A Sabbath Test
Foreword
Dear Friend,
The booklet you are about to read addresses one of the most
important issues facing the churches of God today. It is an issue that has been
at the center of controversy among leaders and members alike with no apparent
resolution. Sadly, some have tried to dismiss it as insignificant or
unimportant. Others have called it a minor point, a twig – not worthy of risking
the possible division it might bring upon the Church. But there are some who
recognize this issue as a matter of great importance – one that must be
seriously addressed by God’s people. They see it as a line in the sand drawn by
none other than God Himself.
The subject of buying and selling on the Sabbath is addressed
with considerable force in the scriptures, yet for the most part it has been
ignored by some of the premier leaders in God’s Church today. Why? What does the
Bible say about purchasing goods and services on the Sabbath and holy days? What
about going to restaurants? Does this activity go contrary to God’s clear
instructions as set forth in His word? Or can such a practice actually enhance
this day?
A Test Commandment
Today, many in the churches of God consider the Sabbath a
“test commandment.” It is a day that can challenge the very faith of those who
profess a loyalty to the God of the Bible. For some, that test has been at the
center of many very difficult moments. Some have lost jobs over it. Others have
lost family relationships and the respect of friends. Today, almost every
Sabbath-keeper has a story regarding a Sabbath trial.
Tragically, the Sabbath is, for all practical purposes,
ignored by the entire world, including the vast majority of professing
Christians. Some have even applied tremendous personal pressure on those few who
take seriously God’s instructions concerning this day.
Down through the ages, most true believers have suffered
great persecution for honoring the fourth commandment. Many have been publicly
ridiculed and scorned. Others have been ostracized from society. Some have
suffered excruciating torture and even death for refusing to compromise their
commitment to keeping holy the day God set apart. These heroes demonstrated
tremendous faith, believing that no price was too high to pay for the privilege
of honoring God’s Sabbath!
But what about His people today? Do they view the Sabbath
with the same profound reverence as the great champions of faith down through
the ages? Do God’s people in our modern world truly honor the Sabbath and
sincerely strive to “keep it holy”?
Most would probably answer “yes” to these questions. After
all, every Sabbath, God’s people attend services, listen to sermons, fellowship
with brethren, and even serve in their local congregations. Furthermore, many of
God’s people dedicate more time to prayer and Bible study on this day than any
other. Thus they are convinced that their Sabbath-keeping honors the Great God
of heaven. But is this really true?
The words that follow proclaim that there is more to honoring
the fourth commandment than many may have realized. Furthermore, these words
will reveal that some of God’s people, including His leaders, have carelessly
drifted into a wrong practice – one that undermines the proper observance of
this day. This practice can take many forms. However, its most prominent is
dining out at a restaurant on God’s Sabbath.
Sharing a Sabbath meal at a restaurant has become very
popular in God’s Church today. Most people don’t give it a second thought. They
simply take it for granted. After all, it is so simple and convenient. For many
it can even be a festive activity where people enjoy the companionship of family
and friends.
Tragically, this practice can actually threaten the very
faith God’s people cherish so deeply. Furthermore, it can also make a profound
statement regarding how seriously we view the Great God of heaven. These words
may sound severe, but what you are about to read will bear them out.
This booklet is written in two parts. Part I presents seven Biblical keys
proving that God’s people are commanded to refrain from buying and selling in
any form (even purchasing food) on His Sabbath. Part II examines the seven most
popular arguments advanced by those who find this practice appropriate and
provides a compelling rebuttal to each argument.
As you proceed through each point, it is important to
understand that the authors are not trying to judge God’s people. This booklet
is not an attempt to condemn the wonderful community of believers who are called
according to His purpose. Instead, it is written with the profound hope that
these believers will carefully examine their approach to a day God Himself calls
“HOLY.” It is intended to challenge you to consider your attitude as well as
your behavior concerning the fourth commandment. It asks one very important
question concerning your obedience..
What price are you willing to pay?