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Sabbath Reform in the Last Days, Part 2
Sabbath Reform Resisted
Those who received the light concerning the sanctuary* and the
immutability of the law of God were filled with joy and wonder as they saw the
beauty and harmony of the system of truth that opened to their understanding.
They desired that the light which appeared to them so precious might be
imparted to all Christians; and they could not but believe that it would be joyfully
accepted. But truths that would place them at variance with the world were not
welcome to many who claimed to be followers of Christ. Obedience to the fourth
commandment required a sacrifice from which the majority drew back.
*Note: In the early and mid nineteenth century,
Bible students around the world saw special importance in the study of the
prophecies related to the cleansing of the sanctuary mentioned in Daniel 8:14.
It was in connection with their study of this passage that God brought to their
attention a fuller understanding of the heavenly sanctuary (as mentioned in the
books of Daniel, Revelation, and Hebrews) and the work that Christ is doing in
that sanctuary.—Editors.
As the claims of the Sabbath were presented, many reasoned from
the worldling’s standpoint. Said they: “We have always kept Sunday, our fathers
kept it, and many good and pious men have died happy while keeping it. If they
were right, so are we. The keeping of this new Sabbath would throw us out of
harmony with the world, and we would have no influence over them. What can a
little company keeping the seventh day hope to accomplish against all the world
who are keeping Sunday?” It was by similar arguments that the Jews endeavored
to justify their rejection of Christ. Their fathers had been accepted of God in
presenting the sacrificial offerings, and why could not the children find
salvation in pursuing the same course? So, in the time of Luther, papists
reasoned that true Christians had died in the Catholic faith, and therefore
that religion was sufficient for salvation. Such reasoning would prove an
effectual barrier to all advancement in religious faith or practice.
Many urged that Sundaykeeping had been an established doctrine
and a widespread custom of the church for many centuries. Against this argument
it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were more ancient and
widespread, even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of
angels and of God. When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the
morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was
laid the foundation of the Sabbath. Job 38:6, 7; Genesis 2:1-3. Well may this
institution demand our reverence; it was ordained by no human authority and
rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of Days and
commanded by His eternal word.
As the attention of the people was called to the subject of
Sabbath reform, popular ministers perverted the word of God, placing such
interpretations upon its testimony as would best quiet inquiring minds. And
those who did not search the Scriptures for themselves were content to accept
conclusions that were in accordance with their desires. By argument, sophistry,
the traditions of the Fathers, and the authority of the church, many endeavored
to overthrow the truth. Its advocates were driven to their Bibles to defend the
validity of the fourth commandment. Humble men, armed with the word of truth
alone, withstood the attacks of men of learning, who, with surprise and anger,
found their eloquent sophistry powerless against the simple, straightforward
reasoning of men who were versed in the Scriptures rather than in the
subtleties of the schools.
In the absence of Bible testimony in their favor, many with
unwearying persistence urged—forgetting how the same reasoning had been
employed against Christ and His apostles: “Why do not our great men understand
this Sabbath question? But few believe as you do. It cannot be that you are
right and that all the men of learning in the world are wrong.”
To refute such arguments it was needful only to cite the
teachings of the Scriptures and the history of the Lord’s dealings with His
people in all ages. God works through those who hear and obey His voice, those
who will, if need be, speak unpalatable truths, those who do not fear to
reprove popular sins. The reason why He does not oftener choose men of learning
and high position to lead out in reform movements is that they trust to their
creeds, theories, and theological systems, and feel no need to be taught of
God. Only those who have a personal connection with the Source of wisdom are
able to understand or explain the Scriptures. Men who have little of the
learning of the schools are sometimes called to declare the truth, not because
they are unlearned, but because they are not too self-sufficient to be taught
of God. They learn in the school of Christ, and their humility and obedience
make them great. In committing to them a knowledge of His truth, God confers
upon them an honor, in comparison with which earthly honor and human greatness
sink into insignificance. . . .
The Great Controversy, pp. 454-456
Next part: Sabbath Reform in the Last Days, Part 3:
Duty to Present Unpopular Truth
All Scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version,
including those originally quoted by Ellen White from the King James
Version.—Editors
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