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Sabbath observance is a subject vaguely known by many,
but truly reckoned with few. And you ask, "Why should I take it seriously? After all, it's just another ritual." The Sabbath is not
a ritual. It is a special day which God has hallowed and blessed at the completion of His creation. He has made the Sabbath for us so that
we may rest from a week of hard work on this day and remember our Creator for His unfailing care and providence.
Why Keep the Sabbath?
| Sacred Day of Rest |
The Sabbath reminds us of the grandeur of God's creation; it points
clearly to the Creator and to His immense providence and grace. As God Himself rested on the seventh day of Creation to set an
example for us, He also wants us to be refreshed physically, mentally, and spiritually through worshiping Him and
keeping this day holy.
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| God-given Sign |
Sabbath observance is also a sign between God and His worshippers.
It is an identity that every citizen of God's holy nation carries. By keeping this day holy, we acknowledge that God
is our Lord, who sanctifies us and strengthens us against the temptations of this world.
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| Hope of Eternal Rest |
All the more, the Sabbath is a day to remember the salvation
of God. It is a constant reminder that Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from the bondage of sin and to give true
rest to our souls. In the same way, the Sabbath urges to look forward to the blessing of the eternal rest in the
Heavenly Kingdom. It is a constant renewal of this hope that guides God-fearing people on thepath to everlasting life.
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Observing the Sabbath
| Honor It |
The Sabbath is a day of rest. We are to rest from worldly tasks and
cares and dedicate this day solely to God. The Bible tells us to "call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy
day honorable, and honor it by not going [our] own way and not doing as [we] please or speaking idle words, then
[we] will find [our] joy in the Lord" (Isaiah 58:13-14).
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| Dedicate It to God |
Worship service, prayer, Bible study, and fellowship are all
spiritually edifying activities that help us focus our minds on the things of God. Through praises and offerings, we
express our sincere gratitude to God for His salvation and daily provisions.
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| Do the Lord's Work |
The New Testament also gives us vivid scenes of Jesus preaching
the Gospel, caring for the sick and doing good deeds on the Sabbath. We should imitate our Lord and devote this day
to performing good deeds.
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