Is The Sabbath for Today?
Overview
While the Christian and cultic forms of sabbatarianism disagree on which day the Sabbath should be observed, they use the exact same arguments to prove that we should keep a Sabbath. Thus it does not really matter if we are dealing with followers of the Puritans or the Adventists, they will both argue that the Sabbath is a creation ordinance, a moral law, etc. A refutation of the basic arguments which underlie all forms of sabbatarianism is the focus of this study.
Top Highlights
“The doctrine of sabbatarianism comes in two forms: Christian and cultic. In its Christian form, sabbatarianism teaches that the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday. Thus the ‘Christian Sabbath’ is on Sunday and not on Saturday.” (Page v)
“The Sabbath was a ceremonial law which pointed backward to Creation and forward to salvation by faith. It was ceremonial in nature, function and attributes.” (Page 32)
“The reference to the Creation week in Exodus 20 was not part of the original Ten Commandments. Thus it was not part of the ‘moral’ law!” (Page 13)
“ ‘But the sevent day is mentioned. Doesn’t this prove that it is a creation ordinance” (Page 5)
“All the Biblical passages, such as Nehemiah 9:5–38 (cf. vs. 13–14), which give us a summary of redemptive history, always place the beginning of the Sabbath with Moses and not Adam.” (Page 6)
- Title: Is The Sabbath for Today?
- Author: Robert A. Morey
- Publisher: Faith Defenders
- Publication Date: 1995
- Pages: 32
Robert A. Morey was an internationally recognized scholar in the fields of comparative religions, the cults, and the occult as well as on Islam. He is the author of over 40 books, some of which have been translated into Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Norwegian, Dutch, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Turkish and Farsi. Morey also ran Faith Defenders and was the founder of California Biblical University and Seminary.
Reviews
4 ratings
JJ Kerr
11/25/2021
Sabbath keeping is one of those issues, like the trinity, where good arguments exist on both sides. This book is apologetic in nature and therefore allows no room for ambiguity or uncertainty, so it is very one-sided despite claims to the counter. The biggest flaw is not addressing the history of the shift from Saturday to Sunday which was in the 4th century, which means it was a catholic/roman imposition; and the fact that Jesus and his followers were sabbath keepers and he never abrogated that tradition. This doesn't mean there are not arguments for abrogation, just that they are not cut and dry as this booklet insists.Glenn Crouch
7/27/2018
Note: Don't have the paper copy, but there were quite a lot of typos in this logos version :( This is a small book (more of a booklet, as it is just over 30 pages) taking an apologetic approach to the elevation of the Sabbath and Sabbath-keeping (both the original Saturday version, and the Sunday version). The author approaches things in quite a point-wise manner, which I did find appropriate in a book this size. Thus making it quite useful if you are looking for some pointers, or wish to address some arguments raised concerning this area. Overall, I do think that the Author has made his case well and concisely. I don't see SDA as a cult, nor do I necessarily see many of the seventh-day Baptists (and others) as cults, so I think the division of Cultic Sabbatarians and Christian Sabbatarians as unfortunate - as many in the former would agree with the historical creeds (at least these days they would), even if they do not specifically confess them. Sadly the Author never acknowledges that for many of us (Lutherans and Catholics for example) the 4th Commandment is not about the Sabbath, rather that is the 3rd Commandment - though many of us are used to "transposing" the commandment numbers ;-) I am impressed that a small book like this has suggested reading - always a welcomed addition, especially in apologetic works.
William L White
8/6/2017
Samuel B. Ball
12/24/2016
The Sabbath as a day of rest was handed down to us by God Himself at creation (Genesis 2:1-3), Jesus our example worshiped on the Sabbath (Acts 4:16; 1 John 2:6), and according to prophecy, this will be the day that all who are saved will worship (Isaiah 66:22-23). I can't find anywhere in the Word of God where it was changed. So please forgive me if I don't reject the Word of God in order to follow a tradition of man... As for me and my house, we shall follow the Lord in the manner as it has been laid out for us in His Word.
Juliano Santos de Jesus
2/15/2016
Ghuheni Mbwana
4/1/2014
Sabbath day is a day of rest and Jesus said He is the Master of that day, So what day did he worship?
