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Sabbath Debate
----- Original Message -----
From: Mahlon
To: bob@preparingforeternity.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 1999 10:50 PM
Subject: Sabbath
Dear Sir,
I came across your email
address while doing a search on the Sabbath. For what it's
worth I want to send you an html document regarding the
Sabbath. The Sabbath is also discussed under "email
discussions" in my web page. Thank you very much for
your time, and may God bless you.
http://www.tk7.net/users/bibletruths
Sincerely, Mahlon Wickey
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Date: Wed, 30 Jun 1999 20:35:57 -0400
From: "Bob"
<bob@preparingforeternity.com>
Organization: Preparing For Eternity
To: "Mahlon" <bible@tk7.net>
References: 1
Dear, Mahlon,
I appreciate your sincerity and desire to "enlighten us
Sabbath Keepers." I read some of your email section on the
Sabbath at your web site. I was raised a Sunday Keeper and
found the truth of the Sabbath in my 20's. I have been studying
it for the past 20 years. You know and I know that we could both
go round and round, tit for tat until the Second Coming about
this issue and we would both be unconvinced. The bottom
line that I ask people when studying with with them is this.
"Can I be lost for keeping holy the only day that God has
ever blessed, sanctified, or hallowed - the only day that Jesus
ever worshiped His Father on? Can I?" Most people if they
are sincere will answer, "No." Then I ask them if they
can say the same about the day that they worship God on, a day He
has never commanded us to keep holy or worship Him on, or cease
from all secular activity? I guess you see my point. Take care
and God Bless, Bob
You can e-mail me
at: bob@preparingforeternity.com
Don't forget to
bookmark our site: www.preparingforeternity.com
From: Mahlon
To: Bob
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 1999 10:10 PM
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Hi Bob,
Yes I do see your
point. The problem is though, the Bible nowhere states that
God blessed, sanctified, or hallowed (as you put it) the seventh
day of the week. That phrase is not found in the
Bible. I will go one step further and say that the Bible
nowhere states that the Sabbath is the seventh day of the
week. Therefore I can only ask you in Christian love; why
do you assume and believe that it does? Do you see my
point? Keep in touch.
Sincerely, Mahlon
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Date: Thu, 01 Jul 1999 22:40:28 -0500
From: Mahlon <bible@tk7.net>
To: Bob <bob@preparingforeternity.com>
References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4
Bob wrote:
Gen 2:2 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 he had made. Gen 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. Exo 20:9 Six days shalt
thou labour, and do all thy work: Exo 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: Exo 20:11 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.
Dear Mahlon,
Now I know you are going to say, it doesn't say, "seventh
day of the week". But it really is a mute point, you are
trying to split hairs to cover your disobedience. If when God
first created the heavens and earth, and He rested on the very
first seventh day that this earth had ever seen, what was it, if
it wasn't the seventh day of the week? Also, wouldn't you prefer
to worship God on the day that Jesus did? If it was good enough
for Him, it is good enough for me. Take care and God Bless, Bob
PS.. If Saturday is not the "the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God" when is it?
You can e-mail me
at: bob@preparingforeternity.com
Don't forget to
bookmark our site: www.preparingforeternity.com
Mahlon wrote:
Hi again Bob,
You say it is
a mute point that the "seventh day of the week" is not
found in the Bible. If this biblical fact is mute and not
important, then why do you Saturday keepers insist that the
Sabbath is indeed the "seventh day of the week"?
You are assuming something that is not biblically accurate.
What God blessed and sanctified on the seventh day of creation
was not a day of the week (according to our calendar). It
was something much bigger than a particular day of the week of
which the Sabbath as given to Moses only represented. The
Sabbath represented God's continual "Rest", which was
made on the seventh day of creation. It is very strange why
you Saturday keepers never mention this "Rest" of
God. The Bible repeatedly talks about it. You are
misunderstanding what the Sabbath was all about. It was
based on a system of numbering the days. Six days Israel
was commanded to "work", which represented God also
"working". The following day (seventh) Israel was
commanded to "rest", which represented God also
"resting". You quoted the scripture (Exod 20:11),
and it amazes me why can't you read and believe exactly what it
is explaining? The Sabbath day was never mentioned in
Genesis, simply because this was not when the Sabbath day was
made. The biblical fact is God only blessed the Sabbath
when it was given to Moses and not before. You asked when
is the Sabbath if it is not Saturday. The Sabbath is the
day following six days of doing our own work and pleasure of
every weekly cycle. The seventh day is God's time in which
we are to assemble to build Christ's Church, and we are not to
seek our own pleasure on God's time. The New Testament
example was for the early believers to assemble on the first day
of the week (Sunday). I do not want to argue with you
simply because you already have your mind made up. It is
very true that the Sabbath mentioned in the New Testament at
Christ's death was the day before the first day of the week
(Sunday). However according to the law of Moses this
particular Sabbath would have been the "first day of
unleavened bread", and all the gospels recorded this Sabbath
as a singular Sabbath. Please read my "Seventh
day" booklet very carefully, and also the "email
discussions" regarding the Sabbath on my web site.
Thank you kindly for your messages, and may God bless you.
http://www.tk7.net/users/bibletruths
In His Service, Mahlon
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Date: Sun, 4 Jul 1999 08:52:03 -0400
From: "Bob"
<bob@preparingforeternity.com>
Organization: Preparing For Eternity
To: "Mahlon" <bible@tk7.net>
References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7
Bob wrote:
Hello Mahlon,
As I said earlier, I have studied this most important issue for
the past 20 years and to repeat what I said earlier: "Then I
ask them if they can say the same about the day that they worship
God on [Sunday], a day He has never commanded us to keep holy or
worship Him on, or cease from all secular activity?"
"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."
Acts 20:7
I am sorry, but the above verse does not fit the bill. No where does it state that we are commanded by God to worship Him on this day. Also to quote your earlier statement: "and we are not to seek our own pleasure on God's time." Acts 20:7 does not cover this statement either. According to the Bible, each day begins at sundown and ends at the next sundown (Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31; Leviticus 23:32) and the dark part of the day comes first. So Sabbath begins Friday night at sundown and ends Saturday night at sundown. This meeting of Acts 20 was held on the dark part of Sunday, or on what we now call Saturday night. The New English Bible begins Acts 20:7 like this: "On the Saturday night in our assembly ..." It was a Saturday-night meeting, and it lasted until midnight. Paul was on a farewell tour and knew he would not see these people again before his death (verse 25). (No regular weekly service would have lasted all night.) Paul was "ready to depart on the morrow." The "breaking of bread" has no "holy day" significance whatever, because they broke bread daily (Acts 2:46). In Acts. 2:46 says they "continuing daily with one accord in the temple and broke bread daily." Does that mean we are to go to church every day, like the Catholics. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart"
Also the above use of the word bread [in Acts 2:42,46 & 20] is identical in scripture. 740. artos, ar'-tos; from G142; bread (as raised) or a loaf:--(shew-) bread, loaf.
You can see from the verses below that the Gentiles asked Paul to preach to them on sabbath, not Sunday. Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
I guess so far, the only thing we agree on, is that we should worship God every seventh day, I have scripture to back up that it is still the 7th day Saturday Sabbath, and you don't regarding Sunday. So my question to you is, if you agree that God wants us to worship Him every seventh day, why not do it on the only day that He has ever commanded us to worship Him on, a day that He blessed, sanctifed and hallowed, the same day that Jesus worshiped God on, why fight it?
Take care and God Bless, Bob
You can e-mail me
at: bob@preparingforeternity.com
Don't forget to
bookmark our site: www.preparingforeternity.com
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Date: Tue, 06 Jul 1999 21:12:57 -0500
From: Mahlon <bible@tk7.net>
To: Bob <bob@preparingforeternity.com>
References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8
Mahlon wrote:
Hello again Bob,
I want to take the
liberty of sending you an email message I send tonight to someone
else regarding the Sabbath. I must tell you that you made a
very valid point concerning when Paul met with the disciples on
the "first day of the week" (Acts 20:7). It could
very well be that this assembly did indeed meet at sundown, or on
the hours we would call Saturday night. It looks like I
might have to revise my booklet somewhat. However this does
not change my basic premise. Anyway please read the
following email very carefully. Until next time, and may
God bless you.
http://www.tk7.net/users/bibletruths
In His Service, Mahlon
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1999 10:24:31 -0400
From: "Bob"
<bob@preparingforeternity.com>
Organization: Preparing For Eternity
To: "Mahlon" <bible@tk7.net>
References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8
Bob wrote:
Dear Mahlon,
I thought it would be easier to answer some of you objections to
your rather lengthy letter below, right in the text, saves you
time and me time. I am sorry that I have not been able to get
back to you sooner, but I have been doing some work on the web
site and it is rather time consuming as you well know. I will
give my final conclusions to this email at the bottom of your
reply to Ron.
You can e-mail me
at: bob@preparingforeternity.com
Don't forget to
bookmark our site: www.preparingforeternity.com
Re: Sabbath Date: Tue, 06 Jul 1999 20:32:58
-0500
From: Mahlon <bible@tk7.net>
(Copy of message sent to "Ron".
Bob‘s replies to me are in italics)…..
Dear Ron,
The historical points
that you make are well taken. However according to the
early Church Fathers (Ante-Nicene Fathers), Christians from the
apostles on were observing Sunday. I would prefer to go by the Bible
instead of Church Fathers. I am not going to be judged by
the Church Fathers, but by God Himself according to the Bible. I cover this in my "Seventh Day" booklet,
which I suspect you have not yet read (hopefully you will).
You might want to check your history again, and I want to ask you
(as you also asked me) if you are afraid to admit to this bit of
history? I choose to believe the Church Fathers, and
according to this history it was not a matter of changing the
Sabbath to Sunday (as you assume). The early Christians
were already observing Sunday before the Catholic church decided
to recognize (or tried to enforce) Sunday as the only day of
worship. I
have never read or found the above statement. It is very possible that some Christians were observing
Saturday and some were observing Sunday (as is true even
today). Another bit of history (which you and I should not
be afraid of) is that the Jews, several hundred years after the
death of Christ, came up with a "Jewish calendar" to
support their Saturday Sabbath and also their festivals. I don't believe that by
this supposed change they would change a day of the week from say
today is Tuesday, tomorrow will be Friday. One thing that I find
fascinating is this. If this is true that today, we do not know
if we are worshiping on the Same Biblical 7th Day Saturday
Sabbath as Jesus did 2,000 years ago, then that would also mean
that you do not know for sure if you are going to church on the
SAME day that Jesus was resurrected on or "the Church
Fathers" say early Christians worshiped on. Mahlon, it
goes both ways and I don't see you giving up your SUNday. This calendar remains with us today, and it is a shame
that well-meaning Christians (such as yourself) have accepted
this as "God's calendar".
It is very true that Paul attended the Sabbath assemblies of the Israelites of his day, and from Paul's point of view it is very easy to understand why. I also cover this in my booklet. You asserted that Paul actually kept the Sabbath with other Christian converts. You are assuming something that the book of Acts does not support, simply because the persecutions were done to believers because they no longer recognized the old covenant as valid worship. Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Acts 13:44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. Acts 17:1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: Acts 17:2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures. This of course included the old covenant Sabbath. However it could be very possible that some Israelite converts were still involved with old covenant worship. The correct day for Sabbath observance was not the issue in Paul's day, because the temple was still in service. The problem and issue that Paul encountered was convincing the Israelites that the old covenant was finished. The Israelites of Paul's day were not about to give up their form of worship, which of course included Sabbath worship based on the old covenant. As you know this caused severe persecution to the early believers, because they understood that temple service was abolished. I also explain this in my booklet.
The ten commandments as written in code form (of the letter), which of course included the Sabbath day; were the old covenant. Heb 8:10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:" The new covenant is based on the same law as the old covenant. Read this truth for yourself in Exodus 34:28 and Deuteronomy 4:13. This truth does not mean the ten commandments are "done away" as many sincere people of today falsely assume. The ten commandments are a reflection of the eternal moral laws of God, and the intent (not the letter) of the ten commandments must be a part of our lives. Years ago, I took the ten commandments very seriously (as we should), and I wanted to make sure that I understood which day was the Sabbath. I kept the Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, and actually judged others for observing Sunday. However as time went by I began to see another very important side of the Sabbath issue. I became aware of several biblical facts that I could no longer ignore. As I explained to you before, there is no mention of a Sabbath day in the book of Genesis, nor any hint of any Sabbath observance by Godly men before Moses. Is this not true? This is a literally not true. When you read the following verses, God is very clear. First off, He starts off about the Sabbath Day by saying REMEMBER. You don't tell somebody to Remember something unless you have told them before and did not want them to forget. Also, God is very clear which day is the Sabbath day. He did not say "a sabbath" but He said "the sabbath" there is a difference you know. Most modern translations today simply say "a sabbath" which is incorrect. But God said very clearly which day is the sabbath day. It is the same 7th day from back in creation week. He reiterates that He made the heavens and the earth, etc. and He rested the seventh day. The same seventh day which was the end of the first week of creation. The same day that He blessed and hallowed. Look below at the Strongs concordance definitions for the words Hallowed and Sanctified, they are the same.
(HALLOWED from Strongs Concordance)6942. qadash, kaw-dash'; a prim. root; to be (causat. make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally):--appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.
(SANCTIFIED from Strongs Concordance, Same as above for Hallowed) 6942. qadash, kaw-dash'; a prim. root; to be (causat. make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally):--appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy (-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify (-ied one, self), X wholly.
Exo 20:8 "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exo 20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: Exo 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: Exo 20:11 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." The verse above clearly links the Sabbath day to Genesis 2:3. If you can not see this clearly, then I don't know what else I can give you. Your are clearly, literally, spiritually blind, if you can not discern the above verse. I am sorry, but thats the way it is. Remember what I said before, you are not fighting against me, you are fighting against God… I believe the real problem in why you have gotten off track, so to speak is that you really do not understand the meaning of the words "Blessed, Santified and Hallow". The material that we are covering is not for the surface reader, it takes a searching of the scriptures. The commandments that Abraham kept were not what is known as the "ten commandments", simply because they were not given until over four hundred years later, and they were the old covenant. Abraham was also involved with lying several times about his wife, which means Abraham did not keep the commandment; "Thou shalt not bear false witness". However it could very well be that Abraham did set aside every seventh day for God. The point I want to make is that the Bible simply does not mention this. Thats true that the Bible does not mention the sabbath with regard to Abraham, but Abraham knew that he was lying and breaking the law. Gen 26:5 "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.". He, I believe knew God's 10 commandment law, I can not prove that, it is just my opinion. Just like when Cain killed Abel, the Bible does not mention the 10 commandment law there either, but I believe he knew it was wrong and a sin against God. If there was not a 10 commandment law up until the time of Moses, then God would have to go back an apoligize to all of the people that were destroyed in the flood during Noahs time because, "those people didn't know any better, because there was no law yet." Same with Sodom and Gomorrah...
Another biblical fact that I had to accept is that the phrase "seventh day of the week" is not found in the Bible. Baloney. Exo 20:11 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." Yet for some strange reason Saturday keepers will confess with heart-felt conviction that the Sabbath is indeed the "seventh day of the week". As a matter of fact, their whole premise of Sabbath keeping is based on this assumption. Assumption! We say the same thing about SUNday Worshipers. At least we have a Bible base. You have as yet been able to produce 1 verse showing that God: Changed the Day from Saturday to Sunday. That God Blessed Sunday. That God commanded or asked you to keep Sunday. That Sunday is a Holy Day. The point is that the Bible simply does not say that the Sabbath is the "seventh day of the week". Exo 20:11 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." Another biblical fact is that Sabbath keeping must be kept according to the laws of Moses, which in some cases forbid Israelites from kindling fire and from leaving their homes. Sabbath keeping according to the law was also supplemented with animal sacrifices. Give me a verse that supstantiates this statement. That is not in the 10 commandment law. Moses law and the ceremonial laws where done away with at the cross. See my tract on :Moses Law vs The 10 Commandments. http://www.preparingforeternity.com/mosevs10.htm. I also became aware that the Bible talks about a certain "Rest" of God, and I soon understood that this is the "Rest" that was made on the seventh day of creation (not the Sabbath day). These are the theological building blocks that convinced me that what is known as the Sabbath day was used in old covenant ceremonial worship to represent and show that God "Rested" the seventh day of the creation week; and it is a continual "Rest" (not one day in seven).
It is very true that Christ stated that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath (as you are aware). Saturday keepers assume this means that the Sabbath was made before Adam, when in fact it does not have to mean that at all. Many laws of God were made during Moses and the old covenant. We have to ask the question; why was the Sabbath made for man? The implication of Christ's statement could mean that the purpose of the Sabbath being made for man, is because the Sabbath was needed to redeem sinful man. Plain and simple. Keep in mind, Christ added "and not man for the Sabbath"; which implies that the Sabbath would serve no purpose if man was made for the Sabbath. Therefore the Sabbath was not in existence before it was needed! I believe this profound statement by Christ proves that the Sabbath was not made at creation and before Adam sinned, simply because it was not needed at that time. I don't. Sinful man needs the Sabbath, and the intent of the Sabbath command as given to Moses was to point sinful man to the true God; as you know. This verse shows that we will be keeping the sabbath in heaven when there will be no more sin. Isa 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. Isa 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. Keep in mind, the ten commandments as written in stone (of the letter), which included the Sabbath, started with Moses simply because they were the old covenant. Even if the Sabbath was made in the Garden of Eden (which the Bible does not support), does not change the premise of the Sabbath command. Exo 20:11 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." Yes it does, because the Sabbath was made before the fall... This premise, and what I have been trying to explain to you, is simply setting aside every seventh day for God; to be used by God. What a coincidence that day just happens to be SUNday... Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. This premise, and what I have been trying to explain to you, is simply setting aside every seventh day for God; to be used by God.
It is also assumed by Saturday keepers that the Sabbath is a memorial of creation. It was the six "work" days as given by Moses that could be called a memorial of the creation; and not the Sabbath. Exo 20:11 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." The Sabbath pointed toward the "Rest" of God (not the creation). Exodus 20:9-11 explains this concept and truth very beautifully.
I realize that there is no indication of a change of the Sabbath in the eight places in the New Testament where the "first day of the week" is found (as you mentioned). You bet there isn't. The simple fact is, it doesn't have to indicate a change. Where is this Bible Principle found? The Sabbath of the old covenant will always be the Sabbath of the old covenant, and the "first day of the week" will always be the "first day of week". The Sabbath that Christ kept was of course the old covenant Sabbath since he was born under the old covenant. The "change" (if we can call it a change) is that Christ's death and sacrifice fulfilled the requirements that the laws of the old covenant demanded, therefore they no longer serve a purpose. New Testament theology is deliberately designed to cause truth seekers to maintain a spiritual perception, and "read between the lines" so to speak, of certain scriptures. That is truly the only way that you can substantiate your beliefs. I pray that this does not cause you to lose your salvation brother. Prov 16:25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. I sincerely believe the reason the Holy Spirit inspired the significance of the "first day of the week" is that the "new creation" is based on the "eighth day" or a new beginning, and it is very significant that this phrase "first day of the week" is found exactly eight times in the New Testament. Christ ended the old creation at his sacrifice, therefore the Sabbath based on the old creation was also ended. However the principal and intent of the Sabbath command was not ended, and the Sabbath command is now based on the "new creation".
During the days of Jesus Christ, the Sabbath could very well have been based on "Jewish" legalism, which explains why Christ was repeatedly accused of Sabbath breaking. However Christ no doubt observed the Sabbath when the Jews observed it because it was his custom, as the scripture explains in Luke 4:16. It is very interesting that it was stated as the "custom" of Christ. This could mean that the Jewish Sabbath during Christ's day was only a copy, and of course Christ allowed it; which would explain why it was only a "custom" for Christ. Keep in mind, Luke 4:16 specifically explained it was the custom of Christ to only allow himself to go in the synagogues on the Sabbath, therefore was limited. If this concept is indeed valid it simply shows another proof that the Jewish Sabbath was not kept according to Moses law. There is reason to believe the Sabbath that occurred at Christ's death, which fell on the day before the "first day of the week", was not the weekly Sabbath. Christ did not die on the day before the first day of the week. He died on Friday, lay in the tomb on Sabbath and was raised from the dead on Sunday. Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation [Friday], and the sabbath [Saturday] drew on. Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day[Saturday] according to the commandment. Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week [Sunday], very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. I am only stating this from the standpoint of Moses law, which demands that this particular Sabbath had to be the "first day of unleavened bread" that followed the Passover, which of course was Christ. However these events were written from a Jewish viewpoint as John's gospel repeatedly implies. This truth would take into account a Sabbath based on Jewish legalism, which could also very well have been based on the "seventh day of the week" at that time in history.
Ron, I enjoy this fellowship between us, and want to extent a hand of friendship to you. Where are you from, and could I ask what Church are you associated with? Looking forward to hearing from you again, and may God bless you.
Your friend in Christ, Mahlon
God Bless you Mahlon, I have done all I can for you, I pray that you will open your eyes and heart to God's Holy Spirit. And remember this most important verse. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
It doesn't say in the above verse to "read between the lines" and do what you want. Its very clear to me now, that we base our whole faith, our whole being, and yes our whole salvation on very different principles. I am not condeming or judging you, God will judge us all in His time. I will pray for you and have enjoyed communicating with you, but until you can answer the following questions, I don't see any point in going on.
Take care and God Bless. Your friend in Christ, with Christian Love, Bob
Produce 1 verse showing that God: Changed the Day from Saturday to Sunday. That God Blessed Sunday. That God commanded or asked you to keep Sunday. That Sunday is a Holy Day.
Subject: Re: Sabbath
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 1999 09:06:29 -0500
From: Mahlon <bible@tk7.net>
To: Bob <bob@preparingforeternity.com>
References: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8
Mahlon wrote:
Bob,
I looked over what
you wrote me, and believe me it is well taken. No offense,
but I have heard what you presented to me so many times I get
sick of it, and it is the same argument that I also believed for
many years. I explained to you before, I do not want to
argue the Sabbath issue simply because I will never convince you
otherwise, nor will you ever convince me. However just a
few thoughts I want to share with you. Maybe the Holy
Spirit will prick you consciousness, because I know you love the
Bible. I want to say that you failed to properly address
several points that I made in my last email sent to you.
The major mistake that you Saturday keepers make is that you have
reduced what is known as God's "Rest" to a certain day
of the week; which you of course claim is Saturday. Ancient
Israel was commanded to honor this "Rest" by also
"resting" every seventh day of a weekly cycle.
Israel, as you know, failed to enter into this "Rest"
with God because of unbelief, therefore they were invoking the
wrath of God. Read this truth for yourself in Hebrews
chapters three and four. Please understand, Bob, the irony
is that they were still keeping the Sabbath. I can not help
but think that you Saturday keepers fail to realize the purpose
of the Sabbath during the old covenant, and you unknowingly have
put yourselves in a dangerous position with God. The shame
and deception is that you unknowingly have reduced God's
"Rest" to a common day of the week, simple because you
claim the Sabbath was made on the seventh day of creation.
No matter how much twisting and interpreting you try to do, you
will never biblically prove to me that the Mosaic Sabbath was
made on the seventh day of creation. Bob, please reread and
study my last message with an open mind, and with God's help
hopefully you will see the big picture. God bless you, and
I will be praying for you.
Your brother in Christ, Mahlon
http://www.tk7.net/users/bibletruths
Questions or comments?... Email: bible@tk7.net