It is remarkable how clearly the Lord can state a matter and how difficult it is for man to understand His words. When one approaches the Bible with a predetermined mindset, very simple statements of truth can become difficult for men to understand. However, when one studies the Bible openly, these simple statements open the doors to finding God’s will. As an illustration of this, consider the following truths about the Sabbath. The format used in this study will be a question and answer format with each question being based on the truth learned in the preceding paragraph. Keep in mind that the Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments.
What was the covenant made with the Jews at Mt. Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb)? “And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone” (Deut. 4:13).
Had God ever made this covenant with the ancestors (like Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) of those who came to Mt. Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb)? “The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day. The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire” (Deut. 5:2-4).
Did this covenant, not made with the fathers, include the Ten Commandments? “Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee. Six days thou shalt labor, and do all thy work” (Deut. 5:12-13).
Why was the Sabbath (a rest day) given to Jews who were with Moses at Mt. Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb)? “And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day” (Deut. 5:15).
Does the New Testament (the new covenant) include the Ten Commandments given at Mt. Sinai (also called Mt. Horeb)? “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the LORD” (Deut. 31:31-32).
Now, before accepting the complex ideas given by those who bind the Sabbath on Christians, take time to read these simple truths. Notice that every word given as answers are from God! Listen to God’s simple truths!