Counsel #1 — The Biblical Context

Picture: Counsel #1 — The Biblical ContextCCW 93.1

Our assumptions today can impact our understanding of the past. For instance, it’s important to differentiate between the ceremonial system of laws focusing on types and festivals, culminating in Jesus’ ministry and death on the cross, and the Ten Commandments law, known as the decalogue. Ceremonial sabbaths were tied to the lunar calendar and special years.^{[134]Leviticus 16:31; Leviticus 23:4-8; 25:4} These differed from the weekly Sabbath of the 4th commandment, a continuous seven-day cycle since creation.^{[135]Exodus 20:8-11} This distinction helps us know which Sabbath to keep today—as directed by God in the Ten Commandments.^{[136]https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/27/t/feast-days-and-sabbaths#ARE-THEY-STILL-BINDING-}CCW 93.2

“Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified^{[137]Sanctified means to make holy.} it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.” Genesis 2:3 NKJVCCW 93.3

“‘Till heaven and earth pass,’ said Jesus, ‘one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.’ The sun shining in the heavens, the solid earth upon which you dwell, are God's witnesses that His law is changeless and eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. ‘It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.’ Luke 16:17. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death; but the precepts of the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.” Ellen White in The Desire of Ages, p. 308.3CCW 93.4

Reflect: Which of the two kinds of Sabbaths have been observed longer? In what ways might this be significant?CCW 93.5