Counsel #12 — God’s Favor On Sabbath Keepers

Picture: Counsel #12 — God’s Favor On Sabbath KeepersCCW 89.1

In the Ten Commandments, God directly commands His people to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.^{[126]Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15} This commandment is not only a suggestion but a divine requirement, even when honoring it may seem to involve personal sacrifice. Sabbath is God's gift, but honoring God by keeping it holy reveals our love and faith, key to receiving His favor.CCW 89.2

The Israelites were commanded to observe the Sabbath as a sign of their covenant with God.^{[127]Exodus 31:13-17} Those who faithfully kept the Sabbath were blessed with God's protection and prosperity.^{[128]Deuteronomy 28}CCW 89.3

Jesus taught that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,^{[129]Mark 2:27} indicating that it is a gift from God intended for our benefit. By aligning our lives with God's will, as revealed in His Ten Commandments, as a response to His incredible grace, we can anticipate receiving His blessings both now and in the future.^{[130]https://www.adventist.org/the-sabbath/7-benefits-of-keeping-the-sabbath/}CCW 89.4

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” Deuteronomy 28:1CCW 89.5

“Of all who keep ‘from defiling the Sabbath,’ the Lord declares, ‘Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer.’ Isaiah 56:6, 7.” Ellen White in Humble Hero, p. 128CCW 89.6

Reflect: What does it mean to you that the Sabbath is a gift from God?CCW 89.7