Chapter X:

From: Worth’s Scriptural Handbook of Proof Texts Return to Home

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Chapter5:

Sabbath Observance and

the Ten Commandments

053 The Sabbath: Its Purpose and Extent

054 Sabbath Laws that “Sabbath Keepers” Usually Neglect

055 “Eternal,” “Forever,” and “Everlasting:” Sabbatarian

Misuse of the Terms

056 Ten Commandments: Abolished as Authority

057 Ten Commandments: Nine are Rebound by the New

Testament and are Binding for That Reason Rather than

an Origin on Sinai

058 Seventh Day Adventism’s Invalid “Law of God” / “Law of

Moses” Distinction

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The Sabbath:

Its Purpose and Extent

1. The observance of the Sabbath was not bound on mortals until the time of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt.

A. Those participating in the Jewish Exodus from Egypt were told to remember the Sabbath, partially, in honor of God’s own creation “day of rest.”

Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: 11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. Note that the Israelites were instructed to observe the Sabbath, in part, because they would be following the example of their God in resting. They are conspicuously not told that this custom had been enjoined on humans at that earlier time or that their ancestors had followed it.

B. Those participating in the Exodus from Egypt were also instructed to observe the day in honor of their liberation—their “day of rest” from their decades of enslavement.

Deuteronomy 5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

(Today’s English Version) Deuteronomy 5:15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt, and that I, the LORD your God, rescued you by my great power and strength. That is why I command you to observe the Sabbath.

This reason did not exist at creation. Therefore there is no reason to expect it was observed at a prior date. It could only come into existence when both reasons given had occurred for, until then, only one of the two prerequisites had been met.

C. The weekly Sabbath was not observed from creation on, but only from the Exodus onward.

1. Efforts to twist words in Genesis to prove otherwise: Genesis 2:3.

Genesis 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

However (1) It is conspicuously not a command to observe the Sabbath.

(2) It solely describes what God did and not what mankind is supposed to do: “blessed” means that God considered the day extraordinarily special—it was the day that all the work of creation was completed after all and it was the day the Jews would ultimately be instructed to worship on!

(3) It was “sanctified” (set apart) for the same two reasons—it was special in God’s sight but not the slightest hint is given that this uniqueness involved contemporaries worshipping.

Note: If we translate the first word in the verse “then,” the text would most naturally refer to what happened on the seventh day. If we translate it “and,” the time factor of when this was done is not expressed—it could just as easily refer to what was done at the time of the Exodus. The reader of comparative translations will note that a goodly number avoid using both “and” or “then,” leaving the timing issue even more “up in the air.”

2. In light of the above, it is not surprising that the book of Nehemiah presents the Sabbath as being revealed at Sinai through Moses rather than at some earlier date like Creation.

Nehemiah 9:11 And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. 12 Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go. 13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: 14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant

2. Sabbath observance was bound by God only on Jews. It was not bound on Gentiles to obey.

A. The Sabbath is labeled as specifically for Israel. The very fact that it was revealed at Sinai—where only Israel was present—should be adequate to prove this point, but there is certainly powerful evidence above and beyond this as well.

Exodus 31:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant. 17 It [is] a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

Exodus 34:27 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel. 28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. 29 And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him. Note that the “covenant” was “with Israel” and that it is identified in verse 28 as including “the ten commandments,” which, of course, contained the Sabbath decree. Hence the Sabbath was for Israel.

B. It is directly declared that the Gentiles did not possess the law given to Israel—a key part of which, everyone agrees, was the Sabbath and Ten Commandments.

Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? 8 And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

Psalms 147:19 He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. 20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

(RSV) 147:20 He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his ordinances. Praise the Lord!

Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves.

3. God defined the Sabbath as the seventh day of the week. Hence if Sabbath observance is binding, Saturday observance is an obligation. No Scripture “transfers” the Sabbath to Sunday and no church possesses the authority to do so.

Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Exodus 34:21 Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

(Jewish Publication Society 1917) Exodus 34:21 Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest; in plowing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

4. Jesus observed the Sabbath during His life not because it was an eternal ordinance or binding today, but because he lived as a Jew subject to the Old Testament. If He had not observed it, He would have been a sinner rather than perfect.

Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Thanks to the life and death of Jesus, those who once were “under the law” were freed from that law—including the provision for Sabbath keeping: Galatians 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

5. After the death of Jesus, the apostles often attended Sabbath services on purely utilitarian grounds—it was the time when fellow ethnic Jews (whom they were trying to convert) gathered together to worship. Since Christians routinely gathered together on Sunday for worship with fellow believers (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4), they had their own day set apart to assemble. On Saturdays, they were trying to reach outsiders.

6. The New Testament specifically tells us that the Sabbath was a mere “shadow” of something much greater to come. It also warns us to ignore the criticism of anyone who condemns (“judges”) us for our attitude toward the Sabbath.

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Some argue that these are special “Sabbaths” and not the weekly one. The inspired writer, however, speaks in the broad terms of “the Sabbath days” or “a Sabbath day” (according to translation). The broadness of the term requires it to be considered as a reference to any day they labeled a “Sabbath.” There is no hint that any were exempted.

7. The early Christians worshipped on the first day of the week, not the seventh day, not the Sabbath.

A. They partook of the Lord’s Supper that day.

Acts 20:6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days. 7 And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Note that “seven days” passed—which would include the Sabbath (seventh) day—and it was only on “the first day of the week” that the Christians assembled to worship God. It was not on the Sabbath day! This shows conclusively that it was not the day they utilized.

B. They contributed to the work of the church on that day.

1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first [day] of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as [God] hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

The choice of day did not grow out of local expediency. Paul had “given order” about the subject—the same order he had given to “the churches of Galatia:” Give on the first day of the week. He clearly regarded it as an obligatory pattern. For every place involved.

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Sabbath Laws that

“Sabbath Keepers” Usually Neglect

Logically, if the Old Testament Sabbath law is binding, then all parts of it are binding and not just sections. In “real life,” few are willing to try to observe it in its entirely.

1. One must avoid work of all shapes and forms even inside the four walls of one’s dwelling place.

Leviticus 23:3 Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day [is] the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work [therein]: it [is] the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.

Deuteronomy 5:12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. 13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work

2. One must require all members of the family and household to abstain from work on the Sabbath even if they don’t want to.

Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates.

Exodus 23:12 Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

3. Observing the Sabbath means more than just not working—it includes a refusal to buy anything on that day as well.

Nehemiah 10:31 And [if] the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, [that] we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and [that] we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

Some folk are strange: They will consider it sinful for themselves to work on the Sabbath but will find nothing wrong in buying food at the grocery store, thereby forcing someone else to work! (And, by their standard, sin.)

4. Carrying burdens out of your home or into a city is prohibited on the Sabbath.

Jeremiah 17:20 And say unto them, Hear ye the word of the LORD, ye kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates: 21 Thus saith the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring [it] in by the gates of Jerusalem; 22 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers. 23 But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction. 24 And it shall come to pass, if ye diligently hearken unto me, saith the LORD, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the sabbath day, but hallow the sabbath day, to do no work therein; 25 Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever. 27 But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

5. The Sabbath must be a day to honor God and not center on personal pleasure.

Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, [from] doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking [thine own] words: 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken [it].

(NIV) 58:13 If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the LORD's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words.

6. The death penalty as obligatory enforcement mechanism for Sabbath violation.

A. One must prohibit others from working on the Sabbath as well—and to be willing to resort to violence, if need be, to accomplish that end.

Nehemiah 13:15 In those days saw I in Judah [some] treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all [manner of] burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified [against them] in the day wherein they sold victuals. 16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.

19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and [some] of my servants set I at the gates, [that] there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day. 20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice. 21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do [so] again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no [more] on the sabbath.

(NASB) 13:21 Then I warned them and said to them, "Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you." From that time on they did not come on the sabbath.

Whether interpreted as rare exception or ongoing policy, it clearly was an acceptable course at least in extreme cases.

B. Capital punishment was authorized for those who violated the Sabbath.

Exodus 31:13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it [is] holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth [any] work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.

Verse 13 can be introduced as “proof” for the non-ending observance of the Sabbath but it is addressed to “the children of Israel” and not us Gentiles. Verse 16 can similarly be appealed to because it is described as part of “a perpetual covenant”—for the Jews (not Gentiles), however, as verse 13 indicated.

Furthermore if either verse 13 or 16 create the obligation for Gentiles to observe the Sabbath—and especially if both do—how do we get rid of the double command in the intervening verses to enforce it with the death penalty?

C. Even lighting a fire on the Sabbath is a violation of it. Hence potentially punishable by death.

Exodus 35:1 And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together, and said unto them, These [are] the words which the LORD hath commanded, that [ye] should do them. 2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. 3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

Frankly, the text reads like more than “potentially;” it reads like obligatory!

D. Even gathering firewood on the Sabbath was punishable by death.

Numbers 15:32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that gathered sticks upon the sabbath day. 33 And they that found him gathering sticks brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation. 34 And they put him in ward, because it was not declared what should be done to him. 35 And the LORD said unto Moses, The man shall be surely put to death: all the congregation shall stone him with stones without the camp. 36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the LORD commanded Moses.

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“Eternal,” “Forever,” and “Everlasting:”

Sabbatarian Misuse of the Terms

To repeat the points we made in the discussion of Jehovah Witness doctrine: These terms are used in two senses in the scriptures:

(1) Literally—as indicated by their use and the absence of any indication that there will be a time when something is no longer true or present.

(2) From the practical standpoint “forever,” because it extends far beyond our lifetime or ability to imagine. This is the essential approach to preserve the accuracy of scriptures in those cases where

(a) other passages explicitly and clearly teach that the “forever” phenomena will cease to be and

(b) when “forever” promises hinge upon obeying the prerequisites the scriptures themselves refer to. (In human terms, think of the Olympics: If you have a guaranteed spot on the team, but then cease to meet their standards, you lose the spot.)

Jehovah Witnesses use “forever” language to prove the current physical earth is eternal; Sabbatarians use it to prove the Sabbath (Saturday observance) continues to be obligatory. Both understand that other scriptures rule out the literal “forever” being applied to what the other group teaches, but rebel against the scriptures—though equally clear—being applied to their own doctrine.

1. The Old Testament spoke in terms of the Sabbath (Saturday) commandment being permanent.

Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any] work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. {holy: Heb. holiness} 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, [for] a perpetual covenant.

2. The Jewish priesthood was also described in such “forever” terms.

Exodus 40:15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

Numbers 25:10 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy. 12 Wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him my covenant of peace: 13 And he shall have it, and his seed after him, [even] the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

3. The Passover was also enjoined with such language.

Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:24 And ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons for ever.

4. The yearly atonement was to be a required ordinance forever.

Leviticus 16:29 And [this] shall be a statute for ever unto you: [that] in the seventh month, on the tenth [day] of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, [whether it be] one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: 30 For on that day shall [the priest] make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, [that] ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. 31 It [shall be] a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever. 32 And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, [even] the holy garments: 33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. 34 And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

5. The continuous burning of lamps outside and the regular changing of the sacred showbread were both described in such terms.

Leviticus 24:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 2 Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. 3 Without the vail of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order it from the evening unto the morning before the LORD continually: [it shall be] a statute for ever in your generations. 4 He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually. 5 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake. 6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD. 7 And thou shalt put pure frankincense upon [each] row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, [even] an offering made by fire unto the LORD. 8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the LORD continually, [being taken] from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. 9 And it shall be Aaron's and his sons'; and they shall eat it in the holy place: for it [is] most holy unto him of the offerings of the LORD made by fire by a perpetual statute.

6. Yet the Jewish Law is no longer authority and the priesthood has been changed to an all inclusive one.

Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Hebrews 7:11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. 13 For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. 14 For [it is] evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

7. Furthermore, the Christian is specifically told that he is free from any obligation to observe the Sabbath.

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Ten Commandments:

Abolished as Authority

1. The Ten Commandments were only addressed to Israel. Although they certainly made a good moral code for Gentiles, they weren’t given to them; they weren’t the targeted audience.

Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish [ought] from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

6 Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people. 7 For what nation [is there so] great, who [hath] God [so] nigh unto them, as the LORD our God [is] in all [things that] we call upon him [for]? 8 And what nation [is there so] great, that hath statutes and judgments [so] righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;

10 [Specially] the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and [that] they may teach their children. 11 And ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire unto the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. 12 And the LORD spake unto you out of the midst of the fire: ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only [ye heard] a voice. 13 And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, [even] ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone. 14 And the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.

Deuteronomy 5:1 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. 2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, [even] us, who [are] all of us here alive this day.

2. All agree that at least part of the Old Testament was removed, but some contend that the Ten Commandments were “the Law of God” and intended forever while the other parts were called “the law of Moses” and were eliminated. Moses’ law, however, included the Ten Commandments.

A. All parts of the Torah (Genesis-Deuteronomy) were given by God and, therefore, equally qualified to be called “the Law of God.”

B. The commandment against murder was part of Moses’ law.

John 7:19 Did not Moses give you the law, and [yet] none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? They were violating the law—Moses’ law, Jesus said—by their attempts to kill Him.

C. The commandment requiring honoring parents was part of Moses’ law.

Mark 7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

3. The Ten Commandments do not even include two of the greatest—and most fundamental--laws of the Old Testament.

Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, [which was] a lawyer, asked [him a question], tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which [is] the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The commandment to love God totally comes from--Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

The commandment to love our fellow man comes from a part of the Old Testament we most associate with ritual commandments and not moral ones-Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

4. The Ten Commandments were part of the “ministration of death” (verse 7) and “ministration of condemnation” (vs. 9) that was “engraved on stones” (verse 7) and which was passing away in the first century to be replaced by the Spirit’s revelation of the New Testament.

2 Corinthians 3:7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.

5. Part of “the law” from which the Christian is released is the Ten Commandments.

Romans 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband. 3 So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter. 7 What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Note that one of the Ten Commandments is clearly and explicitly quoted as being part of “the law” from which believers are freed. How much more evidence is required?

# 057 #

Ten Commandments: Nine are Rebound

by the New Testament and are Binding

for That Reason Rather than an Origin on Sinai

The state law of Virginia prohibited murder in the 17^th century. If I were to commit that evil today, however, I would be charged under the provisions of the 21^st century law. Likewise if I violate nine of the Ten Commandments I am still a sinner. Not because the behaviors were condemned back then, but because the same standard is demanded by the law of Christ in the New Testament—the legal system that is now in effect.

1. The first commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. 1 Corinthians 8:4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom [are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him.

1 Timothy 2:5 For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

2. The second commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. 1 Corinthians 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as [were] some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 1:9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.

3. The third commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

1 Peter 3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: 34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. 36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

4. The fourth commandment (Sabbath observance) is conspicuously not bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: 11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

B. The New Testament rejection of the principle. Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Acts 20:7 And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

5. The fifth commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

6. The sixth commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:13 Thou shalt not kill.

(New King James Version) You shall not murder.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. 1 John 3:15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or [as] a thief, or [as] an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

7. The seventh commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. Hebrews 13:4 Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

8. The eighth commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:15 Thou shalt not steal.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

1 Corinthians 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that [your] brethren. 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

9. The ninth commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.

(NKJV) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

10. The tenth commandment is bound on the Christian by the New Testament.

A. The Sinai commandment. Exodus 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

B. The New Testament reaffirmation of the principle. Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Hebrews 13:5 [Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness [the love of money, NASB]; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

# 058 #

Seventh Day Adventism’s Invalid

“Law of God” / “Law of Moses” Distinction

Adventists divide the Old Testament into the “Law of God” (moral matters in essence) and the “Law of Moses” (everything ceremonial, civil laws, etc). They argue that it is only the latter that the New Testament speaks of being abolished.

Two introductory comments: (1) Old Testament moral axioms may well still be binding—because they are repeated in the New! You don’t need to divide the OT the way they do to establish their modern application.

(2) Adventists are far from consistent in using their two-fold division: Where do they get tithing and instrumental music from? The very “Law Of Moses” (i.e., ceremonial provisions) that, by their own standard, we are not bound by!

1. The “Law of God” and the “Law of Moses” are synonymous terms in the Bible.

A. In the book of Daniel they are used as synonymous terms.

Daniel 9:11 Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law [i.e., clearly God’s law], even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that [is] written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.

B. Both laws regulated the same subject at the same time. Hence they must have been two terms for the same Law.

(1) The Law of God provided for burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 31:3 [He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, [to wit], for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as [it is] written in the law of the LORD.

(2) The Law of Moses provided for burnt offerings.

2 Chronicles 23:18 Also Jehoiada appointed the offices of the house of the LORD by the hand of the priests the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the LORD, to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD, as [it is] written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, [as it was ordained] by David.

2. That the “Law of Moses” and the “Law of God” in the Old Testament are synonymous terms is a necessary deduction from the fact both originated with God and both came—simultaneously—through Moses. Hence it is the “Law of God” from the standpoint of ultimate origin. It is the “Law of Moses” from the standpoint of the human intermediary.

A. The “Law of Moses” originated with God.

1 Kings 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest, and whithersoever thou turnest thyself.

2 Chronicles 25:4 But he slew not their children, but [did] as [it is] written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.

Malachi 4:4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments.

B. The “Law of God” originated with God.

Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes.

C. That no distinction was made between the “Law of God” and the “Law of Moses” can be seen in the fact that specific injunctions are listed as of Divine origin without any specification “which” Law they belonged to.

Exodus 35:4 And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This [is] the thing which the LORD commanded, saying, 5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever [is] of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; gold, and silver, and brass.

Leviticus 10:11 And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

Deuteronomy 6:1 Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it.

2 Kings 18:12 Because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD their God, but transgressed his covenant, [and] all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded, and would not hear [them], nor do [them]. [Notice how what God and Moses commanded are paralleled; they gave the same law and not two ones. Defiance of one was defiance of both.]

Nehemiah 1:7 We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

3. The Adventist theory must be wrong because more than the Ten Commandments and ethical matters were part of the “Law of God/the Lord.”

A. The “Law of the Lord” banned mediums and spiritists.

(1) The “Law of the Lord” was found, unused, in the Jewish Temple during the reign of King Josiah.

2 Chronicles 34:14 And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the LORD [given] by Moses. 15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.

(2) That “Law of the Lord” resulted in mediums and spiritists being purged from the land in obedience to its commandments.

2 Kings 23:24 Moreover the [workers with] familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. 25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there [any] like him. Note that the same law is “the law of the Lord” in 2 Chronicles 34:14 and is “the law of Moses” here—there was no differentiation.

B. The “Law of the Lord” provided for ceremonial matters such as animal sacrifices.

Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

1 Chronicles 16:39 And Zadok the priest, and his brethren the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that [was] at Gibeon, 40 To offer burnt offerings unto the LORD upon the altar of the burnt offering continually morning and evening, and [to do] according to all that is written in the law of the LORD, which he commanded Israel

To bear down the altars built for these sacrifices was to forsake / reject God’s covenant-- 1 Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant[= God’s covenant / God’s Law], thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

1 Kings 19:14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant [= God’s covenant / God’s Law], thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away

C. The “Law of the Lord” provided for ceremonial matters such as fixed annual festivals.

D. The “Law of the Lord” provided for a tithe to support the Levitical priesthood—which carried out the ceremonial provisions of that law.

2 Chronicles 31:4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD. 5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly. 6 And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps. 7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished [them] in the seventh month. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the LORD, and his people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 And Azariah the chief priest of the house of Zadok answered him, and said, Since [the people] began to bring the offerings into the house of the LORD, we have had enough to eat, and have left plenty: for the LORD hath blessed his people; and that which is left [is] this great store. 11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the LORD; and they prepared [them], 12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated [things] faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite [was] ruler, and Shimei his brother [was] the next.

(RSV) 2 Chronicles 31:4 And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of the Lord.

Note: (1) Tithing was not one of the Ten Commandments but was still counted as part of “the law of the Lord.” (2) Tithing was carried out to support the Levites and priests. Hence if tithing is required today, the Levitical priesthood must also be in existence and functioning today. What right do mere Protestant ministers have to take their place?

E. The “Law of the Lord” provided for all firstborn to be considered “holy to the Lord.”

Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

(Contemporary English Version) Luke 2:23 just as the Law of the Lord says, "Each first-born baby boy belongs to the Lord."

F. God’s covenant included: Abstaining from idolatry, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, all firstborn belonging to the Lord unless redeemed, the Sabbath, the Feast of Weeks, three annual festivals, the Passover, and the Ten Commandments. The “moral” and the “ceremonial” were all lumped together as part of it.

Exodus 34:11 Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 12 Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: 13 But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: 14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name [is] Jealous, [is] a jealous God: 15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; 16 And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. 17 Thou shalt make thee no molten gods.

18 The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.

19 All that openeth the matrix [is] mine; and every firstling among thy cattle, [whether] ox or sheep, [that is male]. 20 But the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb: and if thou redeem [him] not, then shalt thou break his neck. All the firstborn of thy sons thou shalt redeem. And none shall appear before me empty.

21 Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.

22 And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end. 23 Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. 24 For I will cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy borders: neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy God thrice in the year.

25 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning. 26 The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk. 27 And the LORD said unto Moses, Write thou these words: for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee and with Israel [“a” covenant, “one” covenant and not two, not a “law of God” and a “law of Moses” but one covenant that was both.]. 28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.