Counsel #26 — The Sabbath: God’s Seal

Picture: Counsel #26 — The Sabbath: God’s SealCCW 103.1

A seal on a document proves it’s real and official, showing the authority behind it—usually with the official’s name, title, and territory. Surprisingly, all three parts of a seal appear in the fourth commandment—the Sabbath, which guides how we worship God. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days, but the seventh is the Sabbath of the LORD your God [His NAME]. … For in six days the LORD made [His TITLE, Creator] the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them [His TERRITORY], and rested on the seventh. So the LORD blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.”^{[166]Exodus 20:8-11}CCW 103.2

At the end of time, the true followers of God are those who keep His commandments (all of them, including the seventh-day Sabbath!) and remain faithful to Jesus.^{[167]Revelation 14:12} The book of Revelation speaks about those faithful believers receiving a “Seal” on their forehead. Ultimately, those who keep God’s commandments—including the Sabbath, fourth commandment—is the test that indicates whether a person is a follower of Christ or Satan.^{[168] https://www.amazingfacts.org/news-events/inside-report/the-seal-of-god-in-the-last-days/} CCW 103.3

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15 ESVCCW 103.4

“The fourth commandment is the only one of all the ten in which are found both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by whose authority the law is given. Thus it contains the seal of God, affixed to His law as evidence of its authenticity and binding force.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307CCW 103.5

Reflect: Why did God choose the Sabbath as His seal?CCW 103.6