CE Study 6. The National Sunday Law: Event and Results of. . .

[Old Edn. No. 6, 100 pages]

by Elder Gordon Collier

Contents:

35 Results of the National Sunday Law .....

The Final Crisis.

Arrests the attention of the whole world.

Thrusts S.D.A.s and their message onto the world stage.

Awakens the interest of every person.

Arouses everyone to investigation.

The True Issue Clarified.

Strikes deep conviction in the honest in heart concerning the true Sabbath.

It Brings persecution.

Brings everyone to a definite, irrevocable decision for or against the true Sabbath.

It Mightily shakes and sifts God's people.

It purifies the church.

By it, Protestants join hands with the Papacy.

It culminates the 3-fold union & completes the Fall of Babylon.

Image to the Beast is formed.

The Papacy is worshiped.

It marks the beginning of the Time of Trouble (little Time of Trouble).

[Results in God’s true followers being sealed.]

The Latter Rain received in greatest abundance.

The Loud Cry given most powerfully.

Earth's greatest revival begins.

It reveals that Satan's counterfeit revival has commenced.

The sign that time of Satan's marvellous working has come.

It is the sign to Sabbath-keepers to leave the large cities.

By it the U.S. repudiates every principle of its Constitution.

By it the U.S. disconnects fully from righteousness.

By it the U.S. completely fills up her cup of iniquity.

National Apostasy complete.

National Ruin follows .

The Sunday Law becomes Universal – International.

By it, earth's nations fill up their cup of iniquity.

From the [time of] the Sunday Law to the Close of Probation, Those who knowingly honour Sunday receive the Mark of the Beast.

The Seal of God received by God's followers.

It is The sign that probation is about to close.

Sunday [Law] is more strictly enforced.

Sabbath-keepers are misjudged, misrepresented, falsely accused, maliciously slandered, and severely persecuted.

7 last plagues about to fall (See C.E.Study 14)

Sunday more strictly enforced

Sabbath-keepers misjudged, falsely accused

Sabbath-keepers blamed for calamities

The decree to disregard Sabbath is soon to be issued.

Death-decree follows.

Death-decree is sign to God's people to leave cities & villages.

Death-decree marks beginning of Time of Jacob's Trouble.

Some of wicked anticipate death-decree.

The saints are delivered (See C.E. Study 14).

The National Sunday Law is a sign (The 35 points listed in brief).

Decisively Defeats Satan.

Completely vindicates God.

Brings the Third Angel’s Message to a climactic triumphant conclusion.

.....................................................

CLOSING EVENTS STUDY No. 6 – Event and Results of the National Sunday Law

(Excerpts – from new 2001 ed. pp. 101-123)

Elder Gordon Collier

THE FINAL CRISIS

A great crisis awaits the people of God. A crisis awaits the world. The most momentous struggle of all the ages is just before us.

We are living in the most solemn period of this world’s history. The destiny of Earth’s teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls, depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of Truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much more upon His Word,

especially upon the scenes of the Judgement. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan’s enchanted ground. Sleep not, sentinels of God, the foe is lurking near, ready at any moment, should you become lax or drowsy, to spring upon you and make you his prey.

RESULTS OF THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

I It completely Clarifies the True Issue

a) But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor Popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. . . And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive ‘the mark of the beast’. – Great Controversy, 449.

“To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law. Those who fear God cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue.” – 5T 451.

“The crisis is now upon us. The battle is to be waged between the Christianity of the Bible and the Christianity of human tradition. . .” – Review and Herald, January 1, 1899.

“The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty. . . when the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not.” – GC 605.

“In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes – those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark.” – GC 450.

“While the observance of the false sabbath [Sunday] in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God’s Law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God.” – GC 605.

NOTE: The Issue is between:

The commandments of God and the commandments of men.
Truth and error.
The Christianity of the Bible and the Christianity of human tradition.
The true Sabbath of God or the counterfeit sabbath of Antichrist.
Those who serve God and those who serve Him not.
Receiving the seal of God or the Mark of the beast.
Saved or Lost.

It is not a question of days, but who am I going to obey? God or Satan?

2 It Brings Persecution

“The Scriptures teach that Popery is to regain its lost supremacy, and that the fires of persecution will be re-kindled through the time-serving concessions of the so-called Protestant world.” – FC 3.

“But many of all nations, and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound by chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons.” “No human ear is open to hear their moans, no human hand is ready to lend them help.” – FC 19 (also GC 626).

“Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and Christ. One who sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly powers; and angels come to them in lonely cells, bringing light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted up with heavenly light as when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon.” – GC 627.

“The people of God – some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains – still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel, will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen.” – FC 20, GC 635.

“The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation, and suffer for want of food, they will not be left to perish.” – GC 629.

“If Popery or its principles shall again be legislated into power, the fires of persecution will be rekindled against those who will not sacrifice conscience or the truth in deference to popular errors. This evil is on the point of realization.

“There is a prospect before us of a continued struggle, at the risk of imprisonment, loss of property, and even of life itself, to defend the law of God, which is made void by the laws of men. In this situation worldly policy will urge an outward compliance with the laws of the land, for the sake of peace and harmony.” – 5T 712.

“The spirit of the world is no more in harmony with the Spirit of Christ today than in earlier times, and those who preach the word of God in its purity will be received with no greater favour now than then. The forms of opposition to the truth may change, the enmity may be less open because it is more subtle; but the same antagonism still exists, and will be manifested to the end of time.” – GC 144.

“Persecution in its varied forms is the development of a principle which will exist as long as Satan exists and Christianity has a vital power. No man can serve God without enlisting against himself the opposition of the hosts of darkness.” – GC 610.

“God’s Sabbath will be trampled under foot, and a false sabbath will be exalted. In a Sunday law there is possibility for great suffering to those who observe the seventh day. The working out of Satan’s plans will bring persecution to the people of God. But the faithful servants of God need not fear the outcome of the conflict. If they will follow the pattern set for them in the life of Christ, if they will be true to the requirements of God, their reward will be eternal life, a life that measures with the life of God.” – Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 375.

3 It mightily Shakes and Sifts god’s People

“When the law of God is made void, the church will be sifted by fiery trials, and a larger proportion than we now anticipate, will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” – Evangelism, p. 361.

“While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God.” – GC 605.

“In the issue of the contest, all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, - those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark.” – GC 450.

“A storm is arising that will wrench and test the spiritual foundation of every one to the utmost. Therefore avoid the sand-bed; hunt for the rock. Dig deep; lay your foundation sure. Build, oh build for eternity! Build with tears, with heart-felt prayers. Let evry one of you, from henceforth, make your life beautiful by good works.” – Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 129.

“The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His cause.” – Early Writings, p. 50.

“The Lord has faithful servants, who in the shaking, testing time will be disclosed to view. There are precious ones now hidden who have not bowed the knee to Baal. They have not had the light which has been shining, in a concentrated blaze upon you. But, it may be under a rough and uninviting exterior the pure brightness of a genuine Christian character will be revealed. In the daytime we look toward heaven, but do not see the stars. They are there, fixed in the firmament, but the eye cannot distinguish them. In the night we behold their genuine lustre.” – Testimonies, vol. 5, pp. 80-81.

From a popular Catholic paper published in San Salvador, Mex., August 15, 1922,

“Protestantism does not have a base to lay a foundation on. For one thing they do not keep the Sabbath of the Bible, and the time is fast approaching when they will have to unite with the Seventh-day Adventists or with the Church [R.C.] that had the power to change the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.”

“The world is fast dividing itself into two opposing camps. For Christianity and against it. When the sides have been fully drawn, then Armageddon will be fought.” The article goes on to repeat that it will be fought between the “followers of Christ and the followers of Anti-Christ.” – San Francisco Chronicle, Sept., 1950.

4 It Purifies the church

“In this time the gold will be separated from the dross in the church. True godliness will clearly distinguished from the appearance and tinsel of it. Many a star that we have admired for its brilliancy will then go out in darkness. Chaff like a cloud will be borne away on the wind, even from places where we see only floors of rich wheat. All who assume the ornaments of the Sanctuary, but are not clothed with Christ’s righteousness, will appear in the shame of their own nakedness.” – Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 81.

5 By It [ the National Sunday Law ] Protestants Join Hands With The Papacy

“The Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the hand of Spiritualism [Spiritism]; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the influence of this three-fold union, this country will follow in the footsteps of Rome in trampling on the rights of conscience.” – GC 588.

“When our nation shall so abjure the principles of its government as to enact a Sunday law, Protestants will in this act join hands with the Papacy.” – Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 712.

“Protestantism is now reaching hands across the gulf to clasp hands with the Papacy, and a confederacy is being formed to trample out of sight the Sabbath of the fourth commandment.” – FC 4.

“Protestantism shall give the hand of fellowship to the Roman power. Then there will be a law against the Sabbath of God’s creation, and then it is that God will do a strange work.” – RH March 9, 1886.

6 It Culminates the Three-fold Union which completes the Fall of Babylon

“By the decree enforcing the institution of the Papacy, in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism; when under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government; and shall make provision for the propagation of Papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvellous working of Satan, and that the end is near.” – Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 451.

“When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.” – GC 445, FC 5.

“The image to the beast represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas.” – GC 445; FC 5.

Revelation 14:8 will then be completely fulfilled.

Revelation 18:1-4 will then be done.

7 By it the Image to the Beast is formed

“In the very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular power, the churches would themselves form an image to the beast. . .” – GC 449.

“When the leading churches of the United States, , uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, . .” – GC 445; FC 5.

8 By it the Papacy is Worshiped

“The enforcement of Sunday-keeping in the United States would be enforcement of the worship of the beast and his image.” – GC 445; FC 5.

“When Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor Popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image.” – GC 449.

9 It marks the Beginning of the [ little ] Time of Trouble

“At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were all filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” – Early Writings, p. 33.

10 The Latter Rain is received in Greatest Abundance

“An angel answered, It is the Latter Rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the Loud Cry of the Third Angel.” – Early Writings, p. 271.

Note: The Spirit of Prophecy equates the Latter Rain with the Loud Cry.

They are apparently coetaneous - of the same duration. Preparation for one is preparation for the other. The Latter Rain is given for the giving of the Loud Cry.

“At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were all filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” – Early Writings, p. 33.

“The commencement of the time of trouble here mentioned, does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the Third Angel. At that time the ‘Latter Rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come to give power to the loud voice of the Third Angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” – Early Writings, p. 85-86.

“We are not to know the definite time, either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, or the coming of Christ.” – RH March 22, 1892.

“I have no specific time of which to speak when the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take place, when the mighty angel will come down from heaven and unite with the third angel in closing up the work for this world. My message is that our only safety is in being ready for the heavenly refreshing, having our lamps trimmed and burning.” – RH March 29, 1892.

“The Latter Rain begins with the work of the mighty angel.” – RH March 29, 1892.

11 The Loud Cry is given most powerfully

“It is the Latter Rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the Loud Cry of the third angel.” – Early Writings, p. 271.

“At the commencement of the time of trouble, we were all filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” – Early Writings, p. 33.

12 Earth’s Greatest Revival begins.

“Before the final visitation of God’s judgements upon earth, there will be among the people of the Lord, such a revival of primitive godliness as has not been witnesses since apostolic times.” – GC 464.

13 It Reveals the Fact that Satan’s Counterfeit Revival has already commenced.

“. . . before the time for such a movement shall come, he will endeavour to prevent it, by introducing a counterfeit. In those churches which he can bring under his deceptive power, he will make it appear that God’s special blessing is poured out; there will be manifest what is thought to be great religious interest. Multitudes will exult that God is working marvellously for them, when the work is that of another spirit. Under a religious guise Satan will seek to extend his influence over the Christian world.” – GC 464.

“Some he [Satan] deceives in one way, and some in another. He has different delusions prepared to affect different minds. Some look with horror upon one deception, while they readily receive another. Satan deceives some with Spiritualism. He also comes as an angel of light and spreads his influence over the land by means of false reformation.” – Early Writings, p. 261

“The churches are elated and consider that God is working marvellously for them, when it is the work of another spirit. The excitement will die away and leave the world and the church in a worse condition than before.” –

“Satan knows this; and before the Loud Cry of the third angel is given, he raises an excitement in these religious bodies, that those who have rejected may think that God is with them. He hopes to deceive the honest and lead them to think that God is still working for the churches. But the light will shine, and all who are honest will leave the fallen churches, and take their stand with the remnant.” – EW, p. 261

14 It is the Sign that the time has come for the Marvelous Working of Satan

By the decree enforcing the institution of the Papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with Spiritualism [Spiritism], when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of Papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvellous working of Satan, and that the end is near. - 5T 451.

p. 109

p. 110

15 It is the Sign to Sabbath-keepers to Leave the Large Cities.

As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation, in the decree enforcing the Papal Sabbath, will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains. – 5T 464-465.

16 By It This Nation Repudiates Every Principle of its Constitution.

17 By It, This nation Disconnects Herself Fully from Righteousness.

As above - 5T 451 (FC 8)

18 By It, This Nation Completely Fills Up Her Cup of Iniquity.

As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return. – 5T 451 (FC 8).

19 It Marks the Time When National Apostasy is Complete.

It is at the time of national apostasy, when acting on the policy of Satan, the rulers of the land will rank themselves on the side of the Man of sin [Papacy] – It is then the measure of guilt is full; . . . – FC 8.

The people of the United States have been a favoured people; but when they restrict religious liberty, surrender Protestantism, and give countenance to Popery, the measure of their guilt will be full, and national apostasy will be registered in the books of heaven. . . – FC 8.

20 National Ruin Follows

Protestants will work upon the rulers of the land to make laws to restore the lost ascendancy of the Man of sin [Papacy] . . . Roman Catholic principles will be taken under the care and protection of the state. This national apostasy will speedily be followed by national ruin. – RH June 15, 1897.

When our nation in its legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men in regard to their religious privileges, enforcing Sunday observance, and bringing oppressive power to bear against those who keep the Seventh-day Sabbath, the law of God will, to all intents and purposes, be made void in our land; and national apostasy will be followed by national ruin. – FC 7.

21 The Sunday Law Soon Becomes Universal – International.

As America, the land of Religious liberty, shall unite with the Papacy in forcing the conscience and compelling men to honor the false sabbath, the people of every country of the globe will be led to follow her example. – 6T 18.

Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world. – 6T 395.

p. 112

The substitution of the false for the true [Sabbath] is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. When the laws of men are exalted above the laws of God, when the powers of this Earth try to force men to keep the first day of the week [Sunday], know that the time has come for God to work. He will arise in majesty, and will shake terribly the Earth. – FC 2-3.

In both the Old and the New World, the Papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. – GC 579.

This crisis will be reached when the nations shall unite in making void the law of God. – 5T 525 (FC 12).

22 By Their Sunday Laws, the Nations of Earth Fill Up Their Cup of Iniquity.

God keeps a record with the nations; the figures are swelling against them in the books of heaven; and when it shall have become a law that the transgression of the first day of the week [Sunday] shall be met with [civil] punishment, then their cup will be full. – FC 11-12.

From the Sunday Law to the Close of Probation, Those who knowingly honor Sunday rather than the Sabbath [Saturday] Receive the Mark of the Beast.

Definition of the ‘Mark of the Beast’ – What is it?

The light we have received upon the Third Angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. – 6T 17 (FC 1).

John was called to behold a people distinct from those who worship the beast or its image by keeping the first day of the week. The observance of this day [Sunday] is the mark of the beast. – Gospel Workers, p. 133 (FC 2).

The Sabbath is clearly designated as a sign between God and His people. The mark of the beast is the opposite of this – the observance of the first day of the week. – 8T 117 (FC 2).

Time of – When the Mark of the Beast is Received.

But when Sunday observance shall be enforced by law, and the world shall be enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath, then whoever shall transgress the command of God, to obey a precept which has no higher authority than that of Rome, will thereby honor Popery above God. He is paying homage to Rome, and to the power which enforces the institution ordained by Rome. He is worshiping the beast and his image. As men reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome – “the mark of the beast.” And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of men [and the commandments of God], that those who continue in transgression will receive the ‘mark of the beast’. – GC 449.

The Seal of God is Received by the True Followers of God.

The righteous know that the sealing time is soon to close, and that it will close with the close of probation. –

25 It is the Sign that Probation is about to Close.

As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy (the Threefold union, the complete fall of Babylon, and the National Sunday Law) be a sign to us that the limit of God’s forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation’s iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return. – 5T 451.

Note: When the angel of mercy takes her flight, never to return, Probation closes.

26 When Probation Closes, the Seven Last Plagues Begin to Fall.

[Revelation 16]

(See the book: The Holy Spirit and You In the Days Ahead, which includes a study of the Seven Last Plagues).

p. 113

27 Sunday is more Strictly Enforced.

And then the great deceiver [ Satan ] will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced; and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity. Thus the accusation urged of old against the servant of God [ Elijah ] will be repeated and upon grounds equally well established: - GC 590 (FC 12)

p. 114

Note:

The whole world will be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists because they will not yield to the Papacy.

In the pamphlet entitled “Should the Sabbath Be Observed Today?”

By A. C. Hobbs Jr., P. 16

“Resolved, that the Seventh-day Adventist denomination was created and exists today without divine authority; being a spiritual institution, its essential head is Satan; all who enter it thereby commit sin and all who remain in it until death will be lost.

Newspaper – “Broadcasting Good News”

Let me state very emphatically that the Seventh-day Adventists did not start keeping Sabbath because of anything the Bible has to say about it. Don’t let them deceive you. Their arguments were not based on the Word of God. Even Mrs. White, their founder, did not believe that the fourth commandment was binding. Her observance of Sabbath, as well as her followers, was based purely and wholly on a supposed revelation which she is reputed to have had. She speaks of it as a vision in which she saw the fourth commandment encircled by a halo of light, and it was only after that experience that she taught that it must be observed. Think of basing a doctrine on a vision.

Sunday or Sabbath – Which Should Christians Observe?

By Evangelist John R. Rice, D.D., Sword of the Lord Publishers

Seventh-day Adventism then, has no right to a place among denominations that accept the Bible alone as the infallible Word of God. It is a heresy, a false cult, with a false basis of authority. No wonder Seventh-day Adventists do not teach eternal punishment of the wicked in hell; no wonder they teach that it is a sin to eat meat; no wonder they teach that Christians should keep the ceremonial Sabbath, Saturday, as commanded to the Jews! Like the Mormons, Christian Scientists, and Mohammedans, all who claim to have other divine revelation[s] from God besides the Bible, they are a false cult. – p. 20.

Seventh-day Adventists, in depending on the writings of Mrs. White, and Mormons in depending on the book of Mormon, and Christian Scientists, in depending upon the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, all have violated this stern command of God. They have thus perverted the Gospel and brought upon them[selves] terrible curses and plagues. – pp. 20-21

. . . If the public knew that these Seventh-day Adventists claim that only the Seventh-day Adventists are the chosen of God, His sole representatives on Earth, that they accuse those who observe Sunday as having taken ‘the mark of the beast’; if they knew that these Seventh-day Adventists who were among those prophesied to come in the latter times, “giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils . . . “ commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth (1 Tim. 4:1-3) – if the public knew this, of course they would not listen to Seventh-day Adventists.

“Do not be entrapped by these legalizers [legalists?].” – pp.21-22

Tract: “An Express Warning Against 7^th Day Adventism” by Richard Bailey

Let Christ save you. If the 7^th day Adventists would honestly hear the law speaking to them, they would not seek to ‘rest in the law’ and make their unlawful boasts. For the law proves the whole world – including the 7^th Day Adventists – to be guilty before God. (Rom. 3:19). – p. 7

Pamphlet: “Save Our Sunday!”

A Radio message given over the Mutual Radio network by Rev. Peter Eldersveld on the Back To God hour.

The devil doesn’t believe in keeping the Christian Sabbath day holy. Neither do his evil spirits. Neither do the Communists in Russia. Neither do the Atheists in America. So if you are a Sabbath breaker, if Sunday is not sacred to you, then you are certainly in very bad company. – (1) p. 2.

But you are in a large company, even though it is very bad. In fact, Sabbath desecration has become so widespread and so serious that come of our Congressmen want the government to do something about it. They are talking about introducing bills in the House of Representatives to safeguard the sanctity of the Lord’s Day. That means the situation has become very critical. Sunday is more of a holiday than a holy day for modern man.

So Sabbath breakers and murderers have a great deal in common. And therefore, if you are trying to take Sunday away from God, you are really in bad company. The law of man will let you get away with it, of course, but the law of God will not. And a nation of Sabbath [Sunday] breakers like you is simply putting itself in the path of divine judgement. It will pay a high price for desecrating the day of the Lord. [Sunday] – p. 3

Voltaire, the notorious infidel, said: “There is no hope of destroying Christianity so long as the Christian Sabbath (Sunday) is acknowledged and kept by men as a sacred day.” – p. 4

By the desecration of the Lord’s day [Sunday], they are paving the way for the exit of Christianity from our civilization.

There are currently two kinds of attack upon the Christian Sabbath, and both of them are doing a lot of damage to it. We had better take them seriously and see what can be done to stop them. – (4) pp. 5-7

The first one is business. It is not satisfied with six days in which to make money. It must have the Lord’s day too. There was a time when stores and other places of business operated under public censure if they were open on Sunday. They were stigmatized. And they were conspicuous too, because all the other respectable stores even drew the shades in their windows. But today, it is a public asset to be open on Sunday. Merchants blatantly advertise their Sunday business hours, without shame, and with much profit. They claim that their desecration of the Sabbath day is a wonderful convenience to their customers. They are doing it only because they want to be of service! Imagine that! And this thing has become so popular that campaigns must be organized to stop it and Congressmen are preparing legislation to make it illegal. Every kind of business, including amusements and sports, is profiteering on the Lord’s day. It seems to be some sort of epidemic. At least it is much worse than it ever was before.

But the solution is really simple. Business can easily be put in its place, if you Christian people want to put it there. All you have to do is be consistent about your Christianity and refuse to patronize business places that are open on Sunday. If you would just boycott them, not only on Sunday but also during the week, they would have to quit their desecration of the Lord’s day, or go out of business. Your number is too large for them to ignore. They need your patronage. They can’t afford to antagonize you. But the trouble is that most of you evidently don’t object to all this unnecessary business on Sunday. You are buying your groceries, and clothes, and furniture, and appliances, and gasoline from the same merchants who are destroying your Sabbath. Why should they close on Sunday, if you don’t care whether they do or not? You call yourselves Christians. You are church members. That means you are supposed to take the sabbath day seriously. But if you don’t do you think they will? The solution to this problem is in your hands. It’s up to you to put the stigma of public censure on Sunday business. Legislation cannot do it. Neither can propaganda. Only the pressure of a consistent Christianity can do it.

The second attack upon the Christian Sabbath today is a religion. That may seem strange, but it is true. There is a rather large and influential sect among us which boldly attacks the whole idea that Sunday is the Christian Sabbath. It is very pious and consistent with its propaganda, and it is actually persuading people that for for over 1,900 years the Christian church has been observing the wrong day – even though God has obviously blessed this so-called ‘mistake’ in the most spectacular fashion.

They are doing everything to undermine our day of rest and worship by attacking the very principles of historic Biblical Christianity. And, unfortunately, they are enjoying a measure of success. They are hurting the cause of [Sunday] Sabbath observance, and helping the cause of Sabbath desecration. Therefore, we are compelled to expose them. – (5) pp. 7-8

The whole attack upon the Christian Sabbath [Sunday] comes from a source that is outside the holy Bible. It is based upon the dubious teachings of a strange nineteenth century prophetess who claimed to have visions about things which are not found in the Bible. So she was presumptuous enough to think that she could improve upon the Word of God. But she got many of her ideas from an earlier false prophet who later confessed that he had altogether been mistaken. He had even gone so far as to make predictions about the date of the second coming of Christ, which were proved to be nothing but mere speculation.

The idea that the Christian Sabbath [Sunday] is a big mistake not only comes to us from a source completely outside the Bible, but it is plainly in conflict with the history of the Christian Church which is recorded in the Bible. (6) p. 8

Elder Johns, in a sermon quoted the following:

The battlefield of the churches will be on the field of the Christian Sabbath. To maintain existing features in the American government, to promote needed support in social reforms in regard to the actions of the government touching the Sabbath [Sunday], Congress must establish a standard in religion. The classes who would object are atheists, infidels, Jews, and Seventh-day Adventists. These classes are perfectly satisfied with the Constitution as it is. These classes will have to conform to the laws of the state.

The Liberal Illusion, published by the National Catholic Welfare Conference, Washington DC.

They will make obligatory the religious observance of Sunday on behalf of the whole of society and for its own good, revoking the permit for free-thinkers and Jews to celebrate, incognito, Monday or Saturday, on their own account. Those whom this may annoy, will have to put up with the annoyance. Respect will not be refused to the Creator nor repose denied to the creature, simply for the sake of humouring certain maniacs, whose phrenetic condition causes them stupidly and insolently to block the will of a whole people. – page 63.

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29 Sabbath Keepers are blamed for the Calamities Which Come Upon the Earth

The great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God's commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced; and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity. Thus the accusation urged of old against the servant of God will be repeated and upon grounds equally well established: “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” 1 Kings 18:17, 18. As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God's ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah. – GC, 590.

30 The Decree to Disregard the Sabbath is Soon to be Issued

“The time will come when men will not only forbid Sunday work, but they will try to force men to labor on the Sabbath. And men will be asked to renounce the Sabbath and to subscribe to Sunday observance or forfeit their freedom and their lives. . . They must move as the Lord shall direct them, but let them consider that they can do the best missionary work on Sunday.” (E. G. White, Unpublished Testimonies).

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“Protestantism shall give the hand of fellowship to the Roman power. Then there will be a law against the Sabbath of God's creation, and then it is that God “will do a strange work in the earth.” – RH, March 9, 1886

I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time to put them to death. – EW, 282 (FC 14)

The decree will go forth that they must disregard the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and honor the first day, or lose their lives. – 1T, 353-354 (FC 15)

31 The Death Decree Follows

Especially will the wrath of man be aroused against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment; and at last a universal decree will denounce these as deserving of death. – PK 512; (FC 14).

“The Decree will go forth that they must disregard the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and honor the first day, or lose their lives.” 1T 353-354 (FC 15).

When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof. – GC 635 (FC 17)

I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues. These plagues enraged the wicked against the righteous; they thought that we had brought the judgments of God upon them, and that if they could rid the earth of us, the plagues would then be stayed. A decree went forth to slay the saints, which caused them to cry day and night for deliverance. This was the time of Jacob's trouble. – EW, 36-37

32 The Death Decree is the Sign to God’s People to Leave All cities and Villages

At this time every earthly support will be cut off. We will have to leave all and support ourselves. Sister White has given us valuable counsel concerning leaving the cities and supporting ourselves in the country, preparatory to the time of trouble.

As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the protection of government and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries and will thank God for “the munitions of rocks.” – GC 626

33 The Death Decree marks the Beginning of the Time of Jacob’s Trouble

“I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus’ work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues.

The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets have described as the time of Jacob's trouble. – 5T, 451

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34 Some of the Wicked anticipate the Death Decree

Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. – GC, 631 (FC 17)

In some places, before the time for the decree to be executed, the wicked rushed upon the saints to slay them; but angels in the form of men of war fought for them. – EW, 283 (FC 18)

35 The Saints are delivered

GC 635-638 (FC 20).

The people of God—some in prison cells, some hidden in solitary retreats in the forests and the mountains—still plead for divine protection, while in every quarter companies of armed men, urged on by hosts of evil angels, are preparing for the work of death. It is now, in the hour of utmost extremity, that the God of Israel will interpose for the deliverance of His chosen. Saith the Lord; “Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth ... to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard, and shall show the lighting down of His arm, with the indignation of His anger, and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.” Isaiah 30:29, 30.

With shouts of triumph, jeering, and imprecation, throngs of evil men are about to rush upon their prey, when, lo, a dense blackness, deeper than the darkness of the night, falls upon the earth. Then a rainbow, shining with the glory from the throne of God, spans the heavens and seems to encircle each praying company. The angry multitudes are suddenly arrested. Their mocking cries die away. The objects of their murderous rage are forgotten. With fearful forebodings they gaze upon the symbol of God's covenant and long to be shielded from its overpowering brightness.

By the people of God a voice, clear and melodious, is heard, saying, “Look up,” and lifting their eyes to the heavens, they behold the bow of promise. The black, angry clouds that covered the firmament are parted, and like Stephen they look up steadfastly into heaven and see the glory of God and the Son of man seated upon His throne. In His divine form they discern the marks of His humiliation; and from His lips they hear the request presented before His Father and the holy angels: “I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am.” John 17:24. Again a voice, musical and triumphant, is heard, saying: “They come! they come! holy, harmless, and undefiled. They have kept the word of My patience; they shall walk among the angels;” and the pale, quivering lips of those who have held fast their faith utter a shout of victory.

It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: “It is done.” Revelation 16:17.

That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, “such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” (verses 17, 18) The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the great has come in remembrance before God, “to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.” Great hailstones, every one “about the weight of a talent,” are doing their work of destruction. (verses 19, 21). The proudest cities of the earth are laid low. The lordly palaces, upon which the world's great men have lavished their wealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to ruin before their eyes. Prison walls are rent asunder, and God's people, who have been held in bondage for their faith, are set free.

Graves are opened, and “many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth ... awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. “They also which pierced Him” (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.

Thick clouds still cover the sky; yet the sun now and then breaks through, appearing like the avenging eye of Jehovah. Fierce lightnings leap from the heavens, enveloping the earth in a sheet of flame. Above the terrific roar of thunder, voices, mysterious and awful, declare the doom of the wicked. The words spoken are not comprehended by all; but they are distinctly understood by the false teachers. Those who a little before were so reckless, so boastful and defiant, so exultant in their cruelty to God's commandment-keeping people, are now overwhelmed with consternation and shuddering in fear. Their wails are heard above the sound of the elements. Demons acknowledge the deity of Christ and tremble before His power, while men are supplicating for mercy and groveling in abject terror.

Said the prophets of old, as they beheld in holy vision the day of God: “Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.” Isaiah 13:6. “Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon everyone that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.” “In that day a man shall cast the idols of his silver, and the idols of his gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty, when He ariseth to shake terribly the earth.” Isaiah 2:10-12, 20, 21, margin.

Through a rift in the clouds there beams a star whose brilliancy is increased fourfold in contrast with the darkness. It speaks hope and joy to the faithful, but severity and wrath to the transgressors of God's law. Those who have sacrificed all for Christ are now secure, hidden as in the secret of the Lord's pavilion. They have been tested, and before the world and the despisers of truth they have evinced their fidelity to Him who died for them. A marvelous change has come over those who have held fast their integrity in the very face of death. They have been suddenly delivered from the dark and terrible tyranny of men transformed to demons. Their faces, so lately pale, anxious, and haggard, are now aglow with wonder, faith, and love. Their voices rise in triumphant song: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” Psalm 46:1-3.

While these words of holy trust ascend to God, the clouds sweep back, and the starry heavens are seen, unspeakably glorious in contrast with the black and angry firmament on either side. The glory of the celestial city streams from the gates ajar. Then there appears against the sky a hand holding two tables of stone folded together. Says the prophet: “The heavens shall declare His righteousness: for God is judge Himself.” Psalm 50:6. That holy law, God's righteousness, that amid thunder and flame was proclaimed from Sinai as the guide of life, is now revealed to men as the rule of judgment. The hand opens the tables, and there are seen the precepts of the Decalogue, traced as with a pen of fire. The words are so plain that all can read them. Memory is aroused, the darkness of superstition and heresy is swept from every mind, and God's ten words, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, are presented to the view of all the inhabitants of the earth. - GC 635-639.

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GOD’S SABBATH

Because some may read this book that are not Seventh-day Adventists or true Sabbath keepers, they may wonder why so much of the Christian world observes Sunday, calling it “the Lord’s Day.” For the benefit of such, we are here listing Bible texts upholding and commanding the keeping of the Seventh-day Sabbath.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. – Gen. 1:1 (KJV)

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. . . (Jesus was the actual Creator).

Genesis 2:1-3 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all the host of them, And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; And He rested on the seventh day from all His work which God created and made. 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.

Exodus 16:22-23 (Prior to Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments.) And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: . . .

Exodus 20:8-11 (Fourth commandment) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: 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, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 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.

Exodus 31:12-17 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 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.

(Lest someone says this is for the Jews only. . . see the next text):

Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Exodus 35:2 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.

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.

Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: (Jesus made man, then He made the Sabbath. – So the “Lord’s Day” is the seventh-day Sabbath.) Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.

Matthew 5:17-19 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 4:16 And He (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

Luke 23:54-56 And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath drew on. And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. (Even in death, Jesus honoured His Sabbath day. And his followers also waited until after the Sabbath before trying to anoint Him).

Colossians 2:16 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. (These were ceremonial Sabbaths which were nailed to the cross).

Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come. . . . (Ceremonial Sabbaths pointed forward to Christ’s death on the cross for you. The seventh-day Sabbath is a memorial of creation.)

Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

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Because some may read this book who are not Seventh-day Adventists or true Sabbath keepers, they may wonder why so much of the Christian world observe Sunday, calling it “the Lord’s Day.”

For the benefit of such, we are here listing Bible texts upholding and commanding the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath.

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

John 1:1-3, 14

Genesis 2:1-3

Exodus 16:22-23

Exodus 20:8-11

Exodus 31:12-17

Galatians 3:28-29

Exodus 35:2

Leviticus 23:3

Mark 2:27

Matthew 5:17-18

Luke 4:16

Luke 23:54-56

Colossians 2:16

Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have a right to eat of the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. - Revelation 22:14.

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[ Note: For the Ten Commandments – see Exodus, chapter 20.]

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CLOSING EVENTS STUDY No. 6

THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW

EVENT AND RESULTS OF. . . .

[ Excerpts ]

by Elder Gordon Collier

[ A FUTURE WORLD UNION OF CHURCH AND STATE ]

nsl6

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. . . (Jesus was the actual Creator).

Exodus 35:2 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.

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.

Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: (Jesus made man, then He made the Sabbath. – So the “Lord’s Day” is the seventh-day Sabbath.) Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.

Colossians 2:16 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. (These were ceremonial Sabbaths which were nailed to the cross).