The Lord’s Sabbath · sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath...

The Lord’s Sabbath

tap

1

Title: The Lord's Sabbath

Objective: To provide a visual teaching tool on the meaning and importance of the Sabbath.

Bible references are taken from the Inspired Version (IV).

Presentation Time: 8-10 hours

tap

2

The Sabbath Part 1—Introduction Part 2—Defining the Sabbath Part 3—A Greater Rest Part 4—Redemption of Mankind Part 5—The Covenant Part 6—Babylon Part 7—Christian Covenants of Conduct Part 8—The Importance of the Sabbath to the Latter Day Work Part 9—Sabbath 1,2,3s Part 10—Two Houses Part 11—Conclusion Part 12—The Sealed Book of Mormon Part 13—Appendix (Unconditional Covenants)

tap

3

PART 1INTRODUCTION

tap

4

The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17)

1 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.2 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…3 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain…4 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy…5 Honor thy father and thy mother…6 Thou shalt not kill. 7 Thou shalt not commit adultery. 8 Thou shalt not steal. 9 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.10 Thou shalt not covet…

tap

5

Why study the Ten Commandments in our day and time? Do they have importance to us today? Were they replaced by Christ's New Covenant?

tap

6

Jesus taught, or caused to be taught,all of the Ten Commandments. Refer to slides 136-158 of the presentation Commandments of the Heart.

tap

7

Jesus, Our Advocate

tap

8

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. But if any man sin and repent, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments (1John 2:1-3).

(propitiation—to appease, to bring to a state of peace, quiet, contentment; the price to free from sin)

tap

Jesus, Our Advocate (continued)

tap

9

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, hath miracles ceased, because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men; For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him, will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens (RLDS Moroni 7:27-28 / LDS Moroni 7:27-28)?

tap

Jesus, Our Advocate (continued)

tap

10

Listen to him who is the Advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him, saying, Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life (RLDS D&C 45:1c-e / LDS D&C 45:3-5).

tap

Behold, and hearken, 0 ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God; even Jesus Christ, your Advocate; who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted (RLDS D&C 62:1a / LDS D&C 62:1).

We, as sons and daughters of God, are engaged in a work much greater than any one or all of us together can imagine or comprehend. Read RLDS D&C 76:5a-r / LDS D&C 76:50-70 about the resurrection of the just. …

tap

11

tap

12

These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood (RLDS D&C 76:5q / LDS D&C 76:69).

tap

13

SABBATH

14

7th DAY

15

6 DAYS OF WORK

16

1 DAY OF REST

tap

SABBATHTHE

DAY 17

tap

GOD'SENTER

REST 18

PART 2DEFINING THE SABBATH

tap

19

The word SABBATH is mentioned in the scriptures:IV Bible — 146 times

Book of Mormon — 5 timesSealed Book of Mormon — 10 times

(Lord’s Day — 1 time)Doctrine and Covenants — 3 times

(Lord’s Day — 4 times)

tap

20

Sabbath Definition (dictionary.com)1. the seventh day of the week, Friday-Saturday, as the day of rest and religious observance among Jews and some Christians.

tap

21

http://dictionary.com

Sabbath Definition (continued)2. the first day of the week, Sunday, similarly observed by most Christians in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ.

tap

22

Sabbath Definition (continued)3. any special day of prayer or rest resembling the Sabbath: Friday is the Muslim Sabbath (the weekly day of public prayer.)

tap

23

How does the Bible define the Sabbath?

tap

24

The Seventh Day of CreationGenesis 2:1-3

[1] Thus the heaven and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.

[2] And on the seventh day, I, God, ended my work, and all things which I had made; and I rested on the seventh day from all my work; and all things which I had made were finished. And I, God, saw that they were good.

[3] And I, God, blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it I had rested from all my work which I, God, had created and made.

tap

25

Exodus 20:8-11[8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

[9] Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work;

[10] But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates;

[11] For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

tap

26

Exodus 31:12-17[12] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

[13] Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.

[14] Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you. Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

tap

27

Exodus 31:12-17 (continued)[15] Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

[16] Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

[17] It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

tap

28

Exodus 16:29-30[29] See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

[30] So the people rested on the seventh day.

And God provided for their needs.

tap

29

Deuteronomy 5:15[15] 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.

(The Sabbath was given to be a sign which was a prediction of the redemption that would be provided in Christ. The release from slavery and the ensuing rest which God gave the Israelites symbolized the entry into the rest which God would provide by his finished work.)

tap

30

Isaiah 58:13-14[13] If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words;

[14] Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage* of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (*Genesis 28:13-15—A blessing to a covenant people.)

tap

31

Mark 2:25-27 / Mark 2:27-28 KJV[25] And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

[26] Wherefore the Sabbath was given unto man for a day of rest; and also that man should glorify God, and not that man should not eat.

[27] For, the Son of Man made the Sabbath day, therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the sabbath.

tap

32

Matthew 12:8-11 / Matthew 12:10-13 KJV[8] And, behold, there was a man which had a withered hand. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

[9] And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you that shall have one sheep (Luke 14:5—an ass or an ox; Luke 14:5 KJV—a donkey or an ox), and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it and lift it out?

[10] How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days.

[11] Then said he to the man, Stretch forth thy hand; and he stretched it forth, and it was restored whole, like unto the other.

tap

33

Sabbath—Biblical Definition1. the seventh day of the week.2. a day to refrain from work and personal desires.3. a holy time to rest and refresh created by God.4. a time to delight in God.5. a sign that sanctification comes from God.6. a perpetual covenant which has life and death consequences.7. a gift to man.8. a spiritual blessing ruled by Jesus.

tap

34

What does the Book of Mormon say about the Sabbath?

tap

35

Book of Mormon1. Jarom wrote that the people of Nephi observed to keep the Sabbath day holy (RLDS Jarom 1:11 / LDS Jarom 1:5).

2. The Book of Mosiah records that Abinadi read the ten commandments to King Noah and his priests (RLDS Mosiah 7:116-118 / LDS Mosiah 13:16-19).

3. Alma commanded the people to observe the Sabbath day and one day in every week was set apart for teaching and worship (RLDS Mosiah 9:56,58 / LDS Mosiah 18:23,25).

tap

36

RLDS Mosiah 9:56,58 / LDS Mosiah 18:23,25[56] And he [Alma] commanded them that they should observe the Sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God.

[58] And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.

tap

37

What does the Doctrine and Covenants say about the Sabbath?

tap

38

Doctrine and Covenants1. God's holy day is observed to more fully keep one's self unspotted from the world (RLDS D&C 59:2f / LDS D&C 59:9).

2. It is a time to offer prayers, sacraments, devotions, oblations, and confessions to the Most High (RLDS D&C 59:2f,h / LDS D&C 59:9,12).

3. The Lord's day is a day of rest (RLDS D&C 59:2f / LDS D&C 59:10).

tap

39

Doctrine and Covenants (continued)4. On the Lord's day food is to be prepared with singleness of heart [single-heartedness] to perfect fasting and receive fullness of joy; fasting and prayer is rejoicing and prayer (RLDS D&C 59:3a-b / LDS D&C 59:13-14).

5. On the Lord's day "do none other thing" (RLDS D&C 59:3a / LDS D&C 59:13).

6. The inhabitants of Zion shall observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy (RLDS D&C 68:4d / LDS D&C 68:29).

tap

40

Doctrine and Covenants (continued)7. The saints are to observe the first day of the week, the Lord's day, as the Sabbath (RLDS D&C 119:7a-b / no LDS reference).

[The Sealed Book is “further revelation” pertaining to the Sabbath and when it should be observed.]

8. The Lord's day is to be a day of worship (RLDS D&C 119:7b / no LDS reference).

tap

41

Doctrine and Covenants (continued)9. On the Lord's day the saints are to refrain from unnecessary work, but nothing should go to waste or necessary work be neglected (RLDS D&C 119:7c / no LDS reference).

10. The saints are to be merciful in judgment about work on the Sabbath (RLDS D&C 119:7c / no LDS reference).

tap

42

RLDS D&C 59:2f / LDS D&C 59:9[2f] And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; for verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High.

tap

43

Unspotted from the World

Our society today schedules activities of all kinds on the Sabbath which pull us away from God, making us more susceptible to the world's influences. Many of these activities fall outside of the Sabbath guidelines described in the scriptures. Choosing, each week, to keep the Sabbath holy for God may necessitate the avoidance of some activities. Tough choices may be need to be made. But, in reality, any decision that takes us out of the world and closer to God, especially on the Sabbath, is the right decision.

tap

44

Sabbath—Biblical Definition (review)1. the seventh day of the week.2. a day to refrain from work and personal desires.3. a holy time to rest and refresh created by God.4. a time to delight in God.5. a sign that sanctification comes from God.6. a perpetual covenant which has life and death consequences.7. a gift to man.8. a spiritual blessing ruled by Jesus.

tap

45

Sabbath—Scriptural Definition1. the seventh day of the week.*2. a day to refrain from unnecessary work and personal desires.3. a holy time to rest and refresh created by God.4. a time to delight in God.5. a sign that sanctification comes from God.6. a perpetual covenant which has life and death consequences.7. a gift to mankind.8. a spiritual blessing ruled by Jesus. …

tap

46

Sabbath—Scriptural Definition (continued)*9. a means to keep unspotted from the world.*10. a day of worship and a time to offer prayers, sacraments, devotions, oblations, and confessions.*11. a time of perfection of fasting and fullness of joy.

tap

47

*Teaching from the Three Nephites(added 4/13/2018)

The testimony of the eight witnesses upon returning from Brazil is that the three Nephites taught the group in Brazil the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy. "You cannot live in Zion unless you do. And observance starts at sundown.”

References to when a day begins and ends: Genesis 1:8,11,17,21,24,33 / Genesis 1:5,8,13,19,23,31 KJV Nehemiah 13:15-22 Luke 23:56-57;24:1 / Luke 23:55-56;24:1 KJV

tap

48

49

An Example of Abusing the Sabbath

Amos 8:4-7 4. Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 5. Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? 6. That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat? 7. The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.

50

Worship on the Sabbath

Isaiah 66:23 23. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.

Isaiah 58:13-14[13] If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words;

[14] Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage* of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (*Genesis 28:13-15—A blessing to a covenant people.)

The arc of Noah was the ultimate high place in his day. Today, the Sabbath is the arc of our day.

tap

51

PART 3A GREATER REST

tap

52

A Holy Day1. God made the Sabbath holy.

2. He wants his children to be holy.

tap

53

God's Work and Glory[23b] …for this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality, and eternal life of man (RLDS D&C 22:23b / LDS Moses 1:39).

tap

54

RLDS D&C 17:6a / LDS D&C 20:29[6a] And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.

tap

55

Remembering the Sabbath to keep it holy is a key to enduring to the end when one can enter into God's rest, and is an essential part of restoring priesthood power among the people.

tap

56

What is God's rest?

tap

57

Rest Definition (dictionary.com)1. relief or freedom, especially from anything that

wearies, troubles, or disturbs.

2. a period or interval of inactivity, repose, solitude, or tranquility.

3. mental or spiritual calm, tranquility.

4. the repose of death: eternal rest.

tap

58


God’s Rest1. abiding in God’s presence.

2. eternal salvation.

3. the acceptance of the gift of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

tap

59

God's Rest—Biblical Insights1. Did the Psalmist describe the elusive nature of God's rest?[1] He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

[2] I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God; in him will I trust (Psalm 91:1-2).

tap

60

God's Rest—Biblical Insights (continued)2. Did Apostle Paul tell of the peace that accompanies God's rest?[4] Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.

[5] Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand (Philippians 4:4-5). …

tap

61

God's Rest—Biblical Insights (continued)2. Did Apostle Paul tell of the peace that accompanies God's rest?… [6] Be afflicted for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

[7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

tap

62

God's Rest—Biblical Insights (continued)2. God told Moses, "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest" (Exodus 33:14).

3. David is quoted as saying the Lord has given rest unto his people that they may dwell in Jerusalem forever (1st Chronicles 23:25).

tap

63

God's Rest—Biblical Insights (continued)4. The Lord told the people to seek the old ways which lead to him and they will find rest for their souls (Jeremiah 6:16).

5. Jesus promised rest to all those who come to him (Matthew 11:29-30 / Matthew 11:28-29 KJV).

tap

64

Jeremiah 6:16[16] Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

tap

65

Matthew 11:29-30 / Matthew 11:28-29 KJV[29] Then spake Jesus, saying, Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

[30] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

tap

66

67

Sabbath rest involves two stages:• LETTING GO—renouncing our normal routines and work• LETTING BE—"letting ourselves be in that fresh space

in such a way that we realize appreciatively and joyfully our holy connectedness."

(Sabbath Time, Tilden Edwards, Upper Room Books, 2003)

A Greater Rest[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. [So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God (NLT)].

[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

[11] Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief (Hebrews 4:8-11).

tap

68

God's Rest—Book of Mormon Insights1. Did Enos experience God's rest?[5] And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer and supplication, for mine own soul;

[6] And all the day long did I cry unto him; yea, and when the night came, I did still raise my voice high, that it reached the heavens.

[7] And there came a voice unto me saying, Enos, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou shalt be blessed (RLDS Enos 1:5-7 / LDS Enos 1:4-5). …

tap

69

God's Rest—Book of Mormon Insights (continued)… [8] And I, Enos, knew that God could not lie; wherefore, my guilt was swept away.

[9] And I said, Lord, how is it done?

[10] And he said unto me, because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen (RLDS Enos 1:8-10 / LDS Enos 1:6-8).

2. After receiving assurance that the records would be preserved, Enos said his soul did rest.[27] And I, Enos, knew it would be according to the covenant which he had made; wherefore, my soul did rest (RLDS Enos 1:27 / LDS Enos 1:17).

tap

70

God's Rest—Book of Mormon Insights (continued)3. A place of rest was prepared for Enos.[45] And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest:

[46] And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him: then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me, Come unto me ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen (RLDS Enos 1:45-46 / LDS Enos 1:27).

tap

71

God's Rest—Book of Mormon Insights (continued)4. One can enter God's rest through repentance, remission of sin, and obedience to the commandments (RLDS Alma 9:55,61,65 / LDS Alma 12:34,37; 13:3).

5. Many were made pure and entered God's rest; so be humble and repent so you too can enter that rest (RLDS Alma 10:5-6,28-29 / LDS Alma 13:12,28-29).

6. Never weary of good works and be meek and lowly in heart, and find rest to your soul (RLDS Alma 17:67 / LDS Alma 37:34).

tap

72

God's Rest—Book of Mormon Insights (continued)7. "The way is prepared, and if we will look, we may live for ever" (RLDS Alma 17:82 / LDS Alma 37:46).

8. No one can enter into God's rest except those who have washed their garments in the blood of Jesus and have faith, repentance, and faithfulness unto the end (RLDS 3Nephi 12:32 / LDS 3Nephi 27:19).

9. Those who have obtained a sufficient hope can enter into the rest of the Lord (RLDS Moroni 7:3 / LDS Moroni 7:3).

tap

73

RLDS Moroni 7:3 / LDS Moroni 7:3[3] Wherefore I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope, by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth, until ye shall rest with him in heaven.

tap

74

God's Rest—Doctrine & Covenants Insights1. By repentance people may rest in God's kingdom (RLDS D&C 13:3;14:3 / LDS D&C 15:6; 16:6).

2. Those who have sought the Lord early, shall find rest to their souls (RLDS D&C 54:3 / LDS D&C 54:10).

3. Those with an eye single to the Lord's glory that die shall rest from all their labors (RLDS D&C 59:1a / LDS D&C 59:1-2).

tap

75

God's Rest—Doctrine & Covenants Insights (continued)4. The "greater rest" is the fullness of God's glory (RLDS D&C 83:4a-b / LDS D&C 84:23-24).

5. When all things on earth become new and a person dies, they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye and their rest will be glorious (RLDS D&C 98:5e-f / LDS D&C 101:28-31).

tap

76

RLDS D&C 83:4a-b / LDS D&C 84:23-24[4a] Now, this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

[b] but they hardened their hearts, and could not endure his presence, therefore, the Lord, in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them), swore that they should not enter into his rest, while in the wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory.

tap

77

A Pattern of Rest1. Every seventh year the land should rest.[10] And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof;

[11] But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat; and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.

[12] Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest; that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed (Exodus 23:10-11).

tap

78

A Pattern of Rest (continued)2. A thousand years shall the earth rest.[13a] And the Lord said unto Enoch, Then shall you and all your city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom, and they shall see us, and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other,

[13b] and there shall be my abode, and it shall be Zion which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made; and for the space of a thousand years shall the earth rest.

[14a] And it came to pass that Enoch saw the days of the coming of the Son of Man, in the last days, to dwell on the earth in righteousness, for the space of a thousand years (RLDS D&C 36:13a-14a / LDS Moses 7:63-65).

tap

79

The Presence of God

Entry into the "greater rest" is to enter into the presence of God to dwell with him forever.

If we choose to do unnecessary work and pleasure on the Sabbath and choose not to rest, worship, or do well to others, is the "greater rest" that awaits us adversely affected?

tap

80

PART 4REDEMPTION OF MANKIND

tap

81

Moral Likeness"Redemption means the restoration of man into the moral likeness of his maker."

(Belief in Christ, Arthur A. Oakman, Herald Publishing House, 1964, Chapter VII The Religion of Spirit, page 90)

tap

82

God's Hand in all Things[5b] and in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments (RLDS D&C 59:5b / LDS D&C 59:21).

tap

83

The Joy of Redemption[1] Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

[2] Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.

[3] Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

[4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

[5] For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations (Psalm 100:1-5).

tap

84

The Ten CommandmentsWhen God verbally gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, he first reminded them that it was he who brought them out of the house of bondage (Exodus 20:2). These commandments formed the basis of the Law of Moses which became the standard of how God wanted the people to live in order to remain free from bondage.

tap

85

The Ten Commandments (continued)However, the fuller purpose of the law was to be a schoolmaster to direct the people to Christ for salvation through faith (Galatians 3:24; RLDS 2Nephi 8:7-8 / LDS 2Nephi 11:4). After the law was fulfilled by Christ, believers stopped observing the Law of Moses but continued to keep the commandments of Christ (RLDS 4Nephi 1:13 / LDS 4Nephi 1:12). Each of the Ten Commandments are included and expanded upon in Christ's teachings.

tap

86

A Commandment with PurposeThe commandment to keep the Sabbath holy is the fourth of the Ten Commandments. It is the longest of the ten taking 94 words to explain. (The next longest is the second commandment, on graven images, which takes 91 words.)

Consider the third commandment:[7] Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain (Exodus 20:7).

tap

87

A Commandment with Purpose (continued)According to dictionary.com the phrase "in vain" has two meanings.

Secondary: in an improper or irreverent manner (blaspheme).Primary: without effect or avail; to no purpose.

To take the name of the Lord in vain has as much to do with sincerity and obedience to one's participation in the New Covenant through baptism as it does with using his name irreverently.

tap

88


A Commandment with Purpose (continued)Two underlying questions in the third commandment can be stated as "Are you serious?" and "Are you committed to me?" The next commandment God gives is the commandment "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." The Sabbath, therefore, is very important in God's plan of preparing mankind for redemption in Christ. I believe the specific purpose of the fourth commandment is to define God's people and to prepare them for citizenship in his kingdom.

tap

89

Take the Name of Jesus[e] Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness, and as many as repent, and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.

[f] Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved;

[g] wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day; wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father (RLDS D&C 16:4e-g / LDS D&C 18:21-23).

tap

90

The Redemption of MankindThe final events leading to the consummation of the redemption of mankind [sin would no longer separate man from God] occurred before the start of the Sabbath.1. Jesus told the thief, "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise" (Matthew 27:48 / no KJV reference).2. From the 6th to the 9th hour darkness covered all the land (Matthew 27:49 / Matthew 27:45 KJV).3. At the ninth hour Jesus said, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:50 / Matthew 27:46 KJV)4. After partaking of the vinegar Jesus cried in loud voice, "Father, it is finished, thy will is done!" and then gave up the ghost (*Matthew 27:54 / no KJV reference).5. The veil in the temple before the Holy of Holies [the inner sanctuary where God's presence dwelt], rent in two, the earth quaked and rocks rent (*Matthew 27:55 / Matthew 27:51 KJV).(*The Gospel of Luke has these events reversed.)

tap

91

The Redemption of Mankind (continued)Jesus was crucified and his body placed in a tomb on Friday evening before the start of the Sabbath. In observance of the law, the disciples and followers of Jesus rested on the Sabbath. Even the process of anointing Jesus' body with spices and ointments had to wait until the Sabbath was over Luke 23:56-57;24:1 / Luke 23:55-56;24:1 KJV).

tap

92

The Redemption of Mankind (continued)Jesus accomplished the work of eternity by gaining victory over sin and death and opened the door to God's "greater rest".

tap

93

The Redemption of Mankind (continued)Therefore, the Sabbath is a symbol, a type and shadow, which foreshadows the redemption of each person who embraces Christ. This is why God made the Sabbath a sign of his gift of sanctification and a perpetual covenant. The Sabbath's central principle embodies the "greater rest" that awaits God's people—the greater rest made possible by the atonement of Christ. It is a reflection of his love and is a divine gift that should be cherished by his children.

tap

94

Life Out of Death1. Jesus has the power to lay his life down and take it up again. God did not raise Jesus. Jesus had to do it himself by the power God gave him through the Spirit. (John 10:17-18; Romans 8:11). [Jesus stood at the door to Lazarus' tomb and said in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" No one could do that for Jesus (John 11:43).]

2. Christ is risen from the dead, therefore all can be made alive in him (1st Corinthians 15:20-22).

3. Christ's sacrifice made possible a right relationship with God and a new life in righteousness (Romans 5:18-19).

tap

95

Life Out of Death (continued)4. Because Christ died and was raised to life, we can die to our old life and be raised to new life (Romans 6:4).

5. Christ broke the power of death and made life and immortality possible for all (2nd Timothy 1:10).

tap

96

Life and Immortality[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2nd Timothy 1:10).

tap

97

Visits to the House of IsraelThe Lord God visited all of the house of Israel after Jesus' crucifixion. See RLDS 1Nephi 5:240-248 / LDS 1Nephi 19:10-12. Zenos prophesied that some would be visited with tempests, fire, upheavals, and the thundering and lightnings of his power, etc. While others, because of their righteous, he visited by his voice unto their great joy and salvation.

Obedience of the heart and mind and yielding to Christ will bring about righteousness and great joy and salvation.

tap

98

PART 5THE COVENANT

tap

99

The Covenant

tap

The Sabbath—The Powerful, Compelling Covenant of Sanctification

100

The Covenant (continued)

tap

The covenant of the Sabbath is a covenant within a covenant. The commandment to observe the Sabbath is the fourth of the Ten Commandments given by God to the Israelites. The Ten Commandments as a whole is referred to in Deuteronomy 4:13 as "his covenant". However, unique among the Ten Commandments, the fourth is not only a commandment but is also noted in scripture as "a perpetual covenant" as expressed in Exodus 31:16.

101


tap

Why is the commandment on the Sabbath covenant the fourth of the ten commandments and not the fifth, sixth or tenth?

Because God is emphasizing the need to be in a covenant relationship with him while considering the other commandments. By placing this commandment fourth, after the three commandments which put our relationship to God first, God is essentially asking, "Are you dedicated to me and serious about entering my kingdom? If so, observe the Sabbath covenant and prepare to enter my rest."

102


tap

103

His Covenant[12] And the Lord spake unto you out of the midst of the fire; ye heard the voice of the words, but saw no similitude; only ye heard a voice.

[13] 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 (Deuteronomy 4:12-13).


tap

104

Perpetual Covenant[12] And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

[13] Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.

[14] Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you. Every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death; for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people (Exodus 31:12-14). …


tap

105

Perpetual Covenant (continued)… [15] Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.


[17] It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed (Exodus 31:15-17).


tap

What is a covenant?

106

Covenant Definition (dictionary.com)Definition as found in the Bible:1. the conditional promises* made to humanity by God, as revealed in scripture.

2. the agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.

*Some writers refer to both conditional and unconditional covenants. We will examine some conditional covenants which require a correct response from mankind to be successfully fulfilled.

tap

107



A deeper understanding of covenant:

A covenant is a solemn agreement that is the basis of a relationship with God and is shared and experienced with others who have been called together and assembled for a common purpose.

The root is also used for the word convene and is from the Latin "convenire" which means to assemble, to agree.

tap

108



tap

For God's people a covenant is:1. a special agreement with God which relies on trust.2. a greater focus on God.3. the lens to better see God's purposes.4. the domain in which God's purposes are fulfilled.5. the bond that unites the people with God.6. an exchange of obedience for a blessing.7. something to live, not just talk about.8. a call to action.9. an emblem of God's children.10. a sacred promise and a pledge of honor.11. a demonstration of the strength of one's word and integrity.12. vehicle of citizenship in the kingdom of God.

109


tap

The end result of a covenant is a spiritual, sometimes physical, blessing from God to mankind.

A few examples include the remission of sin, the receipt of the Holy Spirit and its accompanying gifts and fruits, sanctification, eternal life, spiritual authority, God's Providence, protection, the fulfillment of temporal needs, and the return of Zion.

110


tap

A covenant gives mankind the experience of reaching through the "veil" and touching something spiritual.

Covenants are the path back to God. They result from the reciprocal expression of love between God and mankind.

A covenant is graciously offered by God and reverently accepted by mankind. It is through covenants we more fully experience God's grace.

111


tap

A covenant is not a one-time event. Once started, nearly all covenants continue indefinitely. A covenant only ends when one party fails to meet their obligations. God will never fail mankind. Only mankind can fail God.

It is because we are mortal and subject to temptations and failures that we need help to live a righteous life. This help comes by way of a strong relationship with Jesus, an active, spiritual church or Body of Christ, and support from one another. Success is achieved by those who have an unwavering determination to serve God and "endure to the end." Covenants provide the framework for success.

112


tap

The purpose of all godly covenants is to work to establish the kingdom of God on earth. (Genesis 7:58-78 / no KJV reference; RLDS 3Nephi 9:57-59 / LDS 3Nephi 20:21-22; RLDS D&C 1:3d / LDS D&C 1:15-16)

All ungodly covenants try to prevent the establishment of God's kingdom.

113


tap

God uses the covenant to recover his people and bring them back to him.

[3e] Thou shalt preach the fullness of my gospel which I have sent forth in these last days; the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel (RLDS D&C 39:3e / LDS D&C 39:11).

114


tap

The five main parts of a conditional covenant:1. Conditions—what God requires the recipient to do2. Sign—a continuous symbol of the covenant that is visible or discernible.3. Blessing—what is promised when the recipient is obedient. Some covenants also specify the consequences of disobedience.4. Sacrifice—what each party to the covenant must be willing to give up to make the covenant successful.5. Entry—how the covenant is entered into.

115


tap

Consider the Everlasting Covenant (with Enoch and Noah):[21] And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant, which I made unto thy father Enoch; that, when men should keep all my commandments, Zion should again come on the earth, the city of Enoch which I have caught up unto myself. [Can this verse be fulfilled by an individual?]

[22] And this is mine everlasting covenant, that when thy posterity shall embrace the truth, and look upward, then shall Zion look downward, and all the heavens shall shake with gladness, and the earth shall tremble with joy;

[23] And the general assembly of the church of the first-born shall come down out of heaven, and possess the earth, and shall have place until the end come. And this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with thy father Enoch (Genesis 9:21-23 / no KJV reference).

116


tap

The Everlasting Covenant:1. Conditions—"keep all my commandments", "thy posterity shall embrace the truth, and look upward".2. Sign—the bow in the cloud.3. Blessing—Zion will come again on the earth, Zion will look downward, heavens shake with gladness, earth tremble with joy, the general assembly of the church of the first-born shall possess the earth until the end comes.4. Sacrifice—God sacrifices himself through his Son to redeem his people. The descendants of Noah must choose God's way instead of the ways of the world, keep the commandments, and embrace the way of truth.5. Entry—Embracing the truth and look upward.

117


tap

Consider the Mosaic Covenant:[3] And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

[4] Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

[5] Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine;

[6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel (Exodus 19:3-6; The Sealed Book of Moses 17:1; Acts of the Three Nephites 6:1,4,5,7).

118


tap

The Mosaic Covenant:1. Conditions—"obey my voice", "keep my covenant".2. Sign—the “tables of stone."3. Blessing—the Israelites will become "a peculiar treasure unto me above all people", "a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation", not in bondage. (A blessing or a curse (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)).4. Sacrifice—God sacrifices himself through his Son to redeem his people. The Israelites sacrifice the pursuit of their own self interests, after lifetimes in bondage, to do God's will. They are to be wise in the use of their newfound freedom.5. Entry—being a Christ-believing member of the house of Israel by birth or adoption.

119


tap

Consider the New Covenant:[22] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and brake it, and blessed it, and gave to his disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you. [23] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. [24] For this is in remembrance of my blood of the new testament [covenant], which is shed for as many as shall believe on my name, for the remission of their sins (Matthew 26:22-24 / Matthew 26:26-28 KJV).

[6] Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).

(The New Covenant was foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-33.)

120


tap

The New Covenant:1. Conditions—"believe on my name". This covenant was initiated by Jesus' baptism of water and Spirit.2. Sign—the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) as received by baptism (especially of the Spirit) and maintained by the Lord's supper.3. Blessing—all those who believe shall receive remission of sin, receipt of the Holy Ghost, and fellowship with the Father.4. Sacrifice—God sacrifices himself through his Son to redeem his people. Those who believe must be baptized and change their lives to follow Jesus and keep the commandments.5. Entry—Faith, repentance, baptism.

121


tap

Consider the Sabbath Covenant:[13] Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.


[17] It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed (Exodus 31:13,16-17).

122


tap

The Sabbath Covenant:1. Conditions—"keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations.” God initiated this covenant on the seventh day of creation when he “rested."2. Sign—creation’s 7th day and the new moon.3. Blessing—the revelation that "ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you" and continued sanctification.4. Sacrifice—God sacrifices himself through his Son to redeem his people. All believers, or children of God, must take one day a week to focus completely on God and his "greater rest.”5. Entry—Observing the first three of the Ten Commandments (with emphasis on #3) is a gate way to the fourth commandment.

123


tap

God Created:Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3).

All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made (John 1:3).

124


tap

God Created (continued): For God hath revealed unto them the invisible things of him, from the creation of the world, which are clearly seen; things which are not seen being understood by the things that are made, through his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse (Romans1:20).

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3). …

125


tap

God Created (continued): But behold, since the elements are arranged by the gifts, which are feelings derived from the name of God in me, they are grouped by the power of faith, which, through command of the word of God, the worlds were created; and so all creation submits to the authority that is in the name of God and of his Only Begotten Son, through the order of his priesthood, for the sake of his own deliverance. The Sealed Book of Moses 14:23

126


tap

The Blessing and the Curse: Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse (Deuteronomy 11:26).

The blessing of Mosaic Law was to form the obedient Israelites into God's holy nation that he could use to bring to pass his purposes on earth. The curse was only to be used in the case of disobedience. Instead of the people becoming a godly nation they would be taken captive and scattered to places only known to God.

127


tap

The Blessing and the Curse (continued): The Sabbath covenant is a part of the Mosaic covenant which is to continue forever. Does it not also contain a blessing and a curse? The blessing being a righteous, sanctified people who are useful to God. The curse being a scattered people held spiritually captive by the indulgences of the world and spiritually powerless to assist in God's great work.

128


tap

The Sabbath and the Everlasting Covenant:Is the keeping of the Sabbath day another commandment that must be kept to allow the fulfillment of the Everlasting Covenant and the return of Zion?

129


tap

The Type and Shadow of Zion:Does the Mosaic law contain a type and shadow of Zion? [15] See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

[16] In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply; and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

[17] But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; (Deuteronomy 30:15-17). …

130


tap

The Type and Shadow of Zion (continued): … [18] I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

[19] I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live;

[20] That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him; for he is thy life, and the length of thy days; that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them (Deuteronomy 30:18-20).

131


tap

Consider the Everlasting Covenant (with Enoch and Noah):[21] And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant, which I made unto thy father Enoch; that, when men should keep all my commandments, Zion should again come on the earth, the city of Enoch which I have caught up unto myself. [Can this verse be fulfilled by an individual?]

[22] And this is mine everlasting covenant, that when thy posterity shall embrace the truth, and look upward, then shall Zion look downward, and all the heavens shall shake with gladness, and the earth shall tremble with joy;

[23] And the general assembly of the church of the first-born shall come down out of heaven, and possess the earth, and shall have place until the end come. And this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with thy father Enoch (Genesis 9:21-23 / no KJV reference).

132


tap

Is baptism a covenant or witness and an entry?

[41] Now I say unto you, If this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you (RLDS Mosiah 9:41 / LDS Mosiah 18:10)?

133


tap

Is baptism a covenant or witness and an entry?

[7b] All those who humble themselves before God and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, [7c] and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, [7d] and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church (RLDS D&C 17:7b-d / LDS D&C 20:37).

134


tap

Baptism, today, is the witness of entering into the New Covenant and the Church. By virtue of Jesus' baptism he received the gift of the Holy Ghost and later initiated the New Covenant. The Holy Ghost received through baptism and maintained through the Lord's Supper then became the sign of the New Covenant.

Before Christ, baptism was in keeping with the commandment to repent as explained in Adam's repentance and baptism (Genesis 6:51-71 / no KJV reference).

135


tap

A covenant involves a change of heart.

[8] And now, because of the covenant which ye have made, ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters: [9] For behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him, and have become his sons and his daughters. [10] And under this head ye are made free; and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. [11] There is no other name given, whereby salvation cometh, therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God, that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives (RLDS Mosiah 3:8-11 / LDS Mosiah 5:7-8).

136


tap

137

Sabbath Covenant

Everlasting Covenant (Covenant to Enoch, Noah)

Covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob

Mosaic Covenant Jesus New Covenant

ZION

ANTIQUITY

TIMING

PART 6BABYLON

tap

138

Babylon

tap

The Doctrine and Covenants contains important insight about the influences of "Babylon" in our day.

139

Babylon

tap

Influences of Babylon:

[3a] Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear; [3b] prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is to come, for the Lord is nigh; and the anger of the Lord is kindled, and his sword is bathed in heaven, and it shall fall upon the inhabitants of the earth; and the arm of the Lord shall be revealed; [3c] and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; (RLDS D&C 1:3a-c / LDS D&C 11-14) …

140

Babylon (continued)

tap

… [3d] for they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, [3e] but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall (RLDS D&C 1:3d-e / LDS D&C 15-16).

Do we as members of Christ's church seek to establish the Lord's righteousness?

141

Babylon

tap

Faith is essential:

[3a] And it shall come to pass, that there shall be a great work in the land, even among the Gentiles, for their folly and their abominations shall be made manifest, in the eyes of all people; [3b] for I am God, and mine arm is not shortened, and I will show miracles, signs and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name. [3c] And whoso shall ask it in my name, in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk: (RLDS D&C 34:3a-c / LDS D&C 35:7-9) …

142

Babylon (continued)

tap

… [3d] and the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; but without faith shall not anything be shown forth except desolations upon Babylon, the same which has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. [3e] And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fullness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation. [4a] Wherefore, I have called upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit; (RLDS D&C 34:3d-4a / LDS D&C 35:10-13).

143

Babylon (continued)

tap

None in Babylon will be spared:

[5a] Behold, now it is called today (until the coming of the Son of Man), and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned (at his coming); for after today cometh the burning: this is speaking after the manner of the Lord; [5b] for verily I say, Tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remaineth in Babylon. Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today (RLDS D&C 64:5a-b / LDS D&C 64:23-25).

144

Babylon (continued)

tap

Babylon is the great persecutor of the church:

[1a] Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servants, concerning the parable of the wheat and of the tares: [1b] Behold, verily I say that the field was the world, and the apostles were the sowers of the seed; [1c] and after they have fallen asleep, the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign; [1d] behold, he soweth the tares, wherefore the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness (RLDS D&C 84:1a-d / LDS D&C 86:1-3).

145

Babylon (continued)

tap

God's people are commanded to "Go ye out from Babylon!"

[2a] Wherefore prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry. [2b] Go ye out from Babylon. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Call your solemn assemblies, and speak often one to another. [2c] And let every man call upon the name of the Lord; yea, verily I say unto you again, The time has come when the voice of the Lord is unto you, Go ye out of Babylon; gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (RLDS D&C 108:2a-c / LDS D&C 133:4-7).

146

Babylon (continued)

tap

Separate yourselves from spiritual Babylon:

[3d] Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him. Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord. [4a] Watch, therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour. Let them, therefore, who are among the Gentiles, flee unto Zion. [4b] And let them who be of Judah, flee unto Jerusalem, unto the mountains of the Lord's house. Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon. [4c] But verily thus saith the Lord, Let not your flight be in haste, but let all things be prepared before you; and he that goeth, let him not look back, lest sudden destruction shall come upon him (RLDS D&C 108:3d-4c / LDS D&C 133:10-15).

147

Babylon (continued)

tap

The Sabbath is a blessings and gift of God to the people of his church. It is an essential element in obtaining and maintaining sanctification and overcoming the influences of the wickedness of our day. It honors God and his purposes for mankind.

[28] In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death (Proverbs 12:28).

148

PART 7CHRISTIAN COVENANTS OF CONDUCT

tap

149

Christian Covenants of Conduct

tap

Obedience to the commandments and covenants causes a synergic relationship to take effect. Consider this revelation directed to Sydney Rigdon.

[6a] Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound, and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble, and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills, and flourish; and Israel shall be saved in mine own due time (RLDS D&C 34:6a / LDS D&C 35:24-25).

150

Christian Covenants of Conduct (continued)

tap

Synergy Definition (dictionary.com)The interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc.

Consider the possibilities of seeing the fulfillment of the Everlasting Covenant in our day when the saints dedicate their lives to obedience to all that God has said including obedience to the New Covenant and the Sabbath Covenant which in turn provides the basis for the fulfillment of the Everlasting Covenant and the return of Zion.

151



tap

The Sabbath provides an opportunity to prepare for the "greater rest" that God's people will one day enjoy. In addition, the covenant has a major role in the sanctification of each person and in helping them to live a strong spiritual life while maintaining a separation with the "world". The Sabbath helps provides the energy for the synergic effect to take place—the added spiritual power that is necessary in the redemption of Zion in our day. Think of the Sabbath as an important part of a person's spiritual preparation for Zion's return.

The next few slides provide a summary of the three major conditional covenants.

152


tap

153

NEW COVENANT

Summary of Conducts

Embrace Jesus,Love God

Love OthersKeep

Commandments

Summary of Blessings

New LifeEternal Life

Duration of Committment

7 Days a Week


tap

154

SABBATH COVENANT

Summary of Conducts

Rest(refrain from unnecessary

work)

Worship(refrain from doing "thy pleasure")

"Do Well"


Revelation that God SanctifiesContinued Sanctification

(Separation from "Babylon")


1 Day a Week—Observe Sabbath7 Days a Week–Receive Blessings


tap

155

EVERLASTING COVENANT

Summary of Conducts

Keep Commandments

Embrace Truth Look Upward


Zionic ConditionsReturn of Zion


7 Days a Week


tap

Zionic conditions and the spiritual condition of the people are closely related:

The work of preparation and the perfection of my Saints go forward slowly, and Zionic conditions are no further away nor any closer than the spiritual condition of my people justifies (RLDS D&C 140:5c / no LDS reference)

156

PART 8THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SABBATH

TO THE LATTER DAY WORK

tap

157

The Sabbath and the Latter Day Work

tap

1. Observance continues to be a covenant and a commandment to obey. (RLDS D&C 59; 68; 119 / LDS D&C 59; 68)

2. Obedience moves us closer to the fulfillment of the Everlasting Covenant.

3. It is essential to continued sanctification.4. It is instrumental in developing a strong and abiding faith.5. Observance keeps our priorities in proper perspective with God's

will.6. It strengthens our appreciation of Creation.7. It demands us to make the tough choices to keep us separated

from "Babylon."8. It fosters Zionic conditions in families and communities.9. It provides spiritual preparation for God's "greater rest" and the

coming forth of Zion.

158

The Sabbath and the Latter Day Work (continued)

tap

When the Sabbath is faithfully observed each week, we honor God by accepting the wisdom of his timing. Now that it is known to us that the Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset and ends on Saturday at sunset we need to consciously keep our appointment with God to enter his spiritual rest. This rest being preparation for the greater rest he has prepared for the faithful. If the blessing of Sabbath observance, of receiving a revelation that it is God who sanctifies his children, is to be realized we must eagerly follow his instructions. God first made man, then the Sabbath for man's benefit. Keep your appointment with God and he will be present in your life throughout the week.

159

The Sabbath and the Latter Day Work (continued)

tap

Man would rather work than rest. He is driven by the desire to achieve and acquire. He begins to think he is responsible for providing for his own needs and seeks to build up his own kingdom, not God's kingdom. If those of the Restoration really want to see God's kingdom, they will be more diligent about following God's plan, including his work-rest cycle. Our souls are at stake. The kingdom awaits.

160

PART 9SABBATH 1, 2, 3s

tap

161

Sabbath 1, 2, 3s

tap

Honoring the Sabbath Covenant requires great determination and diligence but the blessing of continued sanctification far outweighs any inconveniences or sacrifices experienced. I believe obedience to this covenant is necessary to maintain a separation with the world (living in the world, but not of it) and for the fulfillment of the Everlasting Covenant.

The next few slides provide some simple, practical helps and encouragement to those who desire to keep the Sabbath holy.

162

Sabbath 1, 2, 3s (continued)

tap

If you would like a catch phrase to guide your choice of activities for the Sabbath, consider:

"Thee, Not Me"

163

As you focus on God, consider this thought:"God created me and he is willing

and able to sanctify me."


tap

The Sabbath is:1. a faith-building demonstration of trust.2. a once-a-week complete refocusing from self to God.3. a mental shift from the temporal to the spiritual.4. a break from the influences and ties with the world.5. a strengthening of one's relationship with God.

164


tap

1 Day

2 Don'ts

3 Dos

165


tap

The "1"—1 Day a Week:The seventh day of each week is reserved and dedicated to God to honor him and what he has done for us. Consistency is the key to unlocking the benefits of obedience to the covenant. The Sabbath is to be observed on God's timing, not ours. Following his commandment is a demonstration of trust that he knows what is best for us.

166


tap

The "2"—2 Don'ts: No Work, No PleasureWe are given two main instructions to follow to allow the focusing on God to be perfected. We are to eliminate unnecessary work and activities of personal pleasure which are not God-centered. We cannot continue to do work which is not essential or pursue our own pleasure and also focus completely on God. Sometimes we all are required to work on the Sabbath or meet the needs of our family for support and fellowship. But, a balance needs to be found between focusing on our needs and wants and enjoying meaningful time with God. …

167


tap

The "2"—2 Don'ts: No Work, No Pleasure (continued)… No unnecessary work and pleasure on the Sabbath means we need to only commit to the amount of work, chores, duties, associations, activities and responsibilities that we can reasonably accomplish in six days a week. We need to organize our lives so the Sabbath is clear of "clutter" from our daily lives. In the creation, God worked for six days and rested on the seventh day. God expects us to do so too.

168


tap

The "3"—3 Dos: Rest, Worship, Do WellOn the Sabbath, God said "he rested, and was refreshed." We also need to rest, both physically and spiritually, so we are refreshed too. We are also to come together as the body of Christ for personal and corporate worship. And Jesus said he was "Lord also of the Sabbath" and explained that to "do well" for others on the Sabbath was completely acceptable. The dos are intended to bring God's people to an understanding of the "greater rest" that awaits his people. I believe each of the dos should be done on the Sabbath, while maintaining a balance between them, so we can experience the blessing of God's special day.

169


tap

The Blessing—Knowledge that sanctification comes from God:When God said, "ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you," I believe he promised the obedient a personal revelation. God wants each of us to know and understand where sanctification comes from and that it is essential in our preparation for citizenship in his kingdom. This knowledge is intended to encourage us to do what is necessary to maintain our sanctification. The Sabbath is an important part of that process. …

170


tap

The Blessing—Knowledge that sanctification comes from God (continued):… Experiencing the gift of revelation is no small thing. Revelation brings assurance and knowledge that God is and is able to accomplish his purposes of the redemption of mankind. Revelation is the rock that forms the foundation of the Christ's church. Without revelation, his church could not exist. …

171


tap

The Blessing (continued):[16] He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? [17] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. [18] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed this unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven. [19] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [20] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:16-20 / Matthew 16:15-19 KJV).

172


tap

The Gift—Refreshed:Referring to God, Moses wrote, "on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed." Being refreshed should accompany our observance of the Sabbath. It is a day of rest and a time to be refreshed physically and spiritually.

173


tap

1 Day—1 Day a Week

2 Don'ts—No Work, No Pleasure

3 Dos—Rest, Worship, Do Well

174


tap

Jesus has a heavenly place prepared for you and me.To confirm your reservation,

call Sabbath 1, 2, 3!

175

PART 10TWO HOUSES

tap

176

Two Houses

tap

Consider Two Houses

177

Two Houses (continued)

taptap

like gold, yellow like jasper, often redsparkles in the light always filled with light

taptaptaptap

large and spacious many roomsdescribed as a mansiondescribed as great

taptaptaptap

move in now needs a reservation

taptap

requires commitmentno contract

taptaptaptap

high price later high price has been paid

ETERNAL LIFEPRIDE OF THE WORLDtaptaptap

178


tap

SINAND

DEATH

ETERNAL LIFEPRIDE OF THE WORLD

WAYOF

CHRIST

179


tap

LIE


TRUTH

180


tap

WORLDLYWAYS


UNSPOTTEDFROMTHE

WORLD

181

The House That Christ Bought

tapETERNAL LIFE

THE SABBATHIS IMPORTANTIN STAYINGUNSPOTTEDFROM THEWORLD

182

The Bride

tap

[9] And there came unto me one of the seven angels … saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. [10] And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, [11] Having the glory of God; and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal (Revelation 21:9-11).

183

PART 11CONCLUSION

tap

184

Jesus Christ is Lord of the Sabbath

tap

Observing the Sabbathrequires Christ-centered choices.

Each person must decide which activities are Christ/God-focused.

Activities must honor Godand promote God's rest.

185

Affirmation

tap

Observing the Sabbath affirms that God is the center of all creation. An easy life tends to make people self-centered. Trials can be

viewed as a blessing to keep us God-focused. But, I believe with proper Sabbath observance, our trials will diminish while we affirm that God is the center and source of

all good things.

186

A Word of Caution

tap

[14] … they [people of the church] began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure. [15] And thus in this eighth year of the reign of the Judges, there began to be great contentions among the people of the church (RLDS Alma 2:14-15 / LDS Alma 4:8-9).

187

A Time for Every Purpose

tap

[1] To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Six days for man to work,one day to rest in God(and necessary work).

188

Do Your Best

tap

Remembering the Sabbath to keep it holy is a walk of faith. It requires a

firm and consistent commitment. Questions may arise.

But do the best you know how until you know better.

189

Compelled to Work

tap

The Lord may be more worried about the person who chooses to do work on

the Sabbath than with the person who is compelled to work by those

who have authority over them.

190

A Special Day

tap

If you are required to work on the Sabbath, you can still do many things

to make the day a special day of worship and rest, different from the

other six days of the week.

Be diligent and God will help you.

191

God Looks at the Heart

tap

[7] …for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart (1st Samuel 16:7).

192

Keep the Sabbath Holy

tap

[8] Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8).

193

Keep the Sabbath Holy (continued)

tap

Holy:1. specially recognized as, or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated.

2. dedicated or devoted to the service of God, the church, or religion.

194


tap

Holy:3. saintly; godly; pious; devout.

4. having a spiritually pure quality.

(dictionary.com)

195


tap

How does one know if they kept the Sabbath day holy?

The answer may be found in the prayers of blessing for the

emblems for the Lord's Supper.

196


tap

[4] …they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen (RLDS Moroni 4:4 / LDS Moroni 4:3). …

197

The Gift of Revelation

tap

… Additionally, each person should experience the added blessing of knowing, by revelation through the Holy Ghost, that it is God who sanctifies them.

198

Celebrate the Sabbath

tap

CELEBRATE THE SABBATH

EXPERIENCE THE GIFT,OBTAIN THE BLESSING

199

GROW IN FAITH

A Day to Rest and Glorify God

tap

[25] And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, … [26] Wherefore the Sabbath was given unto man for a day of rest; and also that man should glorify God, … (Mark 2:25-26 / Mark 2:27-28 KJV).

200

We Need Each Other

tap

Because the commandment to remember the Lord's Sabbath, to keep it holy, is also a covenant, we need one another working together to fulfill this commandment. Observing the Sabbath together is a Zionic endeavor.

201

PART 12THE SEALED BOOK OF MORMON

tap

202

Acts of the Three Nephites Chapter 12

tap

1 In concluding these few words that summarize the statute of the Church of Christ in regard to the administration of the law of consecration among its members, I wish to relate a few words by Jesus Christ when He commanded them to be written, to be revealed as new scriptures, according to the time and will of God to the Gentiles in the last days (1). It was on this occasion that my father, Nephi, brought to him all the records of our people (2).(1) RLDS 3Nephi 10:30-33 / LDS 3Nephi 23:4-6 | (2) RLDS 3Nephi 10:35 / LDS 3Nephi 23:8

�203


tap

2 Then it came to pass that Jesus went on to explain all the words that were written in these records to His disciples in particular (1) and commanded my father Nephi to take note of his words to summarize in one single record all things. For behold, their reduced interpretation as regards these records prefigures [foreshadow] the covenant people in the last days, when then these prophetic expressions of Jesus are to be revealed to the ranks of faithful men and women who are to compose this United Order to effect the redemption of Zion.(1) RLDS 3Nephi 11:1 / LDS 3Nephi 23:14

�204


tap

3 They will then be eager for the knowledge of these ancient records, written by the Prophets of God in the past, and preserved for a wise purpose in the future, and that, united in one, they will give the elect people in the fulness of times a clear understanding of the way in which we, the Nephites, instituted among our people the Order of Enoch, in the days when we live in peace and harmony among the brethren.

�205


tap

4 May the truths written here by my father Nephi destroy the walls that have always divided society at large and reach out to the poor and the ignorant, making them a wise and learned people in the last days, for how much the rich and the intellectuals among you become the columns of support for the progression of these who will come to the Church of Christ in the last days because of these records, which in turn, will also be preached among all nations, peoples, and languages and make them known among the chosen of the Lord in the fullness of times.

�206


tap

5 Then Jesus said, as He gazed slightly upon the book of Mosiah: "O elect generation, that shall dwell in the limit of the times appointed by My Father, to whom these words shall be trusted, when then it is time to recover My people who are a remnant of the house of Israel, for the last times".

�207


tap

6 Remember the precedents among you, yea, of the days of King Benjamin, that he caused his children to be instructed, that they might become men of understanding, and that they might know of the prophecies which were made by their fathers for the purpose to lead their own children on the path of understanding, and having with them these same directives which King Benjamin had with his little ones.

�208


tap

7 First of all, you should teach your children, just as King Benjamin did with his own children, that these records that now come to you contain the commandments and guidelines necessary for the building of Zion in relation to the last days, and that if it were not because of these plates, which were once sealed, guarded and preserved by My own hand for a wise purpose to be unveiled only in the final part of the fullness of times, then the people of the covenant in the latter days, would remain in ignorance in what it says in respect to the United Order of Enoch.

�209


tap

8 Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that if it were not because of these things which were kept and preserved by the hand of the Only Begotten of the Father; yea, I, Jesus Christ, who speaks with you that ye might be able to read and understand the mysteries of God, and have these commandments again before their eyes, then the very fathers, in the fullness of times, would degenerate and they would fall in unbelief, even before their children reached maturity and could never be taught in relation to the things written in this record.

�210


tap

9 But behold, my Father, being the same yesterday, today, and forever, was condescending [acquiescent or willing] before the foundation of the world to reveal these things in due time, when it was expedient, that their children might not remain lost in the darkness, but become clear in His ways, when these words are revealed to them.

�211


tap

10 But behold, you are bound as children of the covenant, to live according to all the precepts outlined in this record, dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the wisdom revealed in your words, and, above all, engaged in the spread of these of good feelings among your brethren who will be in apostasy in the last days, as it was in the days of the iniquitous king Noah and his priestly class, composed of devout followers, as might be expected of a people blinded by the cunning of the devil, because of the precepts of men and priestly wiles among their leaders, whose priesthood of the Son of God will no longer be active among them, just as He was not active among the covenant people in the days of Alma, when he walked secretly among the people corrupted of the Church of his days and began to teach the words of Abinadi.

�212


tap

11 Yea, Alma was eager to teach all who wished to hear his words, and instructed them secretly, visiting them in their homes, and marking public meetings between the stops of Mormon and baptizing them in their waters in order to live the same principles of the United Order which is now proposed to you, so as to ease the burdens of one another, to weep with those who weep, and to comfort those in need and to be witnesses of these things from God at all times, in wherever you stand, even in front of death, so that you may be found worthy to be numbered among the family of God, and correspond to the pride [good pride] you must have when you take My name upon you, becoming My authorized representative among men in the flesh.

�213


tap

12 Only in this way can it be recognized by My Father as the true Church established by His Only Begotten Son among men on earth, yea, in the days when I visit them in My temple and again, rename those who repent and come to Me (1), as being the “Church of Christ”. (1) RLDS D&C 3:16a / LDS D&C 10:67

�214


tap

13 Until this day comes, you resume upon you the name that will given by revelation in the introduction of the fullness of times, so that you may be known among the saints which will be scattered throughout, by the name that will be known as My Church in the last days (1). (1) RLDS - Revelation on building up Far West (RCH 2:151-152) / LDS D&C 115:3

Revelation, given at Far West, April 26,1838: “…unto all the elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, scattered abroad in all the world; for thus shall my church be called in the last days, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints…”

�215


tap

14 For how much, many Churches of Christ (1) will be established by My servants in every corner of the earth, but woe to him who changes the name that will be revealed (2) by Me the Lord. Be it in small things, in the suppression or addition of My word, or in a point of My doctrine, just as I am going to make known at the threshold of the fulness of times. — For it is necessary that every tittle or jot of My revelations be restored to their proper place by My church in the last days until all is fulfilled.(1) RLDS D&C 98:9d-10c / LDS D&C 101:67,75 | (2) RLDS Mosiah 1:17-18 / LDS Mosiah 1:11-12

�216


tap

15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, who dare to change one of these points for Me revealed in the last days, shall be considered as transgressors of My doctrine, as it is written in the book of Mosiah; and if the true Name for Me revealed is altered, even that in the little things I reported, it is because my own doctrine has been altered in their hearts (1), and when this happens, amen to the churches that once were faithful to Me, Jesus Christ.(1) RLDS Mosiah 3:14 / LDS Mosiah 5:11

�217


tap

16 Not at all, they will not be entirely abandoned, but it will serve My interests until I, Jesus Christ, recover what is Mine and restore their inheritance and My name among the people that I will establish in the land that I have appointed them, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, from the beginning of times.

�218


tap

17 These, therefore, shall be placed in My left hand (1), until God deems it expedient, in due time, to bring them back into their true fold, and to lead them again into His right hand, by observing my commandments, as revealed in these My words, when at last these records are revealed among the covenant people in the last days.(1) RLDS Mosiah 3:16-17 / LDS Mosiah 5:12-13

�219


tap

18 Behold, a great deal has already been written by your ancestors concerning the authority that should rule My Church on earth, just as you can inquire into the record of Mosiah on Alma, for having received authority from God, he ordained priests, and organized the Church of Christ in his days according to the ancient Order of my Gospel and commanded that they should teach only the things which he himself taught, which were in accordance with the teachings of the holy prophets of the past up to his days, without ever changing what was written earlier.

�220


tap

19 So he told them to preach nothing but repentance and faith in the Lord, lest the confusion of the people of his day be increased further, so it will also occur at the end of times, because of the many interpretations that were and will be rooted in My gospel by the precepts of men, thus stifling My sound doctrine.

�221


tap

20 He also commanded them not to contend among themselves, but to look forward with a single purpose, having one faith and one baptism, done under the proper authority that is in the priesthood, and having hearts intertwined in unity and love one to with others, so as to become legitimate heirs of the Kingdom, and they become children of God.

�222


tap

21 And Alma wisely commanded them to observe the Sabbath day, and to sanctify it, which for the people of the church in the days of Alma was but an act of observing their laws, yea, the laws of Moses. But as regards the last days, as sure as I live, behold, I say unto you, that the forces of the enemy will be manipulating the people of the Lord when these words come unto them, because they no longer observe this commandment in the ambience [character and atmosphere] of their worship.

�223


tap

22 The learned scholars of the law among My people in the last days will be accustomed to look at the Sabbath with contempt, ignoring the fact of what was written by the prophets of the past. And, behold, a genuine repentance will be necessary among the elect of the fulness of times for having in too much profaned the Lord's day.

�224


tap

23 And they will be similar to careless builders, who will begin to erect a temple for Me, the Lord, without regard to the solid foundations by which it must remain unchanged, just as it is the commandment to observe the seventh day.

�225


tap

24 O people of My church, ye with whom My name shall be lifted up, yea, as a standard among the nations in the fulness of times, once and for all, you should understand that the relationship between the seventh day and the people of God is at the core of the whole truth of My gospel from before the foundation of the world until its end, and that it is perpetually intertwined with the sacrament of holy supper that I instituted among My apostles before I left Jerusalem.

�226


tap

25 Except in new moon, for how much the sacrament is to be offered at the end of the day, when the first moon appears in the heaven of every month, every month of the year, on any day of the week, as a special day of adoration (1); …(1) Ezekiel 46:1-8 |

�227


tap

25 … yea, on this day My people will hold a special banquet (2); in regard to the newly baptized members of My Church, so that, they can for the first time share My body which has been given for the benefit of their sins in the flesh and of My blood for the sake of an everlasting life, just as it was done among My disciples and the Nephite people, …(2) 1Samuel 20:5,18,24,27,34

�228


tap

25 … so that on this new moon day you must be filled by the Holy Spirit in a true spiritual banquet (3) in honor of those who repent and are baptized in My name (4).(3) RLDS 3Nephi 8:31,38 / LDS 3Nephi 18:4,9 | (4) RLDS 3Nephi 8:38-43 / LDS 3Nephi 18:9-12

�229


tap

26 For as, the first moon, they shine for the first time among My people on earth, for how much My angels celebrate with this first communion between them and the heavens, among whom many hear their songs of praise in the land.

�230


tap

27 Behold, it is on the seventh day, which was sanctified by My Father, that should introduce yourself as people before God, and offer unto Him your sacraments, just as they are revealed in the holy scriptures, in righteousness of heart and a contrite spirit (1); so that you may keep yourselves clean from one Sabbath to another, and as Alma has asserted among you, may render thanks to the Lord your God every day. (1) RLDS D&C 59:2e-f / LDS D&C 59:8-9

�231


tap

28 These, therefore, are two indivisible signs of My priesthood, which in all ages Satan has annulled for the purpose of inhibiting the full force of My power among My people, for it is in the observance of the Sabbath law and the correct practice of the sacramental ordinance that manifests the power of divinity among the sons of men in the flesh (1), and if these are not observed exactly as stipulated by Me and My Father, even before the foundation of the World, to be the same from everlasting to everlasting (2), without that there be change in any letter or point of My doctrine, just as the eternal priesthood, which is without beginning or end of days, can not be altered, so it is with the My words which I have commanded you.(1) RLDS D&C 83:3c / LDS 84:20-21 | (2) Psalm 90:2

�232


tap

29 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, O ye elect people in the fulness of times, even as I say to these My Nephite disciples, that you will examine these things; and I say unto you also, and verily I command you that ye should search these things diligently according to the words of Isaiah. For he not only spoke all things concerning the people of Israel, but also made an account of the things that are to be restored among the Gentiles in regard to the fulness of times, that from one new moon to another and from one sabbath to another shall all flesh come to worship before Me, the Lord (1).(1) Isaiah 66:23

�233


tap

30 And all the things that Isaiah said were and will be fulfilled according to the things that he wrote. Therefore hearken thou to My words; and that My disciple, Nephi, write the things which I have spoken unto you concerning My people in the latter days; and according to the time and the will of the Father, these things will come to your knowledge.

�234


tap

31 And whosoever shall hearken unto these words of mine and repent and be baptized shall be saved. Therefore examine what the prophets concerning the Sabbath have said, for many bear witness to these things, as Isaiah testified, when he spoke of the full restoration of the observance in the dispensation of the fulness of times, when saying: Thus saith Jehovah: "Take heed to judgment, and do that which is just, for, behold, my salvation is about to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that shall keep to this commandment – “To keep the Sabbath, and not to profane it (1)“. (1) Isaiah 56:1-2

�235


tap

32 These words, therefore, apply to the Gentiles in the last days. Yea, to whom this record is to be revealed in the fulness of times, to redeem My people, which is a remnant of Jacob, as Isaiah foretold when he wrote: "Thus saith the Lord GOD, which gathereth the dispersed of Israel, and lo, I will yet gather others unto him (1).” (1) Isaiah 56:8

�236


tap

33 Therefore, I preserve this doctrine and preserve it by My own hand to be restored in the last days for the purpose of fulfilling the words of Isaiah concerning the day on which I, Jesus Christ, will definitely seal the law and the testimony through these ancient Records for the restoration of this important commandment among My disciples that I will gather with the house of Jacob (1).(1) Isaiah 8:16-18

�237


tap

34 And once again I will recite to you the words of Isaiah concerning this people who await Me in the fullness of times: "And they that shall proceed from thee shall build the ancient ruins; and thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called the repairer of the breach, and restorer of the ways of our inheritance.”

�238


tap

35 If therefore thou turn aside thy foot from profaning the Sabbath, and to take care of thy own interests on My holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delightful and holy day of the Lord, honorable, and honor it not by following your own ways and not intending to do your own will or speaking empty words on this day, then you will delight in the Lord your God.

�239


tap

36 And I myself will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth of your inheritance, and I will uphold thee as the heirs of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath said, that ye are a remnant of his seed (1). (1) Isaiah 58:12-14

�240


tap

1 Therefore, Alma also commanded that the priests whom he had ordained should work with their own hands for their sustenance, except the evangelists, establishing themselves among them one day of each week, besides the Sabbath, in which they were to meet to teach the people and worship the Lord their God; and should they also meet as often as possible.

�241

Acts of the Three Nephites

tap

End of references to Sabbath

�242

PART 13APPENDIX–UNCONDITIONAL COVENANTS

tap

243


tap

Consider the Abrahamic Covenant:[1] Now, the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee; [2] And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing; and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee shall the families of the earth be blessed (Genesis12:1-2 / Genesis 12:1-3 KJV).

[8] But as for thee, behold, I will make my covenant with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations (Genesis 17:8 / Genesis 17:4 KJV).

�244


tap

The Abrahamic Covenant:1. Conditions—unconditional.

2. Sign—circumcision (Genesis 17:11-20 / Genesis 17:10-14 KJV).

3. Blessing—the promise of land for an inheritance, the promise of descendants, the promise of blessings, the promise of many nations.

245


tap

Consider the Jacobic Covenant:[13] And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac; the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; [14] And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth; and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south; and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 28:13-14).

246


tap

Consider the Jacobic Covenant (continued)[107] And as surely as the Lord liveth will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth, all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth; [108] And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even so shall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob, be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with them; [109] And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth, unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed: yea, as the Lord liveth, so shall it be. Amen (RLDS 3Nephi 2:107-109 / LDS 3Nephi 5:24-26).

247


tap

Consider the Jacobic Covenant (continued)[57] And it shall come to pass that I will establish my people, O house of Israel. [58] And behold, this people will I establish in this land, unto the fulfilling of the covenant which I made with your father Jacob; and it shall be a new Jerusalem (RLDS 3Nephi 9:57-58 / LDS 3Nephi 20:21-22).

[8] Wherefore the remnant of the house of Joseph shall be built up upon this land; and it shall be a land of their inheritance; and they shall build up a holy city unto the Lord, like unto the Jerusalem of old; and they shall no more be confounded, until the end come, when the earth shall pass away (RLDS Ether 6:8 / LDS Ether 13:8).

248


tap

The Jacobic Covenant:1. Conditions—unconditional.

2. Sign—scattering and gathering of the house of Israel (RLDS 3Nephi 9:86-88 / LDS 3Nephi 21:1-2).

3. Blessing—the promises to Abraham are confirmed to Jacob, the promise of gathering, the promise of restored knowledge, the promise of the New Jerusalem.

249

Amen

tap

250

The Lord’s Sabbath · sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath...

Documents

Transcript of The Lord’s Sabbath · sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord; whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath...