Counsel #6 — Preserves Freedom To Observe Sabbath

Picture: Counsel #6 — Preserves Freedom To Observe SabbathCCW 114.1

Seventh-day Adventists are strong advocates for religious liberty for everyone, regardless of their belief system or lack thereof. A core tenet of the Adventist faith is Sabbath observance, worshipping on the seventh day as outlined in the Biblical commandment found in Exodus 20:8-11. While some might propose a national, mandated day of worship or rest for societal benefits like environmental protection or national unity, Adventists believe such a law would infringe upon the fundamental right of religious freedom by dictating how people express their faith. Such an initiative would lead to the misuse of power by creating an unwelcome union between church and state, with punitive action against dissenters.CCW 114.2

Ultimately, Seventh-day Adventists believe that the freedom to observe the Sabbath, or any other religious practice, should be a personal choice based on individual faith, not a government decree.^{[171]https://www.libertymagazine.org/article/more-than-any-day}CCW 114.3

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all our work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God…. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8-11 NKJVCCW 114.4

“By observing the true Sabbath Christians are ever to bear to the world faithful witness of their knowledge of the true and living God as distinguished from all false gods, for the Lord of the Sabbath is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One exalted above all other gods.” Ellen White in Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 256CCW 114.5

Reflect: Is it difficult for you to practice your faith when it conflicts with the practices of the majority?CCW 114.6