What will happen to Christians who reject the Sabbath?

[Pancho Frijoles]

Okay, I agree if you define "worship" as treating holy things as sacred.

Any thoughts on what it means to "remember" the Sabbath day? What is it specifically that I am to remember? I have some ideas but I would love to hear yours.

That God is the Creator.
It is impossible to remember that God "rested", without remembering that He rested from doing something.
So, Sabbath keeping was a remembrance of God specifically as Creator, which is one of the first and most important attributes of God known to man... which takes us back to the concept of "worshipping".

God bless you, my friend.
I will stop for now. I'll call it a day.

 

[JohnDB]

I was asked the question on another forum, "What will happen to all those Christians who don't worship on the Sabbath?" I gave the following answer... there are some verses that give a clear answer. Here is what best applies....
Acts 17:24-30
24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

When we unknowingly make a honest mistake, Gods grace is sufficient and He winks at our ignorance. But when we in all fullness of understanding knowingly do it.......

However,
There is a difference between ignorance and an understanding of a different theology concerning THE Sabbath. Meaning that the Sabbath has come and gone and a New Covenant has come into existence....a better Covenant than ever before that is impossible to find a loophole and skate through. Which is what we believe the Sabbath is all about....the ending of the Old Covenant and installation of the New.

Which provides an argument to say that SDA have absolutely rejected the New Covenant and do an extremely poor job at following the Old Covenant.

Just saying....

So that perhaps you can find the grace in your heart to actually have a REASONABLE CONVERSATION about what you believe and why.
Which isn't much different from the Catholic theology and argument of transubstantiation or the 6 day creationists who say that God created the Earth in 6 24hour days and the Earth is much younger than most every scientist say that it is.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

This is a home-made classification of Sabbath-keepers of my own invention.
It has no validation whatsoever and I admit it is a crude oversimplification of the wide spectrum of Sabbath-keepers. I apologize in advance for any unintended offense. Only God can know the spiritual circumstance of each individual.
The table shows 16 types of Sabbath-keepers. In green, I have indicated those who would be in line with God's will regarding this practice. In red, those who would not. In black, those I couldn't tell.

A. Do not despise conscious Sunday-keepers as disobedient

A1. Very limited knowledge of theology / history​

A 1.1 Keep Sabbath out of love and the spiritual benefits perceived​

A 1.2 Keep Sabath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit into a welcoming group, to ally with people they love, etc)​

​

A2. Know enough theology/history as to sincerely believe that their practice has Scriptural/rational support, but not enough theology/history as to realize its pitfalls.​

A 2.1 Keep Sabbath out of love and the spiritual benefits perceived​

A 2.2 Keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

A 2.3 Keep Sabbath for purely theological reasons​

​

A3. Know enough theology as to realize they lack Scriptural/rational support​

A 3.1 Continue to keep Sabbath out of spiritual benefits, that they suppose would be lost if they change their practice​

A 3.2 Continue to keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

A 3.3 Continue to keep Sabbath for material benefits (eg, salary) or out of arrogance ​

​

B. Despise conscious Sunday-keepers as disobedient

B1. Very limited knowledge of theology/ history​

B 1.1 Keep Sabbath because the spiritual benefits perceived and that they suppose Sunday-keepers don't get​

B 1.2 Keep Sabath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit into a welcoming group, to ally with people they love, etc)​

​

B2. Know enough theology/history as to sincerely believe that their practice has Scriptural/rational support, but not enough theology/history as to realize its pitfalls.​

B 2.1 Keep Sabbath because the spiritual benefits perceived and that they suppose Sunday-keepers don't get​

B 2.2 Keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

B 2.3 Keep Sabbath for purely theological reasons​

​

B3. Know enough theology as to realize they lack Scriptural/rational support​

B 3.1 Continue to keep Sabbath because the spiritual benefits perceived, that suppose would be lost if they change their practice​

B 3.2 Continue to keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

B 3.3 Continue to keep Sabbath for material benefits (eg, salary) or out of arrogance​

ing group, to ally with people they love, etc)​

​

 

[BarneyFife]

This is a home-made classification of Sabbath-keepers of my own invention.
It has no validation whatsoever and I admit it is a crude oversimplification of the wide spectrum of Sabbath-keepers. I apologize in advance for any unintended offense. Only God can know the spiritual circumstance of each individual.
The table shows 16 types of Sabbath-keepers. In green, I have indicated those who would be in line with God's will regarding this practice. In red, those who would not. In black, those I couldn't tell.

A. Do not despise conscious Sunday-keepers as disobedient

A1. Very limited knowledge of theology / history​

A 1.1 Keep Sabbath out of love and the spiritual benefits perceived​

A 1.2 Keep Sabath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit into a welcoming group, to ally with people they love, etc)​

​

A2. Know enough theology/history as to sincerely believe that their practice has Scriptural/rational support, but not enough theology/history as to realize its pitfalls.​

A 2.1 Keep Sabbath out of love and the spiritual benefits perceived​

A 2.2 Keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

A 2.3 Keep Sabbath for purely theological reasons​

​

A3. Know enough theology as to realize they lack Scriptural/rational support​

A 3.1 Continue to keep Sabbath out of spiritual benefits, that they suppose would be lost if they change their practice​

A 3.2 Continue to keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

A 3.3 Continue to keep Sabbath for material benefits (eg, salary) or out of arrogance ​

​

B. Despise conscious Sunday-keepers as disobedient

B1. Very limited knowledge of theology/ history​

B 1.1 Keep Sabbath because the spiritual benefits perceived and that they suppose Sunday-keepers don't get​

B 1.2 Keep Sabath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit into a welcoming group, to ally with people they love, etc)​

​

B2. Know enough theology/history as to sincerely believe that their practice has Scriptural/rational support, but not enough theology/history as to realize its pitfalls.​

B 2.1 Keep Sabbath because the spiritual benefits perceived and that they suppose Sunday-keepers don't get​

B 2.2 Keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

B 2.3 Keep Sabbath for purely theological reasons​

​

B3. Know enough theology as to realize they lack Scriptural/rational support​

B 3.1 Continue to keep Sabbath because the spiritual benefits perceived, that suppose would be lost if they change their practice​

B 3.2 Continue to keep Sabbath because of social reasons (eg cultural identity, to fit in, to ally with people they love, etc)​

B 3.3 Continue to keep Sabbath for material benefits (eg, salary) or out of arrogance​

ing group, to ally with people they love, etc)​

​

Seems like a useful guide for folks who are inclined to judge Sabbath-keepers.

I wonder how well such a guide for the purpose of judging Sabbath-decliners/objectors would be received.

.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

Hi @BarneyFife

Yours was a great observation. Thank you for that.
This is my try of a homemade classification of Sunday keepers. Again, it has no validation whatsoever and represent my own and limited understanding.
In this case, I recognized only 5 categories. Again, I have highlighted in green those I believe are in line with God's will, in red those I believe are not, and in black those I can't tell.

A. Do not despise conscious Sabbath-keepers as fallen from grace

A1. Intuitively know that they are not fallen from grace, without needing or looking for any scriptural/rational support.​

A2. Intuitively and theologically know they are not fallen from grace​

​

B. Despise conscious Sabbath-keepers as fallen from grace

B1. Intuitively know that are not fallen from grace, but since they regard themselves as not interested/not knowledgable in theology, just try to comply with the view of their pastor/congregation ​

B2. Intuitively know that are not fallen from grace, but are convinced of that on theological grounds​

B3. Realize, both intuitively and theologically, that are not fallen from grace, but preserve their attitude due to material benefits (eg salary) or arrogance​

​

​

 

[CadyandZoe]

That God is the Creator.
It is impossible to remember that God "rested", without remembering that He rested from doing something.
So, Sabbath keeping was a remembrance of God specifically as Creator, which is one of the first and most important attributes of God known to man... which takes us back to the concept of "worshipping".

God bless you, my friend.
I will stop for now. I'll call it a day.

I understand and see your point.

Should we also consider that God intends for us to remember a future day of rest? I understand this may seem unusual, as we typically commemorate a day that has already occurred. However, I am drawing inspiration from Paul's epistle to the Hebrews, where he mentions a future Sabbath rest.

Hebrews 4:8-11 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

It might be helpful to review the entire passage, but I have highlighted the key sentence: "Since there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, including both Jews and Christians, then remembering the Sabbath day might include at least a moment of anticipation, looking forward as well as back." Yes?

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

I understand and see your point.

Should we also consider that God intends for us to remember a future day of rest? I understand this may seem unusual, as we typically commemorate a day that has already occurred. However, I am drawing inspiration from Paul's epistle to the Hebrews, where he mentions a future Sabbath rest.

Hebrews 4:8-11 For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that. So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His. Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.

It might be helpful to review the entire passage, but I have highlighted the key sentence: "Since there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, including both Jews and Christians, then remembering the Sabbath day might include at least a moment of anticipation, looking forward as well as back." Yes?

Hi

Yes. Indeed, more than in the future, it is TODAY.
The call of the author of Hebrews is for us to go to Christ today and enter his rest.
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mat 11:28)
Once in Christ, whether we keep the Sabbath on the seventh day, or we keep it every day, or at any other day, is less important.

 

[Hobie]

actually i worship everyday by giving thanks as per going church i go on sundays something happens to me i go to heaven

But yet you turn from true worship and follow another path not of God..

 

[Hobie]

Sabbath keeping isn't about worship; it's about resting.

Satan would like to teach all Christians that as he hates what belongs only to God.

 

[CadyandZoe]

Satan would like to teach all Christians that as he hates what belongs only to God.

I wouldn't presume to speak for Satan. As a Christian, I closely associate Sunday with the Resurrection. Therefore, anyone wishing to honor God and Jesus Christ should set aside normal activities on Sunday to reflect on the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and what that means. Thus, I take Sunday off and study the Bible.

 

[BarneyFife]

As a Christian, I closely associate Sunday with the Resurrection. Therefore, anyone wishing to honor God and Jesus Christ should set aside normal activities on Sunday to reflect on the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and what that means. Thus, I take Sunday off and study the Bible.

I wouldn't presume to speak for Satan.

Instead, you presume to speak for God.

.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

I wouldn't presume to speak for Satan. As a Christian, I closely associate Sunday with the Resurrection. Therefore, anyone wishing to honor God and Jesus Christ should set aside normal activities on Sunday to reflect on the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and what that means. Thus, I take Sunday off and study the Bible.

The same rationale could be used to claim that Christians “should” set aside normal activities on Friday to reflect on the crucifixion.

I commend you for your sincere desire to keep Sundays for the reason you have stated.
But once you start saying what a Christian “SHOULD” do, you must be careful not to introduce new requirements to identify a true Christian. The whole point of Paul was to avoid Christians making judgements about other Christians on the basis of festivities and rituals.

 

[CadyandZoe]

The same rationale could be used to claim that Christians “should” set aside normal activities on Friday to reflect on the crucifixion.

I commend you for your sincere desire to keep Sundays for the reason you have stated.
But once you start saying what a Christian “SHOULD” do, you must be careful not to introduce new requirements to identify a true Christian. The whole point of Paul was to avoid Christians making judgements about other Christians on the basis of festivities and rituals.

I don't think I told anyone what to do. Did I?

 

[CadyandZoe]

Instead, you presume to speak for God.

.

I didn't speak for anyone but myself.

 

[Pancho Frijoles]

I don't think I told anyone what to do. Did I?

My apologies if I misinterpreted you.
I read in your post #290 "anyone wishing to honor God and Jesus Christ should set aside normal activities on Sunday to reflect on the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and what that means" (the red highlight is mine)

I thought you were saying that if someone does not keep Sunday, is not really honoring God and Jesus Christ.
But probably you meant that someone that is not keeping Sunday for the good reason (to reflect on Jesus resurrection and ascension) is not really honoring God and Jesus Christ. If this is what you meant I agree with you and apologize, my brother.

 

[Behold]

Therefore, anyone wishing to honor God and Jesus Christ should set aside normal activities on Sunday

Don't you agree that we should "honor God" every day?, including "Sunday"?

 

[CadyandZoe]

My apologies if I misinterpreted you.
I read in your post #290 "anyone wishing to honor God and Jesus Christ should set aside normal activities on Sunday to reflect on the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ and what that means" (the red highlight is mine)

I thought you were saying that if someone does not keep Sunday, is not really honoring God and Jesus Christ.
But probably you meant that someone that is not keeping Sunday for the good reason (to reflect on Jesus resurrection and ascension) is not really honoring God and Jesus Christ. If this is what you meant I agree with you and apologize, my brother.

In a previous discussion, I argued that Sabbath Keeping was a feature of the Mt. Sinai Covenant. Since that Covenant was broken, no one is obligated to rest on the Seventh Day of the week. I also suggested that keeping the Sabbath Day holy is a practice that identifies the Jewish people as God's chosen people, so Gentiles are not obligated to keep the Seventh Day Sabbath.

In another discussion, I argued against religion as such, suggesting that Jesus and his apostles taught their disciples to live by wisdom, worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- living according to principle rather than by rule-keeping. Keeping a day holy is a religious practice intended to commemorate a "day" in our future, which the Bible calls the "Sabbath Day." Christians are not obligated to practice religion.

The Sabbath Day is often misconstrued. It's not just a day of the week. Rather, it symbolizes a future time when humanity will live as intended, profoundly fulfilling, positive, and joyful. Keeping the Sabbath Day holy is not just about observing a day, but about preserving, maintaining, and watching over it in anticipation and hope.

In my previous post, I suggested that if a Christian decided, based on principle (not rule) to rest on a particular day of the week, he or she should consider Sunday since Sunday is associated with the Resurrection. I should have explained why.

The Resurrection uniquely depicts the power of God to restore and/or sustain life, and his power to thwart the evil plans of men who kill, murder, and falsely sentence a man to death. As John puts it, just as the possibility of Ionic Life was about to be snuffed out, God raised Jesus from the dead, proving that Death itself is no obstacle to God. Solomon argued that death robs life of meaning; death renders everything futile. Death robs us of human fulfillment and the enjoyment of human achievement.

God, through Jesus Christ, proved that death is no longer an unstoppable reality-shaping force. Entrance into the Sabbath Rest is now possible because the Father raised Jesus Christ from the dead and raised him up to sit at the Father's right hand.

Anyway, if one rests on one day of the week without understanding why? What difference does it really make?

Right?

 

[CadyandZoe]

Don't you agree that we should "honor God" every day?, including "Sunday"?

Right on! For instance, Paul writes that we should walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, which is a practice that we do everyday.

 

[Behold]

Right on! For instance, Paul writes that we should walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ, which is a practice that we do everyday.

Yes.. "Present your body as a living sacrifice, To God, which is your reasonable service".

 

[Hobie]

However,
There is a difference between ignorance and an understanding of a different theology concerning THE Sabbath. Meaning that the Sabbath has come and gone and a New Covenant has come into existence....a better Covenant than ever before that is impossible to find a loophole and skate through. Which is what we believe the Sabbath is all about....the ending of the Old Covenant and installation of the New.

Which provides an argument to say that SDA have absolutely rejected the New Covenant and do an extremely poor job at following the Old Covenant.

Just saying....

So that perhaps you can find the grace in your heart to actually have a REASONABLE CONVERSATION about what you believe and why.
Which isn't much different from the Catholic theology and argument of transubstantiation or the 6 day creationists who say that God created the Earth in 6 24hour days and the Earth is much younger than most every scientist say that it is.

No.my friend, as long as God exists, those are His Commandments, and to set them aside or knowingly reject them puts you on the path to perdition. We must choose what is from God, and not man or his traditions, or we risk our name not being in the book of life and to perish in the lake of fire...