Jesus Rescues the Sabbath

The Sabbath was made holy at Creation. As something God planned for mankind, it had its origin when “the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Job 38:7. Earth was in harmony with heaven. “God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good”; and He rested in the joy of His completed work. Genesis 1:31.HH 125.1

Because He had rested on the Sabbath, “God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:3)—set it apart for a holy use. It was a memorial of the work of Creation, and as such, it is a sign of God’s power and love.HH 125.2

The Son of God created all things. “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” John 1:3. And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of Creation, it is an example of the love and power of Christ.HH 125.3

The Sabbath brings us into fellowship with the Creator. In the song of the bird, the sighing of the trees, and the music of the sea, we may still hear the voice of the One who talked with Adam in Eden. And as we see His power in nature, we find comfort, for the Word that created all things is also the One who speaks life to the soul. He “who commanded light to shine out of darkness ... has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6.HH 125.4

“Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22. This is the message written in nature, which the Sabbath is designed to keep in memory. When the Lord told Israel to hallow His Sabbaths, He said, “They will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20.HH 125.5

The people of Israel knew about the Sabbath before they came to Sinai. On the way there, they kept the Sabbath. When some profaned it, the Lord reproved them, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?” Exodus 16:28.HH 125.6

The Sabbath was not just for Israel, but for the world. Like the other commands of the Decalogue, it is a permanent obligation. Christ says concerning that law, “Till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law.” Matthew 5:18. As long as the heavens and the earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as a sign of the Creator’s power. And when Eden will bloom on earth again, everyone will honor God’s holy rest day. “‘From one Sabbath to another’” the inhabitants of the glorified new earth will go up “‘to worship before Me, says the Lord.’” Isaiah 66:23.HH 125.7