LESSON XIX

Questions to Lesson 19^{*What commandment is to be restored? What will those be called that build it up? Repeat Isaiah 56:2. Can we lay hold of that which we already hold? For whom, then, is the promised blessing? To whom would the objector give this text? What, is the subject of preceding chapters? (Read chapter 56.) Is it probable that Isaiah leaves this theme to talk of Jewish commandments? Repeat verse 1. What does this verse describe? When will salvation come? When will this Sabbath reform take place? Repeat verse 9. What time is alluded to in this verse? At what time does chapter point out a Sabbath reformation?}

We have another prophecy, in Isaiah 56, that presents the work of restoring the commandments, and also shows the particular one to be restored, which is the Sabbath commandment. This is the one most universally trodden down. It is the only one of the ten that Protestants will openly violate and teach men so. Here then is the special work. If your right arm was broken, you would not bandage the left. So, since there is a breach in the law of God, the repairers must go right into that breach to work. And those who take their feet off from the Sabbath, and call it a delight, the holy of the Lord, have the promise of being called, The repairers of the breach. Isaiah 58:12, 13.BIC 44.1

Isaiah 56:2. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.BIC 45.1

That a Sabbath reform is here prophesied of, is evident from the expression, “that layeth hold on it.” We cannot lay hold on a thing that is already firmly within our grasp, without first letting go our hold. So, the blessing in the text is for those who have been breaking the Sabbath, but now turn and keep it.BIC 45.2

The objector would give this text to the Jews; but let him read the chapters before this, and he will see that the gospel dispensation is the theme of the prophet. Does he break off this theme abruptly, and engage in teaching Jewish commandments? By no means. Hear him:BIC 45.3

Verse 1. Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.BIC 45.4

This gives us the time. When is salvation near to come, and God’s righteousness to be made manifest? It is at the close of the gospel age, when Christ shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Hebrews 9:28; Revelation 15:2-4. The saints will be rewarded-obtain salvation, at the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:14. This Sabbath reform, then, is to take place when Christ’s second coming is near.BIC 46.1

Again, as soon as this subject of the Sabbath is finished, the Prophet says, All ye beasts of the field come to devour; yea, all ye beasts in the forest. Verse 9. This doubtless is an allusion to the time when the beasts and birds will be called to the supper of the great God, which is at the coming of the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Revelation 19:11-18; Ezekiel 39:17.BIC 46.2

Thus there will be a Sabbath reformation just before the coming of Christ-the broken law will be bound up; and blessed is the man that follows not the blind watchman of verse 10, but keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it. To such salvation is now near to come.BIC 46.3