Why Do Seventh Day Adventists Believe Saturday Is the Sabbath?
The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church is a Protestant denomination that holds a unique belief regarding the observance of the Sabbath. Central to their faith is the belief that Saturday, rather than Sunday, is the true Sabbath day. This distinctive stance raises the question: why do Seventh Day Adventists believe Saturday is the Sabbath? This article explores the historical, biblical, and theological foundations of this belief.
Historical Foundations
The practice of observing the Sabbath on Saturday has deep historical roots. It can be traced back to the creation story in the book of Genesis, where God is said to have rested on the seventh day after creating the world. This tradition was continued by the Israelites, who were commanded by God to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. The Old Testament is replete with laws and regulations regarding the Sabbath, emphasizing its importance in the Jewish faith.
The SDA Church, founded in the 19th century, adopted the belief in the Saturday Sabbath from its Jewish roots. The movement’s founder, Ellen G. White, was influenced by the Sabbath-keeping practices of her parents, who were Seventh Day Baptists. The SDA Church sees itself as a continuation of the biblical and apostolic faith, and thus, the observance of the Saturday Sabbath is an integral part of their tradition.
Biblical Foundations
Seventh Day Adventists base their belief in the Saturday Sabbath on several biblical passages. They argue that the Sabbath was established by God as a permanent commandment for all people, as evidenced in Exodus 20:8-11:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”
Seventh Day Adventists interpret this passage as a commandment that applies to all people, regardless of their faith or background. They believe that the Sabbath is a gift from God, intended to bring spiritual and physical rest, as well as an opportunity for worship and reflection.
Theological Foundations
Theological reasons also underpin the SDA Church’s belief in the Saturday Sabbath. Adventists see the Sabbath as a symbol of God’s grace and love, as well as a means of demonstrating their obedience to God’s commandments. They argue that observing the Sabbath is a way to show gratitude for God’s creation and to maintain a healthy balance between work and rest.
Furthermore, Adventists believe that the Sabbath is a testament to their faith in the sanctity of human life. By setting aside one day a week for rest and worship, they emphasize the importance of spiritual growth and the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Seventh Day Adventists believe Saturday is the Sabbath for several reasons: historical, biblical, and theological. Their faith in this practice is rooted in the belief that it is a commandment from God, a symbol of grace and love, and a means of maintaining a balanced and healthy life. The Saturday Sabbath remains a central tenet of the SDA Church, guiding the lives of its followers and shaping their worship and community life.
