Larry Ray Hafley
Seventh Day Adventists and other Sabbatarians cite Exodus 31:13-17, to prove
that the Sabbath is to be observed "forever." It is "a perpetual covenant."
Hence, Christians must observe the Sabbath "throughout (their) generations." Is
this true? If not, why not?
First, even if it could be proven that the Sabbath is to be observed, it
would not apply to Gentiles, but only to fleshly Jews. The Sabbath was "a sign
between (God) and the children of Israel (Ex. 31:17). Gentiles were not
included.
Second, the burning of incense was also a "perpetual" commandment which was
to be observed "throughout (their) generations" (Ex. 30:8). Must Christians
"burn incense"? To be consistent, Adventists should do so, but they do not.
Third, circumcision was "an everlasting covenant" (Gen. 17:13). However,
today, the Spirit tells us that "in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth
anything, nor uncircumcision" (1 Cor. 7:19; Gal. 5:6). If one keeps the Old
Testament law of circumcision, "Christ shall profit you nothing" (Gal. 5:2). Do
Adventists bind circumcision because it was "an everlasting covenant"? No, they
do not. So, why bind the Sabbath? To bind either the Sabbath or circumcision,
means: (1) that Christ profits us "nothing;" and (2) that we "are fallen from
grace" (Gal. 5:4).
Throughout their generations, perpetually, forever, as long as the nation of
Israel existed under the law, they were to burn incense, practice circumcision,
and keep the Sabbath. We are not under the covenant made to Abraham, nor to the
law of Moses. We are "under law to Christ" (Rom. 7:4-7; 1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 2:16,
21; Col. 2:14-16). Thus, we do not practice circumcision, burn incense, or keep
the Sabbath (Jn. 1:17; Rom. 2:28, 29; Gal. 5:1-4).
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