Counsel #4 — Sabbath’s Purpose

Picture: Counsel #4 — Sabbath’s PurposeCWe 140.1

The Sabbath symbolizes our rest and confidence in our Creator, Jesus. We trust in Him for our salvation, not in our own righteousness. To enter Sabbath rest is to accept the sovereignty of our Creator Lord, who commanded the day to be honored. It is not to be a day of mere inactivity, or just a day to unwind, but rather a day when we enter relational quietude, peace and security with Jesus. God intended true Sabbath observance to set God’s people apart as His forever.^{[150]https://www.askanadventistfriend.com/adventist-beliefs/sabbath/what-it-means-to-keep-sabbath/}CWe 140.2

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NKJVCWe 140.3

“After resting upon the seventh day, God sanctified it, or set it apart, as a day of rest for men. Following the example of the Creator, man was to rest upon this sacred day, that as he should look upon the heavens and the earth, he might reflect upon God’s great work of creation; and that as he should behold the evidences of God’s wisdom and goodness, his heart might be filled with love and reverence for his Maker.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 47CWe 140.4

Reflect: To avoid merely taking the day to cease from the grind of work or study, how can you thoughtfully focus on deepening your bond with Jesus during the Sabbath hours?CWe 140.5