and Abyssinia is especially significant. Amid the gloom of the Dark Ages, the Christians of Central Africa were lost sight of and forgotten by the world, and for many centuries they enjoyed freedom in the exercise of their faith. But at last Rome learned of their existence, and the emperor of Abyssinia was soon beguiled into an acknowledgment of the pope as the vicar of Christ. Other concessions followed. An edict was issued forbidding the observance of the Sabbath under the severest penalties. But papal tyranny soon became a yoke so galling that the Abyssinians determined to break it from their necks. After a terrible struggle, the Romanists were banished from their dominions, and the ancient faith was restored. The churches rejoiced in their freedom, and they never forgot the lesson they had learned concerning the deception, the fanaticism, and the despotic power of Rome. Within their solitary realm they were content to remain, unknown to the rest of Christendom.

The churches of Africa held the Sabbath as it was held by the papal church before her complete apostasy. While they kept the seventh day in obedience to the commandment of God, they abstained from labor on the Sunday in conformity to the custom of the church. Upon obtaining supreme power, Rome had trampled upon the Sabbath of God to exalt her own; but the churches of Africa, hidden for nearly a thousand years, did not share in this apostasy. When brought under the sway of Rome, they were forced to set aside the true and exalt the false Sabbath; but no sooner had they regained their independence than they returned to obedience to the fourth commandment. [See Appendix, Note 12.]

These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the true Sabbath and its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the institution of her creating. The Word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as papists and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday.

The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamb-like horns shall cause "the earth and them which dwell therein" to worship the papacy—there symbolized by the beast "like unto a leopard." The beast with two horns is also to say "to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast;" and, furthermore, it is to command all, "both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond," to receive "the mark of the beast." [Revelation 13:11-16.] It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamb-like horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion, is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. "I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast." [Revelation 13:3.] The infliction of the deadly wound points to the abolition of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, "His deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast." Paul states plainly that the man of sin will continue until the second advent. [2 Thessalonians 2:8.] To the very close of time he will carry forward his work of deception. And the Revelator declares, also referring to the papacy, "All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life." [Revelation 13:8.] In both the Old and the New World, papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Romish Church.

For about forty years, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world. In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfillment of the prediction. With Protestant teachers there is the same claim of divine authority for Sunday-keeping, and the same lack of scriptural evidence, as with the papist leaders who fabricated miracles to supply the place of a command from God. The assertion that God's judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated; already it is beginning to be urged. And a movement to enforce Sunday observance is fast gaining ground.

Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Romish Church. She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false Sabbath, and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in by-gone days. Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an institution that originated with her. How readily she will come to the help of Protestants in this work, it is not difficult to conjecture. Who understands better than the papal leaders how to deal with those who are disobedient to the church?

The Roman Church, with all its ramifications throughout the world, forms one vast organization, under the control, and designed to serve the interests, of the papal see. Its millions of communicants, in every country on the globe, are instructed to hold themselves as bound in allegiance to the pope. Whatever their nationality or their government, they are to regard the authority of the church as above all other. Though they may take the oath pledging their loyalty to the State, yet back of this lies the vow of obedience to Rome, absolving them from every pledge inimical to her interests.

Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let history testify of her artful and persistent efforts to insinuate herself into the affairs of nations; and having gained a foothold, to further her own aims, even at the ruin of princes and people. Romanism openly puts forth the claim that the pope "can pronounce sentences and judgments in contradiction to the right of nations, to the law of God and man." [The "Decretalia."]

And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes. The principles of Gregory VII. and Innocent III. are still the principles of the Romish Church. And had she but the power, she would put them in practice with as much vigor now as in past centuries. Let the principle once be established in the United States, that the church may employ or control the power of the State; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and State is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured.

God's Word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage-ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the Word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution.

https://adventmessenger.org/the-catholic-diocese-of-green-bay-urges-businesses-to-close-on-sundays-so-people-can-attend-church-for-worship/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteThe Catholic Diocese of Green Bay Urges Businesses to Close on Sundays so People can Attend Church for Worship

On April 22, 2026, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, published an article in its "On Mission" magazine titled "What Does It Mean to Reclaim Sunday?" The plan to reclaim Sunday involves closing businesses on that day, with the aim of reshaping society around a unified day of rest and worship. The message extends far beyond the walls of the church and targets daily life directly, urging people to change their behavior and to cease "buying and selling" on Sundays—language that parallels the warning of Revelation 13:17.

The Catholic Diocese's magazine stated the following:

•, "Closing on Sundays—taking a break from buying and selling, and resting from work—is not the only way to follow the third commandment, but it is a great place to start."

•, "This simple yet impactful act sets small and large businesses apart and has been done since the dawn of Christianity. While other stores or restaurants may close over the weekend, companies like Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A are known for closing on Sundays explicitly to make time for Christian worship."

•, "Sunday, the Lord's Day, isn't the same as the Jewish Sabbath, but it is a similar celebration based on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Keeping the Lord's Day holy, and reclaiming Sunday, is not simply about rest or setting the day apart, it is about divine worship."

•, "Experiencing the closure of businesses on the Lord's Day, both as a consumer and laborer, can remind the faithful that divine worship is the top priority on that day and participating in commerce can take away from our ability to participate in divine worship."

When the Catholic Church points to businesses such as Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A as successful examples, it is attempting to demonstrate that closing on Sunday is both practical and beneficial. In doing so, it is seeking to normalize the idea within the culture that Sunday should—and can—be different.

Rome's underlying message is clear: Sunday commerce competes with worship, and limiting business activity on that day will elevate spiritual priorities. As this idea spreads, it will shift public thinking toward viewing the closure of commercial activity on Sunday as a necessary step for the "common good." History demonstrates that what begins as an invitation and a call to protect Sunday will eventually lead to coercive laws mandating Sunday rest.

"Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that all, "both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond," [Revelation 13:16.] shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death" (Great Controversy, p. 604).

Chick-fil-A and Hobby Lobby are actually good examples of how it should be done. They are convicted that they should not open on Sunday, and choose to close of their own will. Revealing authentic faith in what they have chosen to believe. Backing up what they profess with their own actions. How it should be.

We know however, that the Catechism of the Catholic Church calls its adherents to seek to ensure that civil legislation backs up this belief. Which is exactly how it should not be done as either an authentic Christian, or a good American who believes and will back up the Constitution of these Untied States. What do authentic Christians have to do with forcing other people to obey God? Is this the gospel of Jesus Christ? What, He was unable to do so when here as one of us, so now He asks us to do so? Not!

This is beside the issue of course, that neither God nor the bible commands the observance of the first day of the week as a sabbath anywhere. This is the creation by law, of the first professed Christian Roman Pontifex Maximus, the emperor Constantine, not a law of God. Why would Christ's church want to create a state of legalism by forcing people to do what they deem as right, without being converted to wanting to do so for themselves. Such is dead legalism, and will not only not save them, but to the contrary condemn their souls.

You suggested  "Closing on Sundays—taking a break from buying and selling, and resting from work—is not the only way to follow the third commandment, but it is a great place to start.

fourth loving commandment as a parable

No such works righteousness.

The word fast .Hold fast (firm, fixed, constant)  to a rule or vow. Not a fast for food but a fast for hearing the word and sharing the food.

https://adventmessenger.org/belgian-news-site-calls-sunday-reopening-a-civilizational-compromise-and-profound-upheaval/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteBelgian News Site Calls Sunday Reopening a "Civilizational Compromise" and "Profound Upheaval"

Belgium's debate over Sunday reopening is being presented as a great injustice that will compromise civilization and radically transform society for the worse. The message conveyed by the local press is that the government's plan to remove Sunday work restrictions threatens to erode a long-standing social order built around rest, family, worship, and worker rights.

On April 25, 2026, the German-language Belgian news outlet BRF published the following regarding the protests in Belgium over plans to expand Sunday business openings:

• "Shops open seven days a week until 9 p.m. – the unions are furious," reads the lead story in L'Avenir. The federal government yesterday approved a relaxation of the shop closing law. According to the new regulations, shops will now be allowed to remain open until 9 p.m. Furthermore, the legally mandated day of rest will be abolished. The unions believe this goes too far and are now even considering legal action."

• "Now, the 'holy Sunday' is being sacrificed on the altar of flexibility. It wasn't 'holy' for purely religious reasons anymore; it was almost a civilizational compromise. Sunday was the day we could spend time together, a collective break with family, friends, or neighbors. And that's exactly what they want to dismantle now. In the name of modernization. This is much more than just a 'technical' correction; in practice, it amounts to a profound upheaval."

The very public debate unfolding in Belgium demonstrates that Sunday continues to occupy a prominent role in discussions involving economics, labor rights, family values, and Christian identity. The fierce reaction from labor unions and various media outlets shows that Sunday is still widely viewed as a day that deserves legal protection.

Public controversies like these are preparing the public to become more receptive to Sunday protections and less resistant to future Sunday legislation. Efforts to preserve Sunday's special status harmonize with the prophetic expectation that Sunday will ultimately become the central issue where church, state, economics, and liberty of conscience unite in the final conflict over worship and obedience.

These people have a problem with allowing those who do not hold Sunday as sacred to work on that day, but no problem with the government acting as even above God, in forcing all to observe a day they consider holy. Our Lord Jesus Christ has neither called for any of His own to force everyone else to worship Him on Sunday or any other day, or declared Sunday to be holy anywhere at all. A man declared Sunday holy, not God.

https://adventmessenger.org/proposed-sunday-work-expansion-sparks-nationwide-labor-strikes-across-60-belgian-retailers/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteProposed Sunday Work Expansion Sparks Nationwide Labor Strikes Across 60 Belgian Retailers

On April 25, 2026, The Brussels Times, a leading Belgian news outlet, published a report detailing how the ALDI supermarket chain proposed expanding Sunday store openings, requiring employees to work on that day. ALDI's proposed Sunday expansion has sparked nationwide labor strikes across 60 stores, leading to widespread shutdowns as workers strongly resisted efforts to make Sunday a regular workday.

The Brussels Times reported the following:

• "At least 60 Aldi supermarkets have shut their doors on Friday due to spontaneous staff protests against the management's plan to open stores on Sundays, according to the Christian trade union CNE."

• "Union officials are supporting the protest and assisting staff. 'We stand by the workers,' said Évelyne Zabus, permanent secretary of the CNE."

• "The union has expressed disappointment with management's approach, claiming the Sunday opening plan was introduced during discussions intended to focus on employee demands, such as salary improvements."

Employees opposed the move to open stores on Sundays and responded with strikes, effectively shutting down numerous locations as workers walked off the job. They view Sunday openings as a serious challenge to long-standing tradition that regards Sunday as a protected day of rest.

Labor unions are also a powerful force in resisting efforts to relax Sunday labor restrictions, arguing that Sunday is a unique day worthy of legal protection as a designated day for workers. In Belgium, unions are at the forefront of opposing expanded Sunday openings, fighting to keep it from being just another commercial workday.

This struggle demonstrates that across Europe and in many parts of the world, Sunday remains a deeply contested issue at the center of growing social and economic controversy—one that many continue to defend as essential for rest, family, and worship. It is more than just a labor dispute. This conflict reveals the ongoing efforts to preserve Sunday's distinct role within society, as advocates argue that maintaining this day as work-free is essential for everyone.

More of the same.

https://adventmessenger.org/headline-trump-becomes-first-u-s-president-to-call-for-national-shabbat/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteHeadline: "Trump Becomes First U.S. President to Call for National Shabbat"

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) is a non-profit organization committed to building bridges between Christians and Jews. On May 5, 2026, the IFCJ published a news article titled "Trump Becomes First U.S. President to Call for National Shabbat." In it, President Trump called on "Americans" to observe the Sabbath through an official proclamation. The issue here is not that the government acknowledges the Sabbath or recognizes the religious liberty rights of Jewish people to worship freely. The real concern is that the federal government has crossed a significant constitutional and prophetic line by issuing a national religious appeal connected to a sacred day of worship.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews published the following:

• "U.S. President Donald Trump called on Americans to observe Shabbat from sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16 in a proclamation signed yesterday ... and highlighted how Jewish Americans help fulfill the founding promise of the nation as it marks its 250th year." 

• "Jewish communities and organizations across the United States have praised the Shabbat 250 initiative. Groups such as Chabad and the Israel Heritage Foundation issued letters of thanks to President Trump."

• "How beautiful, how moving, how deeply healing it is to witness the opposite today—to see you, the President of the United States, not only defend religious freedom but also encourage the observance of Shabbos. To declare before the nation that faith matters, that Shabbos matters, that the values we live by are what make America great,' said Rabbi David Katz of the Israel Heritage Foundation."

The first problem with President Donald Trump's proclamation concerning the Sabbath is that it relegates the seventh-day Sabbath to nothing more than a "Jewish tradition." His official proclamation regarding Sabbath observance, titled "Jewish American Heritage Month, 2026," presents the Sabbath as something ethnic and cultural within the Jewish community rather than acknowledging its biblical origin and universal significance. The proclamation states the following:

• "In special honor of 250 glorious years of American independence and on the weekend of Rededicate 250 — a national jubilee of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving — Jewish Americans are encouraged to observe a national Sabbath.  From sundown on May 15 to nightfall on May 16, friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds may come together in gratitude for our great Nation. This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty."

The Bible teaches that the Sabbath was never intended only for the Jews but for all people. The Sabbath was established at Creation before there was ever a Jewish nation, when God rested on the seventh day, blessed it, and sanctified it for mankind (Genesis 2:1–3; Hebrew 4:4). Jesus Himself declared, "The sabbath was made for man" (Mark 2:27)—revealing its universal nature and showing that it was not established merely for one ethnic group, but for the entire human race. The Fourth Commandment was written by God's own finger into His eternal moral law, placing the Sabbath alongside commands against murder, theft, and adultery—commandments that clearly have universal application for all people. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls the Sabbath "My holy day" (Isaiah 58:13), showing that it belongs to Him, not to one nation. The attempt to label the seventh-day Sabbath as only "Jewish" has been one of Satan's most effective deceptions to turn the world away from God's true memorial of Creation.

When a sitting US President calls upon the nation to observe or honor a holy day, government is no longer protecting freedom of religion—it has crossed the line into forbidden territory by decreeing a day as "sacred." If a president can encourage national Sabbath observance for Jews, a small minority, many will naturally ask: Why should there not also be a national Sunday observance for Christians, who are in the majority, in the name of faith, morality, family values, national unity, or the "common good"?

In the context of governments declaring or promoting holy days, the concern is that once civil authorities officially recognize, encourage, or call the nation to observe a sacred day, they establish a legal "precedent," which is valid in a court of law, that government has a role in religious observances. Once that precedent is accepted, future leaders, lawmakers, courts, and religious groups can point back to earlier actions as justification for expanding similar measures. What was once considered unconstitutional government involvement in religion gradually becomes viewed as acceptable and even beneficial for society.

This kind of public national proclamation is preparing the people for Revelation 13, when the government uses its power to officially recognize and encourage sacred observances. Once that foundation is laid, a national Sunday law no longer appears extreme but will be seen as the next "reasonable" step for a nation seeking religious and moral revival.

"And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed." Revelation 13:12.

This is a far cry from a national Sabbath or Sunday law. While it does testify of the nations growing willingness to allow for public officials to declare their faith, and even encourage people to celebrate or observe a certain day according to that faith, they certainly have a right to do so. There is nothing in our Constitution which prohibits elected officials from exercising their Constitutional rights regarding freedom of speech. They do not lose these freedoms when elected. Nor did our founding fathers intend any such thing.

Other holidays have been established by Presidents before, and or invitations to observe certain days of commemoration. These type of events are something to keep an eye upon, but out of the range of any kind of legal action, or over impulsive judgment I would emphasize. Let's not declare the sky is falling, or cry wolf to the point of annoyance, possibly causing people to turn a deaf ear to authentic Constitutionally illegal support of a religion in the future. It has never been right, to attempt to stifle religious expression of one's faith. Nor to establish such by law either. Let's not be found guilty of either. A call to observe a day if one wishes, and a law establishing one, are two very different things.

Personally, I think the seventh day Sabbath is a better institution to celebrate in connection with the freedoms and liberties we enjoy as Americans, than a Sunday celebration could represent. Sunday observance has been mandated over entire nations during this New covenant era, for around 1700 years now. It is no reference or historical example of freedom or liberty at all. It has, does now, and will always represent religious legalism. As it has been legally mandated upon all peoples throughout most of its history, regardless of one's faith in it or not. 

https://adventmessenger.org/leos-first-encyclical-will-address-global-order-and-law-and-comes-on-the-anniversary-of-rerum-novarum/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteLeo's First Encyclical will Address Global Order and Law and comes on the Anniversary of Rerum Novarum

Pope Leo XIV is expected to sign his first encyclical on May 15, 2026, on the anniversary of Rerum Novarum, the landmark papal encyclical that advocated Sunday rest as a benefit for society. The new document, reportedly titled Magnifica Humanitas, is expected to address artificial intelligence, peace, and the future of global order, while drawing upon the legacy of Pope Leo XIII and reaffirming the importance of human dignity in an age of rapid technological and social transformation.

On May 6, 2026, the Catholic news site Zeale published the following regarding Pope Leo XIV's upcoming papal encyclical:

• "The document carries the provisional working title Magnifica humanitas, or 'Magnificent Humanity,' and will address contemporary challenges, including the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI), questions of peace, and perceived crises in the international order and global law. The May 15 date would coincide with the publication of Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical Rerum Novarum, which laid the foundations of modern Catholic social teaching amid the Industrial Revolution."

Rerum Novarum was signed and published on May 15, 1891, and addressed issues involving labor, workers' rights, and Sunday rest. In this encyclical, Pope Leo XIII emphasized that society should provide workers with time for rest and worship on Sunday. Now Pope Leo XIV, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, is expected to issue his own encyclical on the anniversary of Rerum Novarum, highlighting the continuing influence of Pope Leo XIII's legacy.

Rerum Novarum stated the following:

• "Civil laws—laws which, so long as they are just, derive from the law of nature their binding force. The authority of the divine law adds its sanction" (Rerum Novarum, Paragraph 11).

• "Civil society exists for the common good, and hence is concerned with the interests of all in general" (Rerum Novarum, Paragaph 51).

• "Let the working man be urged and led to the worship of God, to the earnest practice of religion, and, among other things, to the keeping holy of Sundays" (Rerum Novarum, Paragraph 57).

• "From this follows the obligation of the cessation from work and labor on Sundays and certain holy days. The rest from labor is not to be understood as mere giving way to idleness; much less must it be an occasion for spending money and for vicious indulgence, as many would have it to be; but it should be rest from labor, hallowed by religion" (Rerum Novarum, Paragraph 41).

• "Rest, combined with religious observances, disposes man to forget for a while the business of his everyday life, to turn his thoughts to things heavenly, and to the worship which he so strictly owes to the eternal Godhead. It is this, above all, which is the reason arid motive of Sunday rest" (Rerum Novarum, Paragraph 41).

If Pope Leo XIV intends to build upon the legacy and principles outlined in Rerum Novarum, then his forthcoming encyclical deserves very close attention. Since Pope Leo XIII's 1891 encyclical promoted Sunday rest as beneficial for workers and society, we need to carefully watch whether Pope Leo XIV will revisit or expand upon these themes in the context of today's global crises. As political and religious leaders increasingly speak about the need for securing Sunday for family time, worship, mental health, workers' rights, and the "common good," any renewed call for a universal day of rest will further normalize the idea of government-supported Sunday laws.

https://adventmessenger.org/the-u-s-government-will-partner-with-catholics-and-evangelicals-on-may-17-for-an-interfaith-sunday-sunrise-worship-service/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteThe U.S. Government Will Partner with Catholics and Evangelicals on May 17 for an Interfaith Sunday Sunrise Worship Service

On May 17, 2026, a massive national prayer and worship event—first promoted by President Donald Trump—called "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving" is scheduled to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Organizers say the purpose of the gathering is to "rededicate America as One Nation Under God" ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The issue is not whether people should pray or worship, but whether the state should promote, endorse, or partner with organized religion in shaping national identity and public policies.

This historic gathering features a lineup of Catholic and Protestant speakers—both religious and political—in collaboration with the White House, promoting a new narrative about the church's role in civil life. The May 17 event is expected to run throughout the day and center around worship activities that will integrate Catholic and Evangelical religious values more deeply into the nation's political and governmental institutions.

The Freedom 250 website states the following:

• "On Sunday, May 17, 2026, the National Mall will be the scene of a historic gathering as Americans of every background across the country prepare for the nation's 250th birthday with Scripture, testimony, prayer, and rededication of our country as One Nation to God."

• "Sunrise worship before the U.S. Capitol through a full day of prayer, music, and testimony. Livestream available nationwide through partner churches, ministries, and organizations."

The event is drawing significant attention because of the high-profile political and religious figures expected to participate. Prominent Evangelical leaders, conservative Catholic figures, White House allies, and Trump administration officials are expected to appear and speak, including the following:

• "Speaker Mike Johnson, 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives"

• "Secretary Marco Rubio, 72nd United States Secretary of State"

• "Secretary Pete Hegseth, 29th United States Secretary of War"

• "Senator Tim Scott, United States Senator from South Carolina"

• "Ambassador Monica Crowley, 35th Chief of Protocol of the United States"

• "Dr. Ben Carson, Founder and Chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and renowned neurosurgeon"

• "Major General Patrick Brady, USA (Ret.), Medal of Honor Recipient and retired United States Army Major General"

• "Dr. Larry Arnn, 12th President of Hillsdale College"

• "Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association"

• "Bishop Robert Barron, Bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester and Founder of Word on Fire Catholic Ministries"

• "Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New York and Former President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops"

• "Pastor Jack Graham, Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church"

• "Pastor Jentezen Franklin, Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, New York Times Bestselling Author, and Host of the Kingdom Connection"

• "Pastor Jonathan Falwell, Chancellor of Liberty University and Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church"

• "Pastor Samuel Rodriguez, Lead Pastor of New Season Church and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference"

• "Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Senior Rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York City"

• "Dr. Robert Jeffress, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Dallas"

• "Pastor Jonathan Pokluda, Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church, Author, and Host of the "Becoming Something Podcast"

• "Gordon P. Robertson, Chancellor of Regent University and President of Christian Broadcasting Network"

• "Pastor Paula White, Senior Advisor to the White House Faith Office"

• "Apostle Guillermo Mondonaldo, Founder and Senior Pastor of El Rey Jesus"

• "Pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Senior Pastor of 180 Church in Detroit"

• "Pastor Lou Engles, Co-Founder of TheCall and Founder of Lou Engle Ministries"

• "Pastor Gary Hamrick, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Chapel and radio host"

• "Bishop Kelvin Cobaris, Lead Pastor of New Life Church International"

• "Pastor Andy Deane, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church"

• "Andy Frank, Pastor and Worship Leader"

While many Christians will celebrate this historic event, growing concerns remain over the increasing influence of Christian nationalism in American politics. When government officials, religious leaders, and state institutions unite in promoting national worship observances and religious rededication ceremonies, this crosses the Constitutional line separating church and state. These developments are especially significant because Scripture warns that the United States will one day use its civil power to support religious agendas and influence worship (Revelation 13).

https://adventmessenger.org/rome-invites-america-to-worship-on-sunday-may-17-to-celebrate-how-religion-and-america-can-come-together-in-a-beautiful-way/

Quoted article below from link above. Where video may be viewed as well.

QuoteRome Invites America to Worship on Sunday May 17 to "Celebrate How Religion and America Can Come Together in a Beautiful Way"

On May 11, 2026, in a video posted by Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Barron—a member of President Donald Trump's White House Religious Liberty Commission within the Department of Justice—Bishop Barron invited Americans to gather on the National Mall in Washington on May 17 for the "Rededicate 250" celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. However, Barron placed special emphasis on what he described as the important role religion has played in the American experiment, stating that religion and America have come together in a "very beautiful way."

Robert Barron made the following statement:

• "Hey everybody, it's Bishop Barron. I want to take this opportunity and invite you to a very special event called Rededicate 250. It is an event in honor of our two hundred fiftieth anniversary as a nation, but with the special stress upon the role that religion has played in the American Experiment" (Video).

• "This will take place on the National Mall on May 17th. There'll be a whole slew of speakers: Speaker Mike Johnson from the House of Representatives will be there, Dr. Larry Arnn from Hillsdale College, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary Marco Rubio, Reverend Franklin Graham will be there — and I'll be there speaking as well" (Video).

• "The idea is to celebrate how religion and America have really come together in a beautiful way. So I invite everybody: take the time, come to Washington, National Mall. It's going to be an all-day event beginning in the morning stretching into the afternoon. There'll be speakers but also musicians and other forms of celebration. Hope to see you on May 17th. And God bless you" (Video).

The American experiment was never about the role religion would play in controlling the government, but rather about the role religion would not play in exercising civil authority over the conscience of the people. The founders understood from history—especially from Europe's long record of state churches, religious persecution, inquisitions, and forced conformity—that liberty could only survive when government was forbidden from establishing or enforcing any religion.

America's uniqueness was not that it created a Christian state, but that it created a constitutional system where people of all faiths could worship freely without the state favoring one church over another. The genius of the American experiment was the deliberate limitation placed upon religious power in civil government, protecting both the church from political corruption and the people from religious persecution.

Today, this foundation is gradually shifting from liberty toward control. Instead of emphasizing freedom of conscience, there is increasing pressure from many Catholic and Evangelical voices seeking greater religious influence within government to advance moral and social agendas. More and more, Americans are being told that individual rights must yield to the "common good" or the collective interests of the majority. At the same time, dissent is increasingly being portrayed as dangerous or divisive, while government is encouraged to take a larger role in shaping the moral and spiritual direction of society. In this environment, liberty of conscience risks being replaced by regulations and enforced consensus rather than the protection of individual freedom.

According to Bible prophecy, this shift signifies that history is repeating itself and that long-standing freedoms and constitutional protections will gradually disappear as church and state move closer together. Prophecy warns of a system in which religious influence becomes increasingly joined with civil power, allowing church doctrines to be advanced through the authority of the state. As this model develops, religious pressure from an apostate form of Christianity will seek to shape national life and influence the beliefs and behavior of society.

"In the movements now in progress in the United States to secure for the institutions and usages of the church the support of the State, Protestants are following in the steps of papists. Nay, more, they are opening the door for popery to regain in Protestant America the supremacy which she has lost in the Old World. And that which gives greater significance to this movement is the fact that the principal object contemplated is the enforcement of Sunday observance,—a custom which originated with Rome, and which she claims as the sign of her authority. It is the spirit of the papacy,—the spirit of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for human traditions above the commandments of God,—that is permeating the Protestant churches, and leading them on to do the same work of Sunday exaltation which the papacy has done before them" (Great Controversy, p. 573).

https://adventmessenger.org/fiji-sun-headline-call-to-restore-sunday-restrictions/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteFiji Sun Headline: "Call to Restore Sunday Restrictions"

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Fiji Sun, Fiji's largest online platform and daily newspaper, published a call to restore Sunday restrictions in the island nation as a means of reversing what many see as the loss of its Christian identity. The article referenced a submission made to the Constitution Review Commission by concerned citizens, who argued that the decline in respect for Sunday as a day of rest and worship has weakened the nation's moral and social standards.

The Fiji Sun reported the following:

• "A call to reinstate Fiji's long-abandoned Sunday restrictions has resurfaced during constitutional consultations in the Lau Group, with a submission from Vanuabalavu urging leaders to formally restore laws regulating Sunday activities."

• "The submission was made before the Constitution Review Commission by Samani Koroi Biukitukuna, who argued Fiji should return to stricter Sunday observance in line with its Christian traditions."

• "Mr Biukitukuna told commissioners that in earlier decades, Sundays were widely respected as a day of worship, rest and family time, with business activity, sports and public work largely paused in many communities."

• " Mr Biukitukuna said the easing of Sunday observance over time had weakened social discipline and contributed to growing moral and social concerns. 'When businesses remain open and sports continue on Sundays, people no longer treat the day as holy,' he said."

• "We are slowly losing our identity as a Christian nation.' He said formalizing Sunday restrictions would help restore respect, discipline and spiritual values within communities."

• "Mr Biukitukuna also said such a move would not discriminate against other faiths, but would instead reflect Fiji's historical and cultural foundations. 'I am not against other religions,' he said. 'Everyone should have freedom to worship, but Christianity has always been the foundation of Fiji."

Sunday laws discriminate against Sabbath keepers because they provide legal preference to one religious day—Sunday—while placing an unfair burden on those who observe the biblical Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. For Sabbath keepers, closing their businesses, resting, or worshiping on Saturday is a matter of conscience and obedience to God. However, when the state mandates that they also close or limit work on Sunday, Sabbath keepers are compelled to forfeit two days of labor, whereas those who observe Sunday only forfeit one.

This creates unequal treatment under the law by protecting the religious practice of the majority while punishing the minority. That is why Sunday legislation makes it harder for Sabbath keepers to live, work, and provide for their families.

In a free society, the state must remain neutral in religious matters and uphold equal rights for all citizens. When the government gives legal preference to Sunday as the official day of rest, it stops being neutral and begins favoring the religious tradition of the majority over the convictions of the minority.

I would offer----two parts.

Part one.  The eternal rest was never about works righteousness as if mankind could boast, "I did the Sabbath perfectly, therefore I earned eternal life."

Therefore it would blasphemy attributing the eternal rest to dying mankind and not the rest that works in us

The context of the Sabbath was tied to the fast and its purpose, and Isaiah 58 exposes the error plainly. Men turned it into outward religion, strife, debate, and self-righteousness.

"Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness..." — Isaiah 58:4

That is the danger: using outward observances as a badge of superiority while the heart remains far from the purpose of God.

Isaiah 58 becomes a commentary on the Sabbath fast itself. The true fast was never mere outward abstinence or ceremonial performance. It pointed to mercy, compassion, and the gospel work flowing from faith: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness... to let the oppressed go free... to deal thy bread to the hungry... when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him..."

The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to eternal rest in Christ, not a weekly trophy of self-righteous labor avoidance.

And with the New Testament reformation, the shadow gives way to the fulfillment. The hearing of the gospel and resting in Christ is no longer confined to one ceremonial day using the Greek obscure word "sabbath."

Today, any day is the day of hearing:

"Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

The rest remains for the people of God—not through ceremonial boasting, but through faith in the finished work of Christ.

The outward shadow fades.

The eternal substance remains.

Part two The Sabbath itself carried the two-witness pattern from the beginning.

Witness one: the 6th day manna preparation — "Let there be..." the work declared beforehand.

Witness two: the completed testimony — "and it was very good." The rest bearing witness the work was finished.

The law of faith was hidden in the shadow.

The man gathering sticks on the Sabbath in Numbers 15 was not merely breaking a ceremonial rule about physical labor. The deeper issue is revealed first: "Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment..." — Numbers 15:31

The outward act revealed the inward unbelief.

Gathering sticks after the rest had been declared became a picture of mankind still attempting to add his own works after God had already established the testimony.

The Sabbath pointed to resting in the completed work and provision of God, not continuing self-justifying labor.

That is why Hebrews later reveals:

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

Not a shadow day only, but the eternal gospel rest entered by faith.

The two witnesses remain:"Let there be..." — the promise declared.
"It was very good." — the finished witness established.

Preparation and fulfillment.

Promise and rest.

Faith and witness.

The outward Sabbath shadow served its purpose until the substance was fulfilled in Christ.

QuoteI would offer----two parts.

Part one.  The eternal rest was never about works righteousness as if mankind could boast, "I did the Sabbath perfectly, therefore I earned eternal life."

Therefore it would blasphemy attributing the eternal rest to dying mankind and not the rest that works in us

My what a tangled web one weaves, when at first they seek to deceive.

Where is your first quote above from? Is it your invention, or someone else's? Or just quoted for effect? It certainly is not found in Holy Scripture. Though the problem of self righteousness is certainly addressed in Holy Scripture. Jesus Himself often pointing out the hypocrisy of how many of the Jewish leaders viewed, added burdensome rules to, and applied His Holy Sabbath day. Though He never said or taught that His Holy Sabbath did not and or would not matter anymore in the future. To the contrary, He repeatedly taught its proper observance to those who had weighed it down as a heavy burden upon those they lorded themselves over. As you already know also, but apparently choose to ignore, He conclusively declared that He did not come to abolish the law of God, but rather to fulfill it on our account. Also stating that the law would not change in any manner, til heaven and earth passed away.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Why will you contradict the words and teachings of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Who is saying that they are saved by keeping the fourth or any other of the ten commandments of God, our Lord Jesus Christ? You have created a false premise upon which to build your argument. No one is preaching what your accusations are addressing. Who is declaring what your first quote asserts? Who is attributing eternal rest to dying mankind? What do you even mean by such a statement?

With all that Holy Scripture has to say about God's holy Sabbath, this twisted rant is all you have to say, while ignoring so very much scripture exactly addressing and simply stating the intent and purposes of God's holy Sabbath? 

QuoteThe context of the Sabbath was tied to the fast and its purpose, and Isaiah 58 exposes the error plainly. Men turned it into outward religion, strife, debate, and self-righteousness.

"Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness..." — Isaiah 58:4

That is the danger: using outward observances as a badge of superiority while the heart remains far from the purpose of God.

Isaiah 58 becomes a commentary on the Sabbath fast itself. The true fast was never mere outward abstinence or ceremonial performance. It pointed to mercy, compassion, and the gospel work flowing from faith: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness... to let the oppressed go free... to deal thy bread to the hungry... when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him..."

The Sabbath was a shadow pointing to eternal rest in Christ, not a weekly trophy of self-righteous labor avoidance.

The exact purpose, meaning, and desired effect of God's Holy Sabbath is clearly stated in many places within the bible. All of which apparently, you choose to ignore in favor of your own words above, as though they were the final word upon the subject. Who do you think you are? Is your word above God's or His Holy Scriptures? Are you God to have now judged those who would keep God's Sabbath and His fourth commandment, to all be doing so as "weekly trophies of self-righteous labor avoidance? While it is certainly possible for one to do so, who are you to declare that this is the real purpose of all who observe God's Holy Sabbath as He has commanded?

Strange is it not, that on this topic of discussion, your only concern is regarding those who actually desire to obey the word of God by faith in that word? As though such were a bad thing. While remaining completely silent regarding a great number of professed Christians seeking to force everyone to observe a first day sabbath mentioned nowhere in scripture at all, by civil legislation. As though the observance of this day chosen by them apart from the teachings of Holy Scripture anywhere at all, was so important to one's salvation that it requires humanity to do even that which God Himself does not do, in forcing everyone to observe it. Yet you remain completely silent upon this matter, while attacking those who would keep God's Sabbath and fourth commandment of their own will by faith in their Lord's words. Is this not the pot calling the kettle black?

Why have you twisted the meaning of Isaiah 58 into an attack upon proper Sabbath observance? By compounding it with people fasting for the wrong reasons? God's Sabbath is not spoken of in Isaiah 58 as part of the problem addressed concerning improper motivation and reasoning for fasting, its proper observance is suggested in contrast to, and as a cure for the same as it were. Why have you left these verses in Isaiah 58 out of your scripturally twisted diatribe?

Isa 58:13 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, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Who is using an outward observance as a badge of superiority, the ones who call upon all to subject themselves to God almighty by faith in His word, or the ones who call upon all to subject themselves to the words of man by way of force and civil legislation? Might over right cornering the mandates of men, has never equalled the ultimate authority of the convicting power of the Word of God, by way of persuasion upon the converted heart. Civil legislation concerning a day of worship can produce nothing but the legalism you are addressing. Nor is it those choosing to keep God's seventh day Sabbath, that are seeking to establish such over and upon all.

How can that which was established at creation in a perfect world, and will be kept in the perfect new heaven and earth, be a shadow concerning salvation before the need for salvation and shadows even existed after the fall. Which will be observed after the fall has ended and all has been restored as well? Be careful how you will handle the Word of God, it is nothing to be trifled with, and certainly most dangerous to be found warring against. Be careful not to add to, or take away from that by which we shall all be judged.

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

QuoteAnd with the New Testament reformation, the shadow gives way to the fulfillment. The hearing of the gospel and resting in Christ is no longer confined to one ceremonial day using the Greek obscure word "sabbath."

Today, any day is the day of hearing:

"Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

The rest remains for the people of God—not through ceremonial boasting, but through faith in the finished work of Christ.

The outward shadow fades.

The eternal substance remains.

More accusation and argumentation built upon a false premise. No one has said, nor does scripture anywhere declare that the gospel has ever been confined to the observance of one sabbath day. To the contrary, the entire nation of Israel was centered around Christ Jesus our Lord, His life, crucifixion, and resurrection for our salvation. In many and various shadows and types pointing Israel to their Savior. The entire nation centering around the temple and its services, which themselves centered entirely around the future salvation accomplished for humanity through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Sabbath of God itself being a sign of this salvation as well, not standing alone as such. Please stop mutilating Holy Scripture to support your own views and or created faulty premisses for argumentation.

Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There never was a time when the seventh day Sabbath of God alone, was the gospel. Or ever meant to be. Do yourself a favor and prayerfully read the entire book of Hebrews. That you may learn how very much God provided in the Old Covenant, to point His people then ahead to that established in our New Covenant era, concerning faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. As every sacrifice they made in the temple declared their faith in that sacrifice of course, as well. No one is limiting the gospel of Jesus Christ to one day, but you. With the faulty premise you bring forward for your twisted arguments. God's fourth commandment clearly and simply states the most basic faith required unto salvation, that one believes that God is exactly who He says He is. This is most obviously not the entire gospel though. You are the only one claiming it ever was, not seventh day sabbath keepers, or Holy Scripture.

Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

The seventh day Sabbath of God's fourth commandment represents the most basic faith one must have to understand and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not the gospel itself alone. If God was or is not our creator and sustainer, then why would we need salvation regarding anything concerning Him?

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Please do read the rest of Hebrews chapter eleven. That you might more fully understand faith as taught in Holy Scripture, and thereby the continuing importance of honoring God's seventh day Sabbath, as well as the rest of His ten commandments, and testimony of Holy Scripture.

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

All scripture is profitable for the above. Not scripture cut up and mutilated by individuals, with their own words or theories inserted into small partial quotes from them.

Nevertheless, and yet again, who is making to much of a single day of worship? Those who call all to observe that day by way of conviction and free choice concerning the fourth commandment of God, or those constantly seeking to force everyone to observe an extra biblical day of worship by mandates of civil legislation or else? Why have you twisted these two peoples and teachings around in your mind. Sunday keepers wish to demand a great deal more form all concerning their chosen day of worship, than seventh day keepers in accordance with God's seventh day Sabbath. Therefore also apparently placing greater emphasis upon their own day toward salvation, than seventh day Sabbath keepers.

QuotePart two The Sabbath itself carried the two-witness pattern from the beginning.

Witness one: the 6th day manna preparation — "Let there be..." the work declared beforehand.

Witness two: the completed testimony — "and it was very good." The rest bearing witness the work was finished.

The law of faith was hidden in the shadow.

The man gathering sticks on the Sabbath in Numbers 15 was not merely breaking a ceremonial rule about physical labor. The deeper issue is revealed first: "Because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment..." — Numbers 15:31

The outward act revealed the inward unbelief.

Gathering sticks after the rest had been declared became a picture of mankind still attempting to add his own works after God had already established the testimony.

The Sabbath pointed to resting in the completed work and provision of God, not continuing self-justifying labor.

That is why Hebrews later reveals:

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."

Not a shadow day only, but the eternal gospel rest entered by faith.

The two witnesses remain:"Let there be..." — the promise declared.
"It was very good." — the finished witness established.

Preparation and fulfillment.

Promise and rest.

Faith and witness.

The outward Sabbath shadow served its purpose until the substance was fulfilled in Christ.

God has never hidden our need for faith in His word in shadows and types. Those very shadows and types were to serve the exact purpose of drawing humanities attention to their dire need for the same, not to hide them from us. Please stop mutilating Holy Scripture. It is the blindness of humanities sinful hearts and minds which blinds us to our desperate need for faith in God's Word, Christ Jesus our Lord. Not the constant types, shadows, and lessons the Lord has always kept before his people concerning the future promised Messiah, upon whom all of their salvations was and is dependent.

You yourself just rightly declared above, that disobedience to God's commandments demonstrates a lack of faith, which is the real problem to be addressed. Which is why Holy Scripture declares right up to the last book and chapter that God's very own keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Yet here you are trying to tell everyone that at least one of the ten commandments does not matter anymore, another false teaching and premise. Go figure.

Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

https://adventmessenger.org/pope-leo-xivs-encyclical-calls-for-labor-laws-to-ensure-proper-balance-between-work-leisure-and-rest/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuotePope Leo XIV's Encyclical Calls for Labor Laws to Ensure Proper Balance Between "Work, Leisure, and Rest"

On May 25, 2026, the Vatican released Magnifica Humanitas, a landmark encyclical by Pope Leo XIV addressing issues such as government, the common good, labor, fraternity, and even rest. Although the encyclical does not specifically mention Sunday, it does not have to. The document references Rerum Novarum 13 times and Pope Leo XIII 12 times in the actual text, showing that it is a continuation of his work. In other words, Leo XIV is building upon the foundation laid by his predecessor, who did in fact call upon governments to ensure Sunday as the day of rest.

The only difference this time is that in Magnifica Humanitas, Leo XIV re-elevates the call for governments to pass labor laws that ensure a proper balance between work and rest. In addition, the new encyclical highlights the role of the church in guiding, directing, and even instructing the state to promote the "common good"—Catholic social teaching. It also calls upon civil authorities to regulate and assume more control over free speech in digital media.

The Pope expressed the following in his new encyclical:

• Magnifica Humanitas #3 – "Today, the Social Doctrine of the Church is a legacy of wisdom, where we find principles for thought, criteria for discernment and judgment, and concrete guidelines for action."

• Magnifica Humanitas #169 – "Labor policies need to promote continuity and the quality of employment, countering insecurity as a normal condition of life and encouraging realistic paths for entry into the workforce and for professional growth. Second, measures are needed to ensure a healthy way of living, for without a proper balance between work, leisure and rest, families are weakened and young people struggle to develop a sense of responsibility."

• Magnifica Humanitas #63 – "It is the State's responsibility to ensure cohesion, unity and the proper organization of civil society, so that the common good can be pursued with everyone's contribution ... When politics abandons a long-term perspective and reduces itself to short-term calculations or sterile polarizations, then the language of the common good loses credibility, and, at the same time, social inequalities and divisions grow."

• Magnifica Humanitas #32 – "In the tragic context of the Second World War ... the Pope proposed a dialogue with society based on an appeal to natural law understood as a set of objective principles that precede the interests of individuals and States, and which must regulate both the internal life of nations and their mutual relations."

• Magnifica Humanitas #95 – "Here, we must recognize another crucial aspect, which I have noted earlier. In many cases within the digital context, control over platforms, infrastructure, data and computing power does not rest with States, but with major economic and technological actors. These entities effectively set the conditions for access, determine the rules of visibility and shape the very possibilities for participation. When such power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it tends to become opaque and evade public oversight, increasing the risk of distorted forms of development that give rise to new dependencies, exclusions, manipulations and inequalities."

• Magnifica Humanitas #72 – "States and transnational institutions are called to ensure fair rules ... When it comes to decisions regarding economic flows and digital platforms, as well as the governance of data and algorithms, we cannot allow a handful of actors to dictate these processes on their own; instead, we must build forms of cooperation that respect the various levels of the global community and make them jointly responsible for the common good."

Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas is prophetically significant because it continues the Papacy's long-standing effort to shape civil society through religiously influenced social policy. While the encyclical never explicitly mentions Sunday observance, it repeatedly builds upon Rerum Novarum and the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who openly advocated for government protection of Sunday rest. Throughout history, Rome has consistently pushed for rest legislation as necessary for family, worker protection, social harmony, and the "common good."

This very same theme now resurfaces in modern language, adapted to the social and economic concerns of the present day. The call to legislate rest for workers' rights has now been articulated in a new Papal encyclical that will, in all likelihood, resonate throughout the world—much as Pope Francis's encyclical on climate change also exerted great influence on a global level. The issue is not simply about rest, because rest is a biblical principle ordained by God, but rather who has the authority to define which day is sacred and whether governments should enforce religious observance through civil law.

Equally significant is the encyclical's repeated appeal for the state to regulate society according to Catholic social teaching. The final crisis described in Revelation will involve an attempt to elevate human religious authority above the commandments of God and upon society. When church leaders call upon governments to pursue the "common good" through coordinated social policy, history has repeatedly shown that individual liberty of conscience is often sacrificed to the will of the majority.

The sections in Magnifica Humanitas dealing with digital media and platform control are also prophetically relevant. Pope Leo XIV warns about tech companies having too much freedom to operate their digital platforms without government oversight and calls for stronger controls and regulation. Increased calls for this type of centralized control over speech and digital participation raise concerns about restricting dissenting voices—especially religious minorities whose beliefs may be viewed as unpopular or contrary to those in positions of power. The Papacy's growing influence over policies involving labor, economics, social order, digital media, and governance reflects the prophetic scenario described in Scripture in which church and state unite in the final scenes of earth's history to impose coercive and false worship.

https://adventmessenger.org/rome-calls-for-governments-to-sanctify-sunday-through-civil-legislation/

Quoted article below from link above.

QuoteRome Calls for Governments to "Sanctify Sunday" Through Civil Legislation

Priestly Life, an online resource for Spanish-speaking Catholic priests, recently published an article by Pedro Maria Reyes Vizcaino, a priest and a doctor of Roman Catholic canon law, titled "The Precept of Hearing Mass on Sunday," in which he discusses the obligation of Catholics to attend Sunday mass. He also argues that Catholics should advocate for civil legislation enabling governments to protect and "sanctify Sunday." The Catholic position is one that sees Sunday not only as a church practice but increasingly as a public institution that governments should help preserve for the common good.

Priestly Life expressed the following:

• "For centuries, the Church has prescribed the obligation to hear the entire Mass on Sundays and some more important feasts. The purpose of this article is to explain the scope and legal obligations that derive from this precept, in addition to offering some pastoral considerations."

• "The faithful are obliged to attend Mass on all Sundays and holy days of obligation, an obligation that entails grave sin if not fulfilled. Paragraph 2181 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that 'the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist on holy days of obligation, unless excused for a serious reason (e.g., sickness, caring for infants) or dispensed by their own pastor (cf. CIC can. 1245). Those who deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin."

• "The obligation to hear Mass applies to all Catholic faithful from the age of reason who are not legitimately impeded or have not received a dispensation. Therefore, it is binding on Catholic faithful; non-Catholics are not obligated to attend Mass. However, it should be remembered that they have an obligation to worship God, as this is a matter of natural law."

• "In our time, it must be taken into account that the circumstances of many of the faithful sometimes make it very difficult to fulfill the precept of rest. The current trend is to allow shopping centers to open on Sundays: John Paul II reminds us that "it is natural for Christians to ensure that, even in the special circumstances of our time, civil legislation takes into account their duty to sanctify Sunday. In any case, it is a matter of conscience to organize Sunday rest in such a way that they can participate in the Eucharist, abstaining from work and activities incompatible with the sanctification of the Lord's Day, with its typical joy, and with the necessary rest of mind and body" Apostolic Letter Dies Domini, no. 67."

Rome is teaching that Sunday should remain a protected day for worship, rest, and spiritual renewal, even in modern society where economic and commercial pressures make this increasingly difficult. These statements are based on the misguided Catholic belief that Sunday is the "Lord's Day" and should therefore be regarded as sacred and set apart from ordinary labor and commercial activity.


The Catholic Church acknowledges that many people today work on Sundays and live in economies driven by nonstop commerce. That is why Catholicism teaches that governments should be encouraged to pass laws recognizing Sunday as a special day. According to Catholic social teaching and the common good, they are not advocating for private worship; the objective is to shape society as a whole around Sunday rest.

Statements like these demonstrate Rome's ongoing efforts to encourage governments and societies to recognize and protect Sunday observance through public policy and civil legislation. This very trajectory—which highlights the growing union of religious influence and civil legislation concerning a day of worship—is part of the developments described in Revelation 13 involving enforced worship and the elevation of human religious tradition above God's commandments.

Quote from: Amo on Sat May 16, 2026 - 11:10:28My what a tangled web one weaves, when at first they seek to deceive.

Where is your first quote above from? Is it your invention, or someone else's? Or just quoted for effect? It certainly is not found in Holy Scripture. Though the problem of self righteousness is certainly addressed in Holy Scripture. Jesus Himself often pointing out the hypocrisy of how many of the Jewish leaders viewed, added burdensome rules to, and applied His Holy Sabbath day. Though He never said or taught that His Holy Sabbath did not and or would not matter anymore in the future. To the contrary, He repeatedly taught its proper observance to those who had weighed it down as a heavy burden upon those they lorded themselves over. As you already know also, but apparently choose to ignore, He conclusively declared that He did not come to abolish the law of God, but rather to fulfill it on our account. Also stating that the law would not change in any manner, til heaven and earth passed away.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Why will you contradict the words and teachings of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Who is saying that they are saved by keeping the fourth or any other of the ten commandments of God, our Lord Jesus Christ? You have created a false premise upon which to build your argument. No one is preaching what your accusations are addressing. Who is declaring what your first quote asserts? Who is attributing eternal rest to dying mankind? What do you even mean by such a statement?

With all that Holy Scripture has to say about God's holy Sabbath, this twisted rant is all you have to say, while ignoring so very much scripture exactly addressing and simply stating the intent and purposes of God's holy Sabbath? 

The exact purpose, meaning, and desired effect of God's Holy Sabbath is clearly stated in many places within the bible. All of which apparently, you choose to ignore in favor of your own words above, as though they were the final word upon the subject. Who do you think you are? Is your word above God's or His Holy Scriptures? Are you God to have now judged those who would keep God's Sabbath and His fourth commandment, to all be doing so as "weekly trophies of self-righteous labor avoidance? While it is certainly possible for one to do so, who are you to declare that this is the real purpose of all who observe God's Holy Sabbath as He has commanded?

Strange is it not, that on this topic of discussion, your only concern is regarding those who actually desire to obey the word of God by faith in that word? As though such were a bad thing. While remaining completely silent regarding a great number of professed Christians seeking to force everyone to observe a first day sabbath mentioned nowhere in scripture at all, by civil legislation. As though the observance of this day chosen by them apart from the teachings of Holy Scripture anywhere at all, was so important to one's salvation that it requires humanity to do even that which God Himself does not do, in forcing everyone to observe it. Yet you remain completely silent upon this matter, while attacking those who would keep God's Sabbath and fourth commandment of their own will by faith in their Lord's words. Is this not the pot calling the kettle black?

Why have you twisted the meaning of Isaiah 58 into an attack upon proper Sabbath observance? By compounding it with people fasting for the wrong reasons? God's Sabbath is not spoken of in Isaiah 58 as part of the problem addressed concerning improper motivation and reasoning for fasting, its proper observance is suggested in contrast to, and as a cure for the same as it were. Why have you left these verses in Isaiah 58 out of your scripturally twisted diatribe?

Isa 58:13 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, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

Who is using an outward observance as a badge of superiority, the ones who call upon all to subject themselves to God almighty by faith in His word, or the ones who call upon all to subject themselves to the words of man by way of force and civil legislation? Might over right cornering the mandates of men, has never equalled the ultimate authority of the convicting power of the Word of God, by way of persuasion upon the converted heart. Civil legislation concerning a day of worship can produce nothing but the legalism you are addressing. Nor is it those choosing to keep God's seventh day Sabbath, that are seeking to establish such over and upon all.

How can that which was established at creation in a perfect world, and will be kept in the perfect new heaven and earth, be a shadow concerning salvation before the need for salvation and shadows even existed after the fall. Which will be observed after the fall has ended and all has been restored as well? Be careful how you will handle the Word of God, it is nothing to be trifled with, and certainly most dangerous to be found warring against. Be careful not to add to, or take away from that by which we shall all be judged.

Rev 19:11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.


More accusation and argumentation built upon a false premise. No one has said, nor does scripture anywhere declare that the gospel has ever been confined to the observance of one sabbath day. To the contrary, the entire nation of Israel was centered around Christ Jesus our Lord, His life, crucifixion, and resurrection for our salvation. In many and various shadows and types pointing Israel to their Savior. The entire nation centering around the temple and its services, which themselves centered entirely around the future salvation accomplished for humanity through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Sabbath of God itself being a sign of this salvation as well, not standing alone as such. Please stop mutilating Holy Scripture to support your own views and or created faulty premisses for argumentation.

Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

There never was a time when the seventh day Sabbath of God alone, was the gospel. Or ever meant to be. Do yourself a favor and prayerfully read the entire book of Hebrews. That you may learn how very much God provided in the Old Covenant, to point His people then ahead to that established in our New Covenant era, concerning faith in our Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. As every sacrifice they made in the temple declared their faith in that sacrifice of course, as well. No one is limiting the gospel of Jesus Christ to one day, but you. With the faulty premise you bring forward for your twisted arguments. God's fourth commandment clearly and simply states the most basic faith required unto salvation, that one believes that God is exactly who He says He is. This is most obviously not the entire gospel though. You are the only one claiming it ever was, not seventh day sabbath keepers, or Holy Scripture.

Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

The seventh day Sabbath of God's fourth commandment represents the most basic faith one must have to understand and believe the gospel of Jesus Christ. Not the gospel itself alone. If God was or is not our creator and sustainer, then why would we need salvation regarding anything concerning Him?

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Please do read the rest of Hebrews chapter eleven. That you might more fully understand faith as taught in Holy Scripture, and thereby the continuing importance of honoring God's seventh day Sabbath, as well as the rest of His ten commandments, and testimony of Holy Scripture.

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

All scripture is profitable for the above. Not scripture cut up and mutilated by individuals, with their own words or theories inserted into small partial quotes from them.

Nevertheless, and yet again, who is making to much of a single day of worship? Those who call all to observe that day by way of conviction and free choice concerning the fourth commandment of God, or those constantly seeking to force everyone to observe an extra biblical day of worship by mandates of civil legislation or else? Why have you twisted these two peoples and teachings around in your mind. Sunday keepers wish to demand a great deal more form all concerning their chosen day of worship, than seventh day keepers in accordance with God's seventh day Sabbath. Therefore also apparently placing greater emphasis upon their own day toward salvation, than seventh day Sabbath keepers.

God has never hidden our need for faith in His word in shadows and types. Those very shadows and types were to serve the exact purpose of drawing humanities attention to their dire need for the same, not to hide them from us. Please stop mutilating Holy Scripture. It is the blindness of humanities sinful hearts and minds which blinds us to our desperate need for faith in God's Word, Christ Jesus our Lord. Not the constant types, shadows, and lessons the Lord has always kept before his people concerning the future promised Messiah, upon whom all of their salvations was and is dependent.

You yourself just rightly declared above, that disobedience to God's commandments demonstrates a lack of faith, which is the real problem to be addressed. Which is why Holy Scripture declares right up to the last book and chapter that God's very own keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Yet here you are trying to tell everyone that at least one of the ten commandments does not matter anymore, another false teaching and premise. Go figure.

Rev 12:17  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Brother Amo,

The issue is not whether God's commandments are good. They are holy, just, and good. The question is: what do they testify of?

Both the moral commandments and the ceremonial ordinances serve as parables pointing to Christ. One points to creation, the other to redemption. Together they testify of the same eternal rest found in Christ.

Hebrews 4 does not point us merely to a day. It points us to faith:

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."

The problem was never the Sabbath day. The problem was unbelief.

Without the signified language of parables, Christ spoke not. Parables use things seen to teach things unseen. The temporal must be compared with the eternal, or the gospel remains hidden.

The historical does not lose its meaning when understood as a parable. Rather, the parable enriches the historical account by revealing its spiritual purpose.

The Sabbath from creation was never merely about resting one day in seven. It testified of a greater rest. God's people were invited to enter that rest by faith. Many kept the day but never entered the rest because of unbelief.

Luke 18:8 asks:  "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

Will He find faith—the understanding that comes from hearing His voice—or will He find men walking after traditions, experiences, and outward forms?

When the Son of man came, He continually taught by parables. He showed His disciples how to rightly divide between the temporal historical  and the eternal, the seen and the unseen.

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)

The goal is not merely to observe a shadow. The goal is to understand the substance to which the shadow points—Christ in us, the hope of glory.



 
 

 

Quote from: garee on Thu Jun 04, 2026 - 08:23:44Brother Amo,

The issue is not whether God's commandments are good. They are holy, just, and good. The question is: what do they testify of?

Both the moral commandments and the ceremonial ordinances serve as parables pointing to Christ. One points to creation, the other to redemption. Together they testify of the same eternal rest found in Christ.

Hebrews 4 does not point us merely to a day. It points us to faith:

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it."

The problem was never the Sabbath day. The problem was unbelief.

Without the signified language of parables, Christ spoke not. Parables use things seen to teach things unseen. The temporal must be compared with the eternal, or the gospel remains hidden.

The historical does not lose its meaning when understood as a parable. Rather, the parable enriches the historical account by revealing its spiritual purpose.

The Sabbath from creation was never merely about resting one day in seven. It testified of a greater rest. God's people were invited to enter that rest by faith. Many kept the day but never entered the rest because of unbelief.

Luke 18:8 asks:  "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"

Will He find faith—the understanding that comes from hearing His voice—or will He find men walking after traditions, experiences, and outward forms?

When the Son of man came, He continually taught by parables. He showed His disciples how to rightly divide between the temporal historical  and the eternal, the seen and the unseen.

"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63)

The goal is not merely to observe a shadow. The goal is to understand the substance to which the shadow points—Christ in us, the hope of glory.

Jhn 17:13 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Act 26:12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Exo 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Heb 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;........................

Heb 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Exo 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. 23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

No parables above, just the word of God. Lack of faith is of course the underlying problem of fallen humanity. The most basic truth they must understand, is that God created the worlds, our world, everything in it, and then of course us. Apart from which, why would anything else the Holy scriptures address, matter to anyone at all.