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All trinity studies Previous Download Next Is Jesus Honoured Equal to His Father IS JESUS HONOURED EQUAL TO HIS FATHER? (Philippians 2:6) "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be EQUAL WITH GOD" (John 5:21-23) For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so ALSO the Son gives life to whom he will. The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, JUST AS they honor the Father. Whoever DOES NOT honor the Son DOES NOT honor the Father who sent Him. (Matthew 11:27) ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN HANDED TO ME BY MY FATHER, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. (Matthew 28:18) "And Jesus came and said to them, “All AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME." (Luke 10:22) "ALL THINGS have been HANDED OVER TO ME BY MY FATHER, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (John 3:35) The Father loves the Son and has GIVEN ALL THINGS INTO HIS HAND". (John 16:15) "ALL THINGS that the Father has ARE MINE: therefore said I, that He shall take of mine, and shall show it to you." (John 17:10) All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine; and in them I have been glorified. (John 13:3) Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, (Ephesians 1:20-23) that He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his Right Hand in the Heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

All trinity studies Previous Download Next How Many Divine Beings Are There According to Bible and SOP How many divine beings are there according to the Bible and Ellen White’s published writings? “Christ the Word, the Only Begotten of God, was one with the eternal Father,--one in nature, in character, and in purpose,--the only being in all the universe that could enter into all the counsels and purposes of God.” {E. G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 493} That plainly tells us that there is no other being besides Christ who enters into the counsels of God. No other being in all the universe! That makes two beings only. The Holy Spirit cannot be a being, for that would mean it cannot enter into all the counsels of God! But we knew that for the Bible made it clear long ago (Zechariah 6:12, 13). Sister White never mentions another being besides Christ who is allowed into counsel with God. How can this be if she really was a Trinitarian, as some claim on her behalf? Where is “God the Holy Spirit”? The only other being in the universe who wanted to enter into counsel with God and His Son was a proud angel by the name of Lucifer. It was he who wanted the heavenly counsel to include a third member! Let the readers read the first chapter of Patriarchs and Prophets and see if this is true or not. But there is more: “The only being who was one with God lived the law in humanity, descended to the lowly life of a common laborer, and toiled at the carpenter's bench with his earthly parent.” {E. G. White, Signs of the Times, October 14, 1897 par. 3} Here she clearly and plainly says Christ is the only being who is one with God. There is no mention of anyone else being “one” with God besides Christ. That is only two beings. Just in case someone may use the strange notion of “just because God the Holy Spirit is not mentioned does not mean he is not there!” we again emphasize the word ONLY. When using that word Mrs. White is excluding any other options or possibilities. It is impossible for her to say "only" and then elsewhere contradict it. Again, the same plain language and testimony is used in the following quote: “The Father and the Son alone are to be exalted.” {E. G. White, The Youth’s Instructor, July 7, 1898 par. 2} The above statement alone should be sufficient to abolish every theory of a trinity. Honestly, how could Ellen White (if she was really a Trinitarian) make a statement like that? Let us ask again the oft repeated question: where is ‘God the Holy Spirit’? If the Father and the Son alone are to be exalted, then what are we to do with ‘God the Holy Spirit’? Surely we say aright, the servant of the Lord was not a believer in that doctrine which is espoused by the mother of all harlots, neither in any of its varied and multitudinous forms. Let us look at further evidence that will confirm the above. We are counseled to go by the “weight of evidence” (DA 458) and not just by one or two statements. Let each reader consider the question: who is the third highest being in heaven? This is an important question to answer in light of the “three holiest beings” statement. We shall not attempt any guess-work in seeking an answer to this question. In the published writings we are plainly given the answer: "Drawing aside the veil which conceals the glory of God, it shows Him in His place, high and holy, and lifted up, not in a state of solitude, but surrounded by ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of holy, happy beings, every one waiting to bear the message, to do His bidding--all heaven is in active communication with every part of the universe through a variety of channels, and that holy One is actually stooping, bending from His throne, listening to every sound uttered, observing the movements of every earthly power. It is the highest Being condescending to the lowliest, approving or condemning every action which is developed.” {UL 23.3} “God is a moral governor as well as a Father. He is the Lawgiver.” {12MR 208} “The Son of God was next in authority to the great Lawgiver.” {2SP 9} “The only being who was one with God lived the law in humanity, descended to the lowly life of a common laborer, and toiled at the carpenter's bench with his earthly parent.” {ST, October 14, 1897 par. 3} “The Lord has shown me that Satan was once an honored angel in heaven, next to Jesus Christ.” {1SG 17} “Speaking of Satan, our Lord says that "he abode not in the truth." He was once the covering cherub, glorious in beauty and holiness. He was next to Christ in exaltation and character.” {RH, October 22, 1895 par. 1} “Satan in Heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God's dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in his countenance, and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels; yet Jesus, God's dear Son, had the pre-eminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Satan was envious of Christ, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Christ alone.” {1SP 17.1} “Was not Satan the light-bearer, the sharer of God's glory in heaven, and next to Jesus in power and majesty?” {RH, November 17, 1891 par. 3} “Sin originated with him, who, next to Christ, stood highest in the favor of God, and highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of Heaven. Before his fall, Lucifer was the covering cherub, holy and undefiled.” {4SP 316} "Christ's humiliation is not understood and not appreciated. Forty days and nights Jesus was subjected to the temptations of the enemy--the one who was once an angel next to Christ in majesty and glory in the heavenly courts. It is stated, Thou wast exalted because of thy beauty, et cetera. But he wanted to have the place of Christ, and Christ was one with the Infinite God; and because this was not accorded him, he became jealous, and he was the originator of sin.” {16MR 180.1} Let us illustrate our findings so far: God the Father – The highest Being and the great Lawgiver. The Son of God – Next in authority, the only being who was one with God. Lucifer – The third highest being, next to Christ in power, majesty, exaltation, character, honor, and glory. The above clear descriptions leave no room for a third divine being. It is overwhelmingly apparent that the third highest position in heaven was occupied by a created being. Even after the fall of Lucifer, the third highest being is identified for us: “It was Gabriel, the angel next in rank to the Son of God, who came with the divine message to Daniel.” {DA 234} From the above plain testimonies we learn that the third highest position in heaven has ever been occupied by a created being, both before and after the fall of Lucifer. This should be plain to any clear thinking individual. This weight of evidence cannot be set aside lightly. To insist otherwise based on just one reported statement can only betray a stubborn desire to maintain a groundless theory. These plain statements are from her published works, they are not statements that were produced long after she died. These are authentic statements that she reviewed and checked and that the whole church at the time subscribed to. On the other hand, statements that only make an appearance posthumously and which clearly contradict the authentic writings must be closely examined and studied and checked against the published writings. This is the only safe way to arrive at the truth. We cannot just grab one statement because we like what it says and ignore her published writings which she tells us are the most authentic and accurate report of her beliefs and teachings. Let those who desire to obey the prophet heed this counsel is our prayer. Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

Back to Contents Previous Download 看中文 Next The Top Fifteen Excuses Used to Avoid the Sabbath(Part 2) Was the Sabbath abolished? Many Christians believe that Colossians 2:16, Galatians 4:10 and Romans 14:5 are referring to the Seventh day Sabbath and even some believe that Colossians 2:16 refers to the Ten Commandments rather than the referenced ceremonial law. Before continuing with these three very misunderstood verses, let’s give a quick explanation on how the Ten Commandments and the Ceremonial law relate to each other. If a man sinned, he broke LAW No. 1 - the moral law of the Ten Commandments. So then he brought his offering, according to LAW No. 2 - the law of sacrifices, and he received forgiveness. LAW No. 1 defines sin, for sin is the transgression of the moral law. (1 John 3:4) LAW No. 2 defined sacrifices, the Ceremonial law which was the remedy for sin. When the Israelite sinned, he broke the first law. To secure forgiveness he had to obey the second law. So here are two very distinct laws. This is the biggest area of confusion when it comes to concluding the Sabbath or Ten Commandments were abolished. Law No. 2 was ONLY for the Children of Israel and Jews until the cross while Law No. 1 is eternal and for EVERYONE. Colossians 2:16 reads, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat (offering), or in drink (offering), or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days:” and so the argument is the fourth Commandment was deleted from stone. What was done away with here was called the ordinances (Ceremonial Law). This is seen by noting what Paul said two verses earlier. Colossians 2:14 states, “blotting out the handwriting (Moses) of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross.” Paul then goes on to say, so “Let no man therefore judge you…of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days:” Luke 1:6 KJV shows that the ordinances and the Commandments are two totally different things. It states, “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the Commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” And Hebrews 9:1 explains that the ordinances of this ceremonial sanctuary system are now gone leaving only the Ten Commandments, “Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.” It was the ordinances that were nailed to the cross, “not one jot or one tittle” of the law. The main differences between the Commandments and the ordinances are that the Commandments were written by God’s finger, written in stone, placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, are love, eternal, for everyone and it is sin to break them. The ordinances were in Moses’ handwriting, written in a book, placed on the outside of the Ark of the Covenant, are not love, not eternal and were only for the Jews and practised because of sin. The One great and perfect Sacrifice was offered that Friday afternoon, when the true Passover Lamb bowed His head and died. When He cried out, “It is finished”, the old ceremonial law that pointed the people to His sacrificial death was nailed to the cross. Note how every part of these verses in Colossians 2:14-17 refers to the ceremonial law. Unfortunately, most modern Bible translations have translated the phrase meat or in drink in verse sixteen incorrectly. The King James Bible is one of the few translations that has translated these words correctly and is therefore recommended in these studies. So much gets lost at times when translators don’t have a good understanding of Jewish culture and terminology. To be referring to clean or unclean foods here would be totally out of context for the passage but when it is kept in context, every single point here refers to the various feast days that belonged to the sacrificial sanctuary system. Further clarification is found in the book of Hebrews which is believed by most to be written by Paul. You will note that the context of this passage is undoubtedly the sanctuary service in regards to sacrifices and offerings, of which Christ became the One and final perfect sacrifice for us. The meat and drink described in this passage has to be meat and drink offerings by the unmistakable context of this passage in Hebrews 9:7-14 below. Paul speaks of meat and drink offerings and carnal ordinances which were imposed until the time of reformation, being Jesus Christ who obtained eternal redemption for us and brought an end to the sacrifices prescribed by the ordinances of the ceremonial law once and for all. This continues to illustrate the perfect context of Colossians 2:16 and as per Colossians 2:14, we see that everything referenced belongs to the ordinances of the ceremonial law which Paul said was against us and contrary to us and it was taken out the way and nailed to the cross by Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. Extra verses are given to show context. Hebrews 9:7-14 “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Nowhere in this passage are clean and unclean foods referred to and there never were unclean drinks, only unclean foods and these had no relationship to the ordinances that were nailed to the cross. What is spoken of here in both Colossians and Hebrews are references to meat and drink offerings that were part of the sanctuary service that are in the ordinances of the ceremonial law. This is all that can possibly be referred to and when done so it fits absolutely perfectly into the context of both passages as it remains totally in context with the sanctuary service. So let’s look at Colossians 2:14-17 again to see if everything does actually refer to the ceremonial law by the fact that the context of the passage remains the same throughout. “Blotting out the handwriting”, the ceremonial law was written in Moses handwriting. “Ordinances”, Strong’s dictionary also directly translates this word to ceremonial law, “that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way”, the ceremonial law is now against us and contrary to us, as Christ has become that One and perfect sacrifice for us. “Nailing it to his cross”, and of course now that Christ has become that perfect sacrifice for us, no longer are meat and drink offerings and animal sacrifices and all associated Holy days necessary, so the ceremonial law was nailed to the cross. Moving onto verse sixteen, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink”, and as we have now seen were part of the ceremonial law. “Or in respect of an holyday”, these Holy days included such days as Passover, Feast of Weeks and many others. “Or of the new moon”, new moon celebrations were also part of the ordinances. “Or of the sabbath days”, Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Weeks, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles and many others were all sabbath days. When spoken of in plural and the context of the passage is the ceremonial law, then the sabbaths referred to can be nothing else but ceremonial. Verse seventeen goes on to say, “Which are a shadow of things to come.” These sabbaths were called a shadow because Passover was a shadow of the crucifixion and Feast of Weeks was a shadow of Pentecost. These Old Testament feasts and holy days were shadows of what was to come and once those things had come and gone then the shadows disappeared. Here is one verse from Leviticus that refers to such feasts and Holy days, which involves meat and drink, that is meat and drink offerings. Leviticus 23:37, “These are the feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything upon his day.” You can also find the perfect parallel between Colossians 2:16 and Ezekiel 45:17. You will note in Ezekiel 45:17 that this was a sin offering, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel for breaking God’s Commandments as prescribed by the ceremonial law until such time that Jesus nailed this law to the cross. Parentheses are added. This is what Israel had to do to make atonement for sin, which is the breaking of God’s Ten Commandments and of course includes the Seventh Day Sabbath. This clearly demonstrates the issue and leaves no doubt as to what Paul was explaining to the Colossians. Note first the Strong’s dictionary definition for holyday used in Colossians 2:16. You will note that the words “feast” and “holyday” are synonymous and so the following two verses are a perfect match. G1859 heorte, Of uncertain affinity; a festival: - feast, holyday. Colossians 2:16 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat [offerings], or in drink [offerings], or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:” Ezekiel 45:17 “And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, [holydays] and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.” Here is a table comparison for those who prefer this format. Colossians 2:16 Ezekiel 45:17 meat, or in drink, meat offerings, and drink offerings, of an holyday, Strong's - feast, holyday in the feasts, or of the new moon and in the new moons, or of the sabbath days: and in the sabbaths, These various Holy days or festivals concerned days that took place at various times of the year as well as yearly Holy days such as the Day of Atonement and monthly like the New Moon celebrations already discussed. As these were a shadow of things to come and those things have past and the shadows are now gone, to still observe these days would be putting us back into unnecessary bondage. This is what Paul is talking about in Galatians 4:9-10 which says, “But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn you again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days, and months, and times, and years.” Paul is definitely not saying you can ignore anything that is a day, month or year in the Bible. He is referring to something that includes all of these things, which is and can only be the ceremonial law. Compare with Colossians 2:16. See what is the law in Galatians for more clarity on this very misunderstood book. The ordinances of the ceremonial law was a law of servitude and bondage. Galatians 4:3 “Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:” Paul continues telling the Galatians that they are no longer servants in Galatians 4:7 “Wherefore you are no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” God’s Commandments on the other hand are a law of liberty. James 1:25 “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” And for further clarity James 2:11-12 reads, “For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if you commit no adultery, yet if you kill, you are become a transgressor of the law. So speak you, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” If we keep these points in mind and explore the context of the chapter when studying the Bible it will help us see what law is being spoken of. See Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:10 Commentaries. While still on this very misunderstood topic of the ceremonial law, let’s cover another scripture that is frequently misinterpreted. Such misunderstandings are common with God’s Ten Commandment law and this temporary law which pointed the way to Christ. I have chosen to use some Bible Commentaries for this scripture, as I believe they explain it very well. The scripture concerned, is mainly Romans 14:5, but I have given the surrounding verses so the context of the passage can be seen. Romans 14:1-5, “Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God has received him. 4 Who are you that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yes, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one [feast] day above another: another esteemeth every [feast] day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Note that the word “alike” in verse 5 does not exist in the Greek text and is an added word, which tends to convey an idea which the apostle never designed or intended. Parentheses are added. To begin with, it must be admitted that the word “Sabbath” is very significantly not even found once in this entire chapter. People assume Paul is talking about the Sabbath. But is he really? The chapter begins, “Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.” Romans 14:1. The NKJV reads, “disputes over doubtful things.” This chapter concerns “doubtful things” and is not a discussion of the Ten Commandments. God’s “Big Ten” are not “doubtful,” but exceedingly dear and written personally with the finger of God on two tables of stone. It becomes clear from Romans 14 and 15, that many misunderstandings existed between Jewish and Gentile Christians in relation to certain customs, which were sacredly observed by one but disregarded by the other. The main subject of dispute was concerning meats and days and the day issue is not over the Seventh day Sabbath but over the various feast days of the ceremonial law. The converted Jew retaining respect for the Law of Moses abstained from certain meats and observed ceremonial days while the converted Gentile understood that Christianity put him under no such obligation or regard to ceremonial points. It also appears that mutual and heartless judgments existed among them and that brotherly love and reciprocal tolerance did not always prevail. Paul exhorts that in such things no longer essential to Christianity, that even though both parties had a different way of thinking they might still have an honest and serious regard for God. Paul further explains they should not therefore, let different sentiments hinder Christian fellowship and love, but they should mutually refrain and withhold and make allowance for each other and especially not carry their Gospel liberty so far as to prejudice a weak brother or a Jewish Christian. The “weak” brother “eats” some things and “esteems one day above another” while the strong brother believes that he may “eat all things” and “esteems every day alike.” Romans 14:2, 5. The early Church was made up of Jewish believers and Gentile converts. Although Paul did not specify what “days” he was referring to, he could only be talking about the “esteeming” or “not esteeming” of certain Jewish fast or feast days and certain pagan feast days when people were especially “eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols.” 1 Corinthians 8:4. A “strong” Jew who knew that “an idol is nothing” would have no scruples about eating “meat in an idols temple” on a pagan feast day. 1 Corinthians 8-4, 10. Paul warned these “strong” Jewish believers, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. [the Gentile convert from idolatry]. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple [on a pagan feast day], shall not the conscience of him that is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; and through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish [if he is drawn back to idolatry], for whom Christ died? But when you sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth.” 1 Corinthians 8:9-13. There is NO evidence that the discussion about “the weak and the strong” in Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 has anything to do with the Sabbath. God has never said “one man may choose to esteem MY Sabbath, while another man may choose to esteem Sunday, or every day alike.” He has NOT left it up to us to “pick a day.” Rather, God has commanded, “Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy ... the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.” Exodus 20:8-10. The book of Romans is very clear, “by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20; 7:7, 12 When the context of the passage is about foods or various days and especially things associated with the sanctuary service, then we must realize that it is not possible that the Ten Commandments are being referred to. When God’s Moral law is being referenced, you will always know as the context of the passage will be centred around love, as that is what God’s law is. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:8, “He that loves not, knows not God; for God Is Love.” As God is eternal, then Love also must be eternal. 1 John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God has to us. God is love; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him.” Love and obedience are inseparable from God and the true Christian, as God is Love and Love is God. This is why the Ten Commandments are eternal and unchanging, as God changes not, and Love changes not. The Sabbath is a love Commandment! The remainder of this topic will now be left to some of the world’s best theologians so no doubt can be left as to what the meaning of this passage is all about. John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, Romans 14:5 - One day above another - As new moons, and other Jewish festivals. Let every man be fully persuaded - That a thing is lawful, before he does it. Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, Romans 14:5 - One man esteemeth one day above another - Perhaps the word ημεραν, day, is here taken for time, festival, and such like, in which sense it is frequently used. Reference is made here to the Jewish institutions, and especially their festivals; such as the Passover, Pentecost, feast of tabernacles, new moons, jubilee, etc. The converted Jew still thought these of moral obligation; the Gentile Christian not having been bred up in this way had no such prejudices. And as those who were the instruments of bringing him to the knowledge of God gave him no such injunctions, consequently he paid to these no religious regard. Another - The converted Gentile esteemeth every day - considers that all time is the Lord’s, and that each day should be devoted to the glory of God; and that those festivals are not binding on him. We add here alike, and make the text say what I am sure was never intended, viz. that there is no distinction of days, not even of the Sabbath: and that every Christian is at liberty to consider even this day to be holy or not holy, as he happens to be persuaded in his own mind. That the Sabbath is of lasting obligation may be reasonably concluded from its institution (see the note on Genesis 2:3) and from its typical reference. All allow that the Sabbath is a type of that rest in glory which remains for the people of God. Now, all types are intended to continue in full force till the antitype, or thing signified, take place; consequently, the Sabbath will continue in force till the consummation of all things. The word alike should not be added; nor is it acknowledged by any MS. or ancient version. Let every man be fully persuaded - With respect to the propriety or non-propriety of keeping the above festivals, let every man act from the plenary conviction of his own mind; there is a sufficient latitude allowed. Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, Romans 14:5 - One man esteemeth - Greek “judgeth” krinei. The word is here properly translated “esteemeth;” compare Acts 13:46; Acts 16:15. The word originally has the idea of “separating,” and then “discerning,” in the act of judging. The expression means that one would set a higher value on one day than on another, or would regard it as more sacred than others. This was the case with the “Jews” uniformly, who regarded the days of their festivals, and fasts, and Sabbaths (i.e. ceremonial Sabbaths) as especially sacred, and who would retain, to no inconsiderable degree, their former views, even after they became converted to Christianity. Another “esteemeth - That is, the “Gentile” Christian. Not having been brought up amidst the Jewish customs, and not having imbibed their opinions and prejudices, they would not regard these days as having any special sacredness. The appointment of those days had a special reference “to the Jews.” They were designed to keep them as a separate people, and to prepare the nation for the “reality,” of which their rites were but the shadow. When the Messiah came, the Passover, the feast of tabernacles, and the other special festivals of the Jews, of course vanished, and it is perfectly clear that the apostles never intended to inculcate their observance on the Gentile converts. See this subject discussed in the second chapter of the Epistle to the Galatians. Every day alike - The word “alike” is not in the original, and it may convey an idea which the apostle did not design. The passage means that he regards “every day” as consecrated to the Lord; Romans 14:6. The question has been agitated whether the apostle intends in this to include the Christian Sabbath. Does he mean to say that it is a matter of “indifference” whether this day be observed, or whether it be devoted to ordinary business or amusements? This is a very important question in regard to the Lord’s day. That the apostle did not mean to say that it was a matter of indifference whether it should be kept as holy, or devoted to business or amusement, is plain from the following considerations. (1) the discussion had reference only to the special customs of the “Jews,” to the rites and practices which “they” would attempt to impose on the Gentiles, and not to any questions which might arise among Christians as “Christians.” The inquiry pertained to “meats,” and festival observances among the Jews, and to their scruples about partaking of the food offered to idols, etc.; and there is no more propriety in supposing that the subject of the Lord’s day is introduced here than that he advances principles respecting “baptism” and “the Lord’s supper.” (2) the “Lord’s day” was doubtless observed by “all” Christians, whether converted from Jews or Gentiles; see 1Corinthians 16:2; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10; compare the notes at John 20:26. The propriety of observing “that day” does not appear to have been a matter of controversy. The only inquiry was, whether it was proper to add to that the observance of the Jewish Sabbaths, and days of festivals and fasts. (3) it is expressly said that those who did not regard the day regarded it as not to God, or to honor God; Romans 14:6. They did it as a matter of respect to him and his institutions, to promote his glory, and to advance his kingdom. Was this ever done by those who disregard the Christian Sabbath? Is their design ever to promote his honor, and to advance in the knowledge of him, by “neglecting” his holy day? Who knows not that the Christian Sabbath has never been neglected or profaned by any design to glorify the Lord Jesus, or to promote his kingdom? It is for purposes of business, gain, war, amusement, dissipation, visiting, crime. Let the heart be filled with a sincere desire to “honor the Lord Jesus,” and the Christian Sabbath will be reverenced, and devoted to the purposes of piety. And if any man is disposed to plead “this passage” as an excuse for violating the Sabbath, and devoting it to pleasure or gain, let him quote it “just as it is,” that is, let “him neglect the Sabbath from a conscientious desire to honor Jesus Christ.” Unless this is his motive, the passage cannot avail him. But this motive never yet influenced a Sabbath-breaker. Let every man... - That is, subjects of this kind are not to be pressed as matters of conscience. Every man is to examine them for himself, and act accordingly. This direction pertains to the subject under discussion, and not to any other. It does not refer to subjects that were “morally” wrong, but to ceremonial observances. If the “Jew” esteemed it wrong to eat meat, he was to abstain from it; if the Gentile esteemed it right, he was to act accordingly. The word “be fully persuaded” denotes the highest conviction, not a matter of opinion or prejudice, but a matter on which the mind is made up by examination; see Romans 4:21; 2Timothy 4:5. This is the general principle on which Christians are called to act in relation to festival days and fasts in the church. If some Christians deem them to be for edification, and suppose that their piety will be promoted by observing the days which commemorate the birth, and death, and temptations of the Lord Jesus, they are not to be reproached or opposed in their celebration. Nor are they to attempt to impose them on others as a matter of conscience, or to reproach others because they do not observe them. Notice how the Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge, which primarily references other verses that are referring to the same topic, has referenced the passages that Paul discussed with the Romans, Galatians and Colossians regarding the ceremonial law also. This as we have now seen is because these verses are all referring to the ceremonial law. Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge. Romans 14:5 - esteemeth: Gal 4:9, Gal 4:10; Col 2:16, Col 2:17 People’s New Testament By B. W. Johnson. One man esteemeth one day above another. A second difference of opinion is now cited. Some, Jewish converts or Gentiles who did not understand that the old covenant was ended, believed that the Jewish Sabbaths and new moons should be kept sacred. Compare Colossians 2:16, and Galatians 4:10. This ends the Commentaries on Romans 14:5. You will note that the People’s New Testament commentary above also references Colossians 2:16 and Galatians 4:10. There can be no doubt that the context and the meaning of all these passages is the ceremonial law with all its various holyday festivals, new moons and ceremonial sabbaths. The following table should clear up any remaining misunderstanding between the ceremonial sabbaths and the Sabbath of our Lord. Please look at this table carefully and give the statements that follow some serious thought. Sabbath of the Lord Ceremonial Sabbaths Spoken by God personally (Exodus 20:1, 8-11) Spoken by Moses (Exodus 24:3) Written in stone by God Himself (Exodus 31:18) Written by Moses hand on paper (Exodus 24:4) Placed inside the Ark of the covenant (Deuteronomy 10:5) Stored on the outside of the Ark (Deuteronomy 31:26) Breaking the Sabbath is sin (1 John 3:4) These were kept because of sin (See Leviticus) It is a law of love (Matthew 22:35-40, Isaiah 58:13-14) They were not love (Colossians 2:14, Galatians 4:9-10) It is a law of liberty (freedom) (James 1:25; 2:10-12) They were bondage (Galatians 4:9-10, Colossians 2:14) Was established before sin (Genesis 2:1-3) Were established after sin (Exodus 20:24) Was made at creation (Genesis 2:1-3) Were made after Sinai (Exodus 20:24) The Sabbath is for everyone (Mark 2:27) Only for the children of Israel & Jews (Read Old Testament) God calls it MY Sabbath (Exodus 31:13, Ezekiel 20:20) God calls it HER sabbaths (Hosea 2:11, Lamentations 1:7) The Sabbath is eternal (Exodus 31:16-17, Isaiah 66:22-23) Were nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14, Ephesians 2:15) The Facts: God is all knowing. (Omniscience) He is a God of infinite wisdom. God is love. (1 John 4:8, 16) God’s Ten Commandments are a law of love. (Moral law) The ceremonial sabbaths were observed as a result of sin. (Are not love) The Sabbath of the Lord is for personal quality time with our Creator. (A love Commandment) The Questions: Why would our omniscient God put His Sabbath in His eternal law of love if it is not eternal? Why would our God of infinite wisdom put His Sabbath in His law of love if it is not a law of love? Why didn’t God put His Sabbath with all the ceremonial Sabbaths if it was to end at the cross? Why didn’t God put His Sabbath with the Jewish ceremonial Sabbaths if His Sabbath was only for the Jews? The Sabbath truth: God did not include His Sabbath with the ceremonial sabbaths that ended at the cross because His Sabbath is not a ceremonial Sabbath. And God did not include His Sabbath with the ceremonial sabbaths that were only for the Jews because His Sabbath is for EVERYONE. Why would our God of infinite wisdom place a temporary law in an eternal law or a law that is not love in a law that is love? Our God “is not the author of confusion…” 1 Corinthians 14:33. God put His Sabbath in His moral law because it is a law of Love and a very special one that is a sign that it is God we Love and Worship and that we are His children. It is also a sign that it is God that sanctifies us. What person who truly loves God would not want to be under this sign? It is NOT a sign when we keep another day. To do so is to profane the Holy and to try and make Holy the profane. Only God can make a day Holy. We are not under Law but under Grace We often hear this argument in an effort to belittle God’s law, “Well, since we are not under the law but under grace, we do not need to keep the Ten Commandments any longer.” Is this a valid point? The Bible certainly does say that we are not under the law, but does that imply that we are free from the obligation to obey it? The text is found in Romans 6:14-15, “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” How easily we could prevent confusion if we accepted exactly what the Bible says. Paul gives a clear explanation of his statement. After stating that we are not under law but grace, he asks, “What then?” This simply means, “How are we to understand this?” Then notice his answer. In anticipation that some will construe his words to mean that you can break the law because you are under grace, he says, “Shall we sin (break the law) because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid.” In the strongest possible language Paul states that being under grace does not give a license to break the law. Yet this is exactly what millions believe today, and they totally ignore Paul’s specific warning. Most do not seem to understand that God’s grace is His unmerited, undeserved favour that is preceded by the act of genuine repentance when we do sin. If there were no law, there would actually be no need for God’s grace. Suppose a murderer has been sentenced to death in the electric chair. Waiting for the execution the man would truly be under the law in every sense of the word, under the guilt, under the condemnation, under the sentence of death, etc. Just before the execution date the governor reviews the condemned man’s case and decides to pardon him. In the light of extenuating circumstances the governor exercises his prerogative and sends a full pardon to the prisoner. Now he is no longer under the law but under grace. The law no longer condemns him. He is considered totally justified as far as the charges of the law are concerned. He is free to walk out of the prison and not a policeman can lay hands upon him. But now that he is under grace and no longer under the law, can we say that he is free to break the law? Indeed not! In fact, that pardoned man will be doubly obligated to obey the law because he has found grace from the governor. In gratitude and love he will be very careful to keep the law of the state which granted him grace. Is that what the Bible says about pardoned sinners? “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.” Romans 3:31. Here is the most explicit answer to the entire problem. Paul asks if the law is nullified for us just because we have had faith in Christ’s saving grace. His answer is that the law is established and reinforced in the life of a grace saved Christian. The truth of this is so simple and obvious that it should require no repetition, but the devious reasoning of those who try to avoid obedience makes it necessary to press this point a bit further. Have you ever been stopped by a policeman for exceeding the speed limit? It is an embarrassing experience, especially if you know you are guilty. But suppose you really were hurrying to meet a valid emergency, and you pour out your convincing explanation to the policeman as he writes your ticket. Slowly he folds the ticket and tears it up. Then he says, “All right, I’m going to pardon you this time, but...” Now what do you think he means by that word “but”? Surely he means, “but I don’t want to ever catch you speeding again.” Does this pardon (grace) open the way for you to disobey the law? On the contrary, it adds compelling urgency to your decision not to disobey the law again. Why then should any true Christian try to rationalize his way out of obeying the law of God? Consider carefully also what 1 John 3:4 says, “Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God’s law, because sin is a breaking of the law.” Are we sinners? If we are not sinners, then why was Jesus nailed to the cross? Did Jesus break the Sabbath? Some say Jesus broke the Sabbath so it was not one of the Ten Commandments but a ceremonial law (Mosaic Law) but the Sabbath was never practised because of sin and this was also before the cross where that law ended and so is irrelevant anyway. 1 John 3:4 says that sin is transgression of the law and if Jesus broke the Sabbath then he would have broken His own law and sinned and hence those making this statement obviously have no idea of the implications of their accusation. Be thankful that Jesus only broke the Pharisees rules as breaking the Sabbath is sin and was also made before sin existed. Jesus was there when the Ten Commandments were given, but that does not mean that He can murder or break any one of the Ten Commandments. As a sinner He could not have been our one and final perfect sacrifice and redeemer. Let's look at the verses in contention just to clear up this fallacy anyway. The main passage is found in the book of John where Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, and so the Pharisees accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath. Note that John is quoting the words of the Pharisees in this passage and are not John's personal opinion. We will see evidence of this soon. This is what Jesus said about the Pharisees in Matthew 5:20, “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” These are those who also had Jesus crucified. Whose words do you think we should listen to? The words of Jesus or the words of the Pharisees? John 5:5-18 “And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. … 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up your bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath. … 15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole. 16 And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the Sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” The Pharisees also accused Jesus of blasphemy because He made Himself equal with the Father. Were the Pharisees correct? They were no more correct on this allegation than they were on their accusation of Jesus breaking the Sabbath. In the book of Matthew, we have another account of Jesus healing someone and the Pharisees once again accused Him of breaking the Sabbath. However, this time we have the words of Jesus to establish if doing good deeds or things of absolute necessity are lawful on the Sabbath. Matthew 12:10-12 “And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days.” Why do the proponents quote the Pharisees but ignore the words of their own Lord and Saviour? Why would they put their faith in the Pharisees rather than Jesus Christ? Why do they quote John 5:5-18 but never mention Matthew 12:10-12 where Jesus says it was NOT unlawful to heal and do good on the Sabbath? Jesus thankfully did not sin and so did not break any of the Ten Commandments as He clarifies in this passage when He says “that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath,” such as healing people or pulling an animal out of a hole. Is the Sabbath in the New Covenant? Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the law OR the prophets, yet some say that you are putting us back under the Old Covenant and that the Sabbath changed to Sunday with the New Covenant. Not so. Basically, the only change to the New Covenant is the sacrificial Law of Moses ended (Hebrews 9:1) and where God writes His law. God’s law changes not, for He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) God also said the fault was with the people in they did not obey it, so He now writes His law in our hearts. (Hebrews 8:8-10) See also “Who is Israel Today and the New Covenant.” I had just finished preaching on the subject of the Sabbath in one of my evangelistic crusades. As I stepped off the platform to greet people as they left, three young men blocked my way in the aisle. One of them addressed me in quite a loud voice… loud enough to cause about fifty people near the front of the auditorium to stop and listen. “Dear brother” he said, “we were disappointed tonight with the way you put us back under the Old Covenant. Don’t you realize that we are living under the New Covenant now, and should keep Sunday instead of the Sabbath?” Although most of the congregation were leaving the Church, the group near the front gathered closer to hear all that the young men were saying. It was obvious that I would have to take the time to answer this trio’s challenging question. As I suspected, they turned out to be young seminarians in training at a local Bible college. Eagerly they held their Bibles in their hands and waited triumphantly for me to answer. Usually, I do not like to debate controversial matters in a public forum for fear of stirring combative natures, but there seemed no way to avoid dealing with these ministerial students. Anyway, they had my path completely blocked and the circle of listeners looked at me expectantly for some explanation. “Well, it seems as though you have studied the subject of the covenants quite deeply,” I suggested. “Oh, yes,” they affirmed, “we know all about the covenants.” “Good,” I replied. “You undoubtedly know when the Old Covenant was instituted.” One of them spoke up quickly, “It was instituted at Mt. Sinai.” “And how was it ratified?” I asked. Without a moment’s hesitation one of them answered, “By the sprinkling of the blood of an ox.” “Very good,” I commented, “and how was the New Covenant ratified?” All three chorused the answer, “By the blood of Jesus on the cross.” I commended the young men for their knowledge of the Scriptures and asked them to read me two verses out of their own Bibles. Galatians 3:15 and Hebrews 9:16-17. They responded eagerly to the invitation, and read the verses, commenting on each one after reading. “We agree that the New Covenant did not go into effect until after Christ died, and nothing can be added or taken away after He ratified it on the cross,” the spokesman for the group asserted. All three nodded their heads emphatically over this point. I said, “Now you must answer two more questions for me. Here is the first one, and you must think carefully to give me the correct answer: When did Sunday-keeping begin?” There was a moment of shocked silence, and then another, and another. The boys looked at each other, and then down at their feet, and then back at me. I gently prodded them for the answer, “Surely you can tell me the answer to this question. You have known all the others, and have answered correctly. When and why do you think people began keeping Sunday?” Finally, one of them said, “We keep Sunday in honour of the resurrection of Jesus.” I said, “Then I must ask you my last question. How could Sunday keeping be a part of the New Covenant? You just stated that nothing could be added after the death of Christ. He died on Friday and was resurrected on Sunday. If Sunday was added after Jesus died, it could never be a part of the New Covenant could it?” The three young men shuffled their feet, looked helplessly around, and one of them said, “We will study into that and talk to you later.” They then fled from that auditorium as fast as they could go. I can assure you that they never returned to talk further about the covenants. How could the majority be wrong about the Sabbath? The simple answer is because Satan nearly wiped out the fourth Commandment during the dark ages through the death of millions. And by the time Protestant reformation began, all the Protestant Churches continued keeping Sunday in ignorance. It is always harder to restore a lost truth and even more so when people do not want to know because it would disrupt their Church or lifestyle. See a true story on how the Sabbath was nearly lost. And in Christianity especially, the majority is hardly ever right. How many were right in the time of Noah? Only eight! Revelation says that God is going to destroy a Church for its abominations and yet the majority of Christians belong to this Church. The majority are wrong because Satan works hard to keep this truth from Christians and this is his BEST accomplishment on the Christian Church and the majority have no idea. Why? Because Satan has the majority busy making excuses or perpetuating the last persons excuse instead of studying this out. Sadly, the majority are not searchers of truth and don’t study the Word or see only what they want to see. 2 Timothy 4:3 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” After the Sabbath and other truths were revealed to me in my search, I attempted to share these truths with large numbers of people and was astounded to find more than 98% would not even consider the possibility because they said how could so many be wrong or they just simply did not want to know. This is sad when you consider God created us, sent His Son to die for us and we can’t be obedient to Him in love as it would mean some sacrifice on our part. It is no longer a mystery to me why the majority are wrong. It is because our adversary still has Christians perpetuating those same excuses they were previously told because it means changes they don’t want to consider or they are ignorant of the fact that Satan accomplished the change by the death of millions of Christians over several centuries. Hence the majority continue to stay wrong and only five hundred plus Sabbath keeping Churches of different denominations remain obedient to God in love. Until the majority stop making excuses and start saying let’s investigate this, the majority will remain wrong. Many also do not know that the attack on this Commandment and Sun-day worship actually began with the worship of Satan as early as 2000 B.C. See the Sabbath to Sunday change or who changed the Sabbath to Sunday and how 666 relates to this change. Was the Sabbath changed to Sunday in the Bible? Read the Sabbath to Sunday change for a very detailed account on how and who changed the Sabbath to Sunday. Did God amend the original stone tablets Sabbath Changedthat John saw in heaven in Revelation 11:19 to, “Remember to keep the first day”? Never. You can’t change a memorial day of creation. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:19, “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but obeying God’s Commandments is everything.” Paul plainly identifies here how important God’s Commandments are in comparison to circumcision. Yet this law of circumcision that was changed, and does not have the importance of the Ten Commandments, Paul mentioned more than 33 times and up to 10 verses at a time, and they were not verses you were left to make assumptions on. Yet there is not one clear verse in the whole Bible that says the Sabbath was changed to Sunday. Paul’s letters always had plenty to say when people needed correcting or misunderstood the scriptures but the Sabbath was so ingrained in the culture that Paul never had to correct them. Observing the Pharisees reaction to breaking the Sabbath clearly shows this also but they went overboard and turned the day into a burden instead of a blessing, which Jesus found need to correct them on several times. In John 5:18 they accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath by healing a man on the Sabbath. Jesus said that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whose words should we trust and listen to? The Pharisees or Jesus? In Matthew 12:10-12 Jesus heals a man and He says to them, “…it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Jesus shows that they misunderstood the intent of the Sabbath day, not the day to keep it. Imagine if Jesus had proposed changing the Sabbath, what a dreadful uproar would have ensued by the Jews that would be heard in several books of the Bible. View a short video of a Sabbath miracle. When Christ was in the flesh, and lived on this earth, how did He regard the Sabbath? Luke 4:16, “So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as HIS CUSTOM was, He went into the synagogue on the SABBATH DAY, and stood up to read.” Jesus made the seventh day Sabbath and He also kept the seventh day Sabbath. He is our perfect example. We also find after the cross that Sabbath observance continued as we see by Paul’s example. In Acts 13:42-44 there is no conflict between Jews and Gentiles over the day to keep the Sabbath. The Jews of course still continue to keep the seventh day Sabbath today. What a perfect opportunity for the Jews to bring a valid accusation against Paul. But the allegations against Paul were always false and never involved an accusation for breaking the Sabbath such as those the Pharisees falsely brought against Jesus. Acts 13:42-44 “And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.” Again in this example, we find no conflict between the Jews (who still keep Saturday today) or Greeks in regard to the day. Paul “came to Corinth ... he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks” Acts 18:1, 4. “He continued a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (verse 11). Paul did not preach the traditions of men, but only “the word of God.” “Many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized,” including “Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue” (verse 8). Crispus was a Sabbath keeper who probably became one of the leaders (see 1 Corinthians 1:14) of the early New Testament Sabbath keeping Church of Jesus Christ in Corinth. Paul’s letters, First and Second Corinthians, were written to this Church. After Paul was finally arrested in the Temple in Jerusalem, in his trial before the Sanhedrin, even the Pharisees said, “we find no evil in this man” Acts 23:9. Before Felix, Paul declared, “so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets” Acts 24:14. Before Festus, “Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all...to the Jews have I done no wrong” Acts 25:8, 10. Before Agrippa, “I continue unto this day ... saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come” Acts 26:22. The prophets and Moses did not say that “Sunday keeping should come.” Finally, Paul spoke to the Jews in Rome, “persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening” Acts 28:23. During all his trials, the Jews NEVER once accused Paul of breaking the Sabbath. Why? Because he NEVER did! Paul was a Pharisee since his childhood. We also see Paul going into a Jewish synagogue in Thessalonica and “as his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the scriptures…” Acts 17:1-4. As already stated, all practicing Jews still keep the seventh day Sabbath today, always have and undeniably did then and so there is no mistake as to what day Paul kept the Sabbath on as was “HIS CUSTOM” as this was a Jewish synagogue. As for his custom, Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee since childhood. Acts 26:5-6 “The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.” Jesus also said in Matthew 5:18, “…Till the heaven and the earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the Law...” Not even a comma of the law will be altered. We never have to make assumptions when it comes to important issues in God’s Word. When anything significant changed we were always told. The Ten Commandments are the only thing that God personally added to the Bible. There is no way in this universe that God would not unmistakably tell us in His Word if He were to alter the Ten Commandments by even the smallest amount. Now for that one verse assumption that some use to argue that the Sabbath was changed to Sunday. In Acts 20:7 we find a religious meeting on the first day of the week but it was not a Sunday meeting. It was after sunset, prior to midnight on the first day of the week. At that time in history the first day of the week did not start at midnight but at sunset. All Bible days begin and end at sunset. Therefore this meeting and Paul’s preaching took place on what we call Saturday night. It was not a Sunday meeting at all. Regardless of this fact anyway, breaking bread is commonly understood by the Jews as having a meal together and was not the Lord’s Supper. Note how the Good News Bible translates it “The fellowship meal.” Here are examples using the King James, Good News and the New English Bible. (Acts 20:7 King James) “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.” (Acts 20:7 Good News Bible) “On Saturday evening we gathered together for the fellowship meal. Paul spoke to the people and kept on speaking until midnight, since he was going to leave the next day.” (Acts 20:7 New English Bible) “On the Saturday night, in our assembly for the breaking of bread, Paul, who was to leave next day, addressed them, and went on speaking until midnight.” (Acts 2:42 King James) “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42 Good News Bible) “They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.” The following verse shows not only that breaking of bread was having a fellowship meal but also demonstrates that this breaking of bread was done every day of the week! Therefore, even if it was the Lord’s Supper, which it is not, it was done every day of the week making the argument of the Saturday night meeting irrelevant anyway. (Acts 2:46 King James) “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,” (Acts 2:46 Good News Bible) “Day after day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their homes, eating with glad and humble hearts,” Sunday keeping in Corinth? In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 Paul wrote: “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come...whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.” Please carefully notice what the apostle said, and also, what he did not say. Many have assumed that a religious meeting was held and a collection plate passed. This is not the case. Paul was writing special appeals to the churches in Asia Minor, because many of the Christians in Jerusalem were suffering greatly for lack of food and daily necessities. Paul asked the church at Corinth to gather food, clothing, etc., and store it up at home until he could send men to transport it to Jerusalem. The expression “lay by him in store” in the original Greek gives the clear connotation of putting aside at home. Even Sunday advocates agree to this. There was no service held on the first day of the week. The gathering up and storing was to be done on that day. Why did Paul suggest that this work be done on Sunday, and what was involved in getting it done? First of all, the letter would have been shared with the church on the Sabbath when they were all gathered for worship. The first opportunity to do the work would be the next day - the first day of the week. Keep in mind that there was an apparent food shortage in Jerusalem, and the need was not primarily for money. Such famine conditions were not unusual in areas of the Middle East, as Luke reminds us in Acts 11:28-30. Paul urges them to return carnal, or material, gifts in appreciation of the spiritual truths received from them. This throws light on Paul’s counsel to the Corinthian Christians to do their work on the first day of the week, “so that there be no gatherings when I come.” Such work as gathering and storing up produce from the field would certainly not be appropriate on the Sabbath. Sunday is identified again as a day for secular activities and gives no indication of religious observance. Besides the two assumptions that are used to try and justify Sunday keeping, the Bible and history show them not to be correct. We have already seen that both Jesus and Paul kept the Sabbath and there can be no doubt that it was the seventh day Sabbath that Paul kept as he was a Jew and a Pharisee and kept it as was his custom since childhood. It has also been established by many historians and theologians holding PhD’s in their field that Matthew and Luke were written between 60 and 80 A.D. and there was never a better time for Luke to tell us of a day change but instead he states in Luke 23:56, “…And they rested on the Sabbath according to the Commandment.” Jesus also showed that the Sabbath would still be kept after the cross and speaks of no day change when He is talking to the Apostles about the destruction of the temple in about 70 A.D. Jesus says in Matthew 24:20, “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath.” Read Sabbath in the New Covenant for more information on this verse and topic. World leading historians also confirm this and that the Sabbath was kept by Jews and Gentiles till about 90-120 A.D. where persecution of the Jews became so great that some Christians changed to Sunday using the justification that it was in honour of the resurrection in order to avoid persecution and death. Later you will find out how the Sabbath got changed to Sunday and was made law about 364 A.D. As a result it was early in the fourth century when Sunday was officially named the Lord’s Day. Previous Back to Contents Next Top

返回研究目录 上一篇 下载中文 Read in English 下一篇 圣经说保惠师是谁 圣经说保惠师是谁？ 约翰福音14:16-28多次告诉我们，保惠师是基督借着祂的灵。耶稣说: "我要求父，父就另外赐给你们一位保惠师，〔或作训慰师下同〕 叫他永远与你们同在。" （约14:16）可是当耶稣一提到 "另外赐给你们一位保惠师" 的时候，很多人就看不到祂指的就是祂自己借着祂的灵，尽管耶稣的话说得很清楚，如以下的论述。 "另外" 在希腊原文中的字是 ἄλλον （译音allos），意思是另外一个同类的，因此指的是另一个与基督同类的。基督当时是以肉体的形式与门徒同在，但祂升天以后，祂以另一种形式回来，就是借着祂的灵（属灵的形式）。所以，那个 "另外一位" 是指祂的灵。由于基督的灵能够与基督分开而独立行事，所以祂的灵就像是 "另外一位"。因为是祂的灵，所以它是 "另外一位" 同类。 如果保惠师是另一个不同类的生物，那么约翰就会用 heteros这个字，意思是另外一位不同类的。知道了就很容易明白。很多人也没注意到耶稣经常用第三人称 [他] 来指自己，这一段经文就是用了第三人称。另一个例子可参阅约翰福音17:1-3。 在第16节，耶稣说，父要 "另外" 差遣一位保惠师，但在第18节祂说明祂指的是谁，让门徒没有疑惑。耶稣斩钉截铁地说: "我不撇下你们为孤儿，我必到你们这里来。" 这 "另外一位保惠师" 不是其他人，而是基督自己以另一种形式（属灵的形式）回来。与之前祂在世时的情况不同，如今肉眼看不见祂。祂远离了人的视觉，但祂仍然在灵里与我们同在。 第17节称保惠师为真理的灵，就是基督。 10节之前，耶稣刚刚说 "我是...真理...。" （第6节）借着祂的灵，祂就是 "真理的灵" 了。在第17节，我们也看到保惠师是世人不能接受的，因为世人不认识祂。可是基督告诉门徒说，"你们却认识祂，因祂与你们同在。" 与门徒同在的只有耶稣! 在第19节基督说，"还有不多的时候，世人不再看见我"，这是指着祂的死和复活而言。那么在第18和19节，基督的意思是，虽然祂即将离开，但祂不会撇下他们没有安慰，祂会回到他们中间。所以门徒知道基督要回到他们身边，作他们的保惠师安慰他们。但他们不明白耶稣要怎样回来。所以犹大（不是加略人犹大）问耶稣祂要怎样向他们显现，而不向世人显现呢？ （第22节） 门徒怎样明白 "另外一位保惠师" 呢？他们是否明白耶稣所指的是另一位生物呢？不是的! 犹大完全了解是基督要回到他们身边，而不是其他人。注意他所问的不是 "谁" 而是 "为什么" 或 "怎么样"。所以他不是不明白是谁要来，而是不明白基督要怎样向他们显现为保惠师。答案是: 借着祂的灵，这是门徒当时仍然不明白的。 在约翰福音16:7，耶稣说: "然而我将真情告诉你们，我去是与你们有益的，我若不去，保惠师就不到你们这里来，我若去，就差他来。" 保惠师都还没有奉差遣来到他们中间，那么在约翰第14章中怎么说保惠师已经与他们同在呢？在约翰福音7:39，我们看到: "耶稣这话是指着信他之人，要受圣灵说的，那时还没有赐下圣灵来，因为耶稣尚未得着荣耀。" 如果圣灵是另一位生物，如三位一体论所说的，那他就不需要依靠基督回去见天父并得着荣耀之后他才奉差下来。父还不能赐下圣灵来，直到基督得着荣耀，因为这是基督另外回来的方式，就是借着祂的圣灵。 （说得更白，基督要等到升天之后祂的身体变化成为荣耀的神性身体时，祂才能差遣祂的灵离开祂的身体下来住在门徒心间。但升天得荣耀之前祂受到了人性血肉之躯所限制，所以祂的灵是不能离开祂身体的。要等到升天得荣耀之后祂才可能赐下祂的灵。所以祂若是不升天去得着荣耀的身体，祂就不能赐下祂的灵来与我们同住。） 约翰福音14:23说: "耶稣回答说：人若爱我，就必遵守我的道，我父也必爱他，并且我们要到他那里去，与他同住。" 父和子借着圣灵要与我们同住。这个奉差遣的圣灵不是另外一位生物，而是上帝本身的生命借着祂的儿子耶稣基督来到我们心中。除了一位曾经体验过人类生活的苦楚，并且尝过受试探的滋味的人之外，还有谁更有资格安慰我们呢？有了父和子是多么的宝贵呢! 耶稣在约翰福音第14章中说了多少次祂要作我们的保惠师呢？ （括弧是加上去的） （1）约翰福音14:17 "就是真理的圣灵 [耶稣是真理，而借着祂的灵祂就是真理的灵]，乃世人不能接受的，因为不见他，也不认识他，你们却认识他，因他常与你们同在 [基督是唯一与他们同在的]，也要在你们里面 [借着祂的灵祂要住在他们心里作他们的保惠师]。" （2）约翰福音14:18 "我 [耶稣] 不撇下你们为孤儿，我必到你们这里来。" （3）约翰福音14:20 "到那日你们就知道我在父里面，你们在我里面，我也在你们里面 [借着祂的灵作他们的保惠师]。" （4）约翰福音14:21 "有了我的命令又遵守的，这人就是爱我的，爱我的必蒙我父爱他，我也要爱他，并且要向他显现 [借着祂的灵作他的保惠师]。" （5）约翰福音14:22 "犹大（不是加略人犹大）问耶稣说：主阿，为什么 [耶稣你] 要向我们显现，不向世人显现呢？" （6）约翰福音14:23 "耶稣回答说：人若爱我，就必遵守我的道，我父也必爱他，并且我们 [耶稣和祂父亲] 要到他那里去，与他同住。" （7）约翰福音14:28 "你们听见我对你们说了，我 [耶稣] 去还要到你们这里来 [借着祂的灵作保惠师]。" 注意，翻译成 "保惠师" 的希腊原文παράκλητος（译音paraklētos）在圣经中共出现了五次，所指的都是基督。有四次出现在约翰福音中（14:16; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7），这四节都翻译成 "保惠师" 或 "训慰师"。有一次出现在约翰一书2:1，这里则译成 "中保"。 （五次的作者都是同一人----耶稣的门徒约翰。约翰在书信中写παράκλητος的时候，肯定是有意联系到约翰福音第14章的παράκλητος去。他所指的必定是同一位。） 约翰一书2:1 "我小子们哪，我将这些话写给你们，是要叫你们不犯罪。若有人犯罪，在父那里我们有一位παράκλητος（译音paraklētos; 译作"中保"），就是那义者耶稣基督。" 由此可见，耶稣基督是我们的παράκλητος，既是我们的 "保惠师" 又是我们的 "中保"。保惠师不是另一位生物，而是基督本身借着祂的灵。除了道成肉身与我们一样受尽试探和痛苦的基督之外，还有谁更有资格来安慰我们呢？有救主耶稣基督亲自作我们的保惠师是一件多么有福的事啊！ 上一篇 返回研究目录 下一篇 到最頂

All trinity studies Previous Download Next We Should Be Baptized Only in the Name of Jesus We should be baptized ONLY in the name of Jesus ! Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 8:12 “ But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:16 “For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 10:48 “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” Acts 19:5 “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 22:16 “And now why tarriest you ? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Romans 6:3 “Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death ?” 1 Corinthians 1:13 “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” [Implied] Galatians 3:27 “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” “The historical riddle is not solved by Matthew 28:19, since, according to a wide scholarly consensus, it is not an authentic saying of Jesus, not even an elaboration of a Jesus-saying on baptism.” — (Anchor Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, 1992, p. 585) Catholic Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now pope Benedict XVI) makes this confession as to the origin of the chief Trinity text of Matthew 28:19 saying: "The basic form of our (Matthew 28:19 Trinitarian) profession of faith took shape during the course of the second and third centuries in connection with the ceremony of baptism. So far as its place of origin is concerned, the text (Matthew 28:19) came from the city of Rome. The Trinity baptism and text of Matthew 28:19 therefore did not originate from the original Church that started in Jerusalem around 33 A.D. It was rather, as the evidence proves, a later invention of Roman Catholicism completely fabricated. Very few know about these historical facts.” ( http://www.askacatholic.com/_WebPostings/Answers/2012_01JAN/2012JanWhyWereAdjustmentsMade.cfm ) The Catholic Encyclopedia, II, page 263: “The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church in the second century.” Does Matthew 28:19 prove a Trinity ? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRklea85ZsQ&t=1s  Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

All trinity studies Previous Download Next The Spirit of Jesus is Our Comforter WE HAVE BEEN LIED TO. THE SPIRIT OF JESUS IS OUR COMFORTER. NOT SOME OTHER GOD AS THE TRINITY CLAIMS! “This refers to the omnipresence of the Spirit of Christ, called the Comforter.” — (Ellen G. White, 14MR 179.2) “Let them study the seventeenth of John, and learn how to pray and how to live the prayer of CHRIST. HE is THE Comforter. He will abide in their hearts, making their joy full.” — (Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, January 27, 1903) “As by faith we look to Jesus, our faith pierces the shadow, and we adore God for His wondrous love in giving JESUS THE COMFORTER.” — (Ellen G. White, 19MR 297.3) “Christ is to be known by the blessed name of Comforter. “The Comforter,” said Christ to His disciples, “which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you, [John 14:26 quoted]” — (E.G. White, Ms7-1902, January 26, 1902) “The Saviour is our Comforter. This I have proved Him to be.” — (Ellen G. White, 8MR 49.3) Jesus said, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:18 __________________________________________________________ NOTE: God raised the Adventist Church as non-Trinitarian. The Trinity doctrine was slowly brought into the Adventist Church long AFTER the death of Ellen White and the pioneers by a suspected Jesuit who is also a known Freemason. The idea of the Holy Spirit as another being was Satan's idea so he could get worship for his creation. The real truth is that the “Holy Spirit” is the power and presence of God and of Christ which can function independently of themselves like a third (but not a literal third) and is how “They” represent “Themselves” where they are not personally present. Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

All trinity studies Previous Download 看中文 Next Was the Apostle John a Trinitarian Was the apostle John a trinitarian? The trinity is one of the most fundamental doctrines in Christendom today. It claims that there are three co-equal, co-eternal divine beings that are all part of one triune god. The trinity states that Jesus is as old as the Father and never had a beginning. Thus, the Biblical terms of ‘Father’ and ‘Son’ are said to be purely metaphorical. To the trinitarian, Jesus is NOT the literal Son of God. "One of the divine Beings accepted, and entered into the role of the Father, another the role of the Son." Gordon Jensen, Trinitarian SDA Pastor "The Father-Son relationship in the Godhead should be understood in a metaphorical sense, not in a literal sense." Max Hatton, Trinitarian SDA Pastor There is one writer who knew Jesus personally. His name is John. This is his testimony. 2Jn 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Jn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jn 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 1Jn 1:2 For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; 1Jn 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1Jn 2:21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 1Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 1Jn 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 1Jn 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 1Jn 4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. 1Jn 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1Jn 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 1Jn 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. Jn 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Jn 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Jn 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 1Jn 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1Jn 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life. Jn 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. John 21:24 The Son of God is NOT a metaphor. The apostle John was NOT a trinitarian. Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

All trinity studies Previous Download Next Why is the SDA organization Not Being Persecuted Today Here's the golden question-----Why is the SDA organization (supposed to be God's remnant church) not being persecuted today? Why is the church enjoying a golden age of peace and prosperity? Aren't these the last days? Is Satan sleeping or has the church become a synagogue of Satan? Ellen White gives us the answer, and there is only ONE reason, which wholly lies with the church: "There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” [2 Timothy 3:12.] Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber? - The only reason is, that the church has conformed to the world's standard, and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and his apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the Word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled." GC88 48.2 In summary, the GC SDA organization has-- (1) The organization has officially conformed to the world's standard, particularly the standard imposed by the World Council of Churches under the leadership of the MAN OF SIN. (2) The organization's faith (including the fundamental beliefs) is impure and unholy, in other words, adulterated with Babylonian doctrines. (3) The organization has compromised with SIN. (4) The great truths of the Bible are ignored. (5) The organization has become ungodly. (6) The organization values worldly popularity more than God's approval. Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

All trinity studies Previous Download Next John N. Loughborough on the Trinity John N. Loughborough on the Trinity These are the words of one of the founding members of the Seventh day Adventist Church and the truth the Adventist Church was founded on. “BRO. WHITE: The following questions I would like to have you give, or send, to Bro. Loughborough for explanation. W. W. Giles. Toledo, Ohio. QUESTION 1. What serious objection is there to the doctrine of the Trinity? ANSWER. There are many objections which we might urge, but on account of our limited space we shall reduce them to the three following: 1. It is contrary to common sense. 2. It is contrary to scripture. 3. Its origin is Pagan and fabulous. These positions we will remark upon briefly in their order. 1. It is not very consonant with common sense to talk of three being one, and one being three. Or as some express it, calling God “the Triune God,” or “the three-one-God.” If Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are each God, it would be three Gods; for three times one is not one, but three. There is a sense in which they are one, but not one person, as claimed by Trinitarians. 2. It is contrary to Scripture. Almost any portion of the New Testament we may open which has occasion to speak of the Father and Son, represents them as two distinct persons. The seventeenth chapter of John is alone sufficient to refute the doctrine of the Trinity. Over forty times in that one chapter Christ speaks of his Father as a person distinct from himself. His Father was in heaven and he upon earth. The Father had sent him. Given to him those that believed. He was then to go to the Father. And in this very testimony he shows us in what consists the oneness of the Father and Son. It is the same as the oneness of the members of Christ's church. “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” Of one heart and one mind. Of one purpose in all the plan devised for man's salvation. Read the seventeenth chapter of John, and see if it does not completely upset the doctrine of the Trinity. To believe that doctrine, when reading the scripture we must believe that God sent himself into the world, died to reconcile the world to himself, raised himself from the dead, ascended to himself in heaven, pleads before himself in heaven to reconcile the world to himself, and is the only mediator between man and himself. It will not do to substitute the human nature of Christ (according to Trinitarians) as the Mediator; for Clarke says, “Human blood can no more appease God than swine's blood.” Com. on 2 Sam. 21:10. We must believe also that in the garden God prayed to himself, if it were possible, to let the cup pass from himself, and a thousand other such absurdities. Read carefully the following texts, comparing them with the idea that Christ is the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Supreme, and only self-existent God: John 14:28; 17:3; 3:16; 5:19, 26; 11:15; 20:19; 8:50; 6:38; Mark 8:32; Luke 6:12; 22:69; 24:29; Matt. 3:17; 27:46; Gal. 3:20; 1 John 2:1; Rev. 5:7; Acts 17:31. Also see Matt. 11:25, 27; Luke 1:32; 22:42; John 3:35, 36; 5:19, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26; 6:40; 8:35, 36; 14:13; 1 Cor. 15:28, &c. The word Trinity nowhere occurs in the Scriptures. The principal text supposed to teach it is 1 John 5:7, which is an interpolation. Clarke says, “Out of one hundred and thirteen manuscripts, the text is wanting in one hundred and twelve. It occurs in no MS. before the tenth century. And the first place the text occurs in Greek, is in the Greek translation of the acts of the Council of Lateran, held A. D. 1215.”—Com. on 1 John 5, and remarks at close of chap. 3. Its origin is pagan and fabulous. Instead of pointing us to scripture for proof of the trinity, we are pointed to the trident of the Persians, with the assertion that “by this they designed to teach the idea of a trinity, and if they had the doctrine of the trinity, they must have received it by tradition from the people of God. But this is all assumed, for it is certain that the Jewish church held to no such doctrine. Says Mr. Summerbell, “A friend of mine who was present in a New York synagogue, asked the Rabbi for an explanation of the word 'Elohim'. A Trinitarian clergyman who stood by, replied, 'Why, that has reference to the three persons in the Trinity,' when a Jew stepped forward and said he must not mention that word again, or they would have to compel him to leave the house; for it was not permitted to mention the name of any strange god in the synagogue.”(Discussion between Summerbell and Flood on Trinity, p. 38) Milman says the idea of the Trident is fabulous. (Hist. Christianity, p. 34) This doctrine of the trinity was brought into the church about the same time with image worship, and keeping the day of the sun, and is but Persian doctrine remodeled. It occupied about three hundred years from its introduction to bring the doctrine to what it is now. It was commenced about 325 A. D., and was not completed till 681. See Milman's Gibbon's Rome, vol. 4, p. 422. It was adopted in Spain in 589, in England in 596, in Africa in 534.—Gib. vol. 4, pp. 114, 345; Milner, vol. 1, p. 519.” — (J.N. Loughborough, Review and Herald, November 5, 1861) Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top

返回研究目录 上一篇 下载中文 Read in English 下一篇 一上帝和一主 一上帝和一主 哥林多前书 8:6 然而我们只有一位上帝，就是父，万物都本于他，我们也归于他；并有一位主，就是耶稣基督，万物都是藉着他有的，我们也是藉着他有的。 这章节明显列出父上帝和祂儿子耶稣的分别。天父是那独一的一位神，也是宇宙万物的本源，一切都从祂而来。主耶稣是管道，万物都是藉着他有的，他把来自父的生命传给宇宙众生。 一切都是属于父上帝的，包括基督。 哥林多前书 3:23 并且你们是属基督的；基督又是属上帝的。 哥林多前书 1:24 。。。基督总为上帝的能力，上帝的智慧。 箴言 8:22 “在耶和华造化的起头，在太初创造万物之先，就有了我。 使徒行传 17:25 也不用人手服侍，好像缺少什么；自己倒将生命、气息、万物，赐给万人。 约翰福音 5:26 因为父怎样在自己有生命，就赐给他儿子也照样在自己有生命； 因此，我们只有一位上帝，就是父，也是宇宙万物生命的本源。 以弗所书 4:6 一上帝，就是众人的父，超乎众人之上，贯乎众人之中，也住在众人之内。 并有一位主，就是耶稣基督，万物都是藉着他有的。 使徒行传 2:36 “故此，以色列全家当确实地知道，你们钉在十字架上的这位耶稣，上帝已经立他为主、为基督了。” 天父赐予祂儿子耶稣至高的权威，并立他为“主”，也就是希腊文的“kurios”。 这至高权威是在耶稣升天得荣耀后坐在上帝的右边而被赐予的，这荣耀是未有世界之前耶稣同他父所有的荣耀。（约翰福音17：5） 所以未有世界之前，上帝“立”祂儿子为“主”。这表示在那之前他并不是“主”。耶稣是在未有世界之前被赋予至高权威。 哥林多前书 8：6 。。。并有一位主，就是耶稣基督，万物都是藉着他有的，我们也是藉着他有的。 这章节为我们揭晓了为什么基督被赋予至高权威，因为“万物都是藉着他有的”。 在以弗所书3:9中我们读到：“又使众人都明白，这历代以来隐藏在【编按：英王钦定本圣经有：藉着耶稣基督】创造万物之神里的奥秘，是如何安排的。 歌罗西书 1:16 因为万有都是靠他造的，无论是天上的、地上的、能看见的、不能看见的，或是有位的、主治的、执政的、掌权的，一概都是藉着他造的，又是为他造的。 这就是为什么我们有一位上帝，就是父，因为祂是至高无上的，并且是一切的本源。 这也是为什么我们有一位主，就是耶稣基督，因为父上帝立他为一切被造物之上，并让他成为我们伟大的的创造主。 基督被赋予至高权威这个事实意味着什么呢？ 腓立比书 2:9-11 2:9 所以上帝将他升为至高，又赐给他那超乎万名之上的名， 2:10 叫一切在天上的、地上的和地底下的，因耶稣的名无不屈膝， 2:11 无不口称耶稣基督为主，使荣耀归与父上帝。 若敬拜儿子是使荣耀归于父上帝，那么这自然包括在启示录14：6-7节中第一天使信息所宣告永远的福音。 启示录 14:6-7 14:6 我又看见另一位天使飞在空中，有永远的福音要传给住在地上的人，就是各国、各族、各方、各民。 14:7 他大声说：“应当敬畏上帝，将荣耀归给他，因他施行审判的时候已经到了，应当敬拜那创造天、地、海和众水泉源的。” 上一篇 返回研究目录 下一篇 到最頂

返回研究目录 上一篇 下载中文 下一篇 守安息日为圣 今天我们要简单地探讨安息日这个课题当中的一些要点。相信这教导对许多人来说是了如指掌的，也是多年以来最备受关注的课题，特别是安息日会复临信徒。 大多数人是因为安息日而认识了基督复临安息日会这个教派。事实上，上帝在过去兴起基督复临安息日会的主要目的之一，就是要恢复安息日的遵守。上帝已指定我们必须在这一天敬拜祂，这也是十条诫命当中的第四条。 在怀爱伦先知的著作里有一个预言清楚说到：“时候将到，安息日将会被世人轻视”。首先，让我们回到上帝的诫命，是记载在出埃及记，并详细地读完第四条诫命，然后再看看可以从中汲取什么教训。 出埃及记 20:8-11 “当记念安息日，守为圣日。六日要劳碌作你一切的工，但第七日是向耶和华你上帝当守的安息日。这一日你和你的儿女、仆婢、牲畜，并你城里寄居的客旅，无论何工都不可作，因为六日之内，耶和华造天、地、海和其中的万物，第七日便安息，所以耶和华赐福与安息日，定为圣日。 这里说当记念安息日，并要做什么呢？守为圣日。这是第四条诫命中的核心点。我们不仅要纪念安息日，还要守这日为圣。那我们知道安息日的设立是为了纪念创世大工，纪念上帝在六日之内创造天地万物并在第七日安息了。 因此，安息日的设立是为了让我们纪念创造跟我们的创造主。但是它并没有停在那里，上帝不仅单单要我们纪念祂。这段经文接着说： 守为圣日。六日要劳碌作你一切的工，但第七日是向耶和华你上帝当守的安息日。这一日你和你的儿女、仆婢、牲畜，并你城里寄居的客旅，无论何工都不可作，因为六日之内，耶和华造天、地、海和其中的万物，第七日便安息，所以耶和华赐福与安息日，定为圣日。 我想花一点时间来探讨这个圣洁,或神圣的概念。因为这是第四条诫命的中心点。我们不光要纪念安息日，还要守它为圣日。现在就让我们翻开圣经的最后一本书，启示录 15:3-4。 启示录 15:3-4 唱上帝仆人摩西的歌和羔羊的歌，说：“主上帝，全能者啊，你的作为大哉，奇哉！万世之王啊（“世”或作“国”），你的道途义哉，诚哉！主啊，谁敢不敬畏你，不将荣耀归与你的名呢？因为独有你是圣的，万民都要来在你面前敬拜，因你公义的作为已经显出来了。” 在这里，我们读到唯独上帝是圣洁的。问题是，诫命要我们守安息日为圣。但是这里却说独有上帝才是圣的。换句话说，上帝是唯一圣洁的一位，那祂如何命令我们守这日为圣或使我们成圣呢？ 我们必须明白的是，上帝有一位独生子，从祂怀里出来的亲生儿子，希伯来书称耶稣为上帝本体的真像。那作为上帝真实的儿子并祂本体的真像，耶稣与父一样，同是圣洁的。不然的话，祂就不是真神的真像了。 这就是圣洁的泉源结束的地方，就是唯独上帝，那万有的本源，和祂儿子耶稣在本质上是圣洁的。因此，除了他们俩以外没有人是圣洁的。除非我们与圣洁的源头结合，或领受祂们的圣洁。 让我们来探讨圣经中几个有关圣洁的情景，几个与上帝和祂的圣洁有关联的例子。我们从启示录 4：8-11 开始。 启示录 4:8-11 四活物各有六个翅膀，遍体内外都满了眼睛。他们昼夜不住地说：“圣哉，圣哉，圣哉，主上帝是昔在、今在、以后永在的全能者！”每逢四活物将荣耀、尊贵、感谢归给那坐在宝座上、活到永永远远者的时候，那二十四位长老就俯伏在坐宝座的面前敬拜那活到永永远远的，又把他们的冠冕放在宝座前，说：“我们的主，我们的上帝，你是配得荣耀、尊贵、权柄的，因为你创造了万物，并且万物是因你的旨意被创造而有的。” 我们能够想象这幕场景吗？围绕着上帝宝座的所有生物都清楚理解圣洁是什么。我们都必须查考圣经以学习有关圣洁的课题，因为遵守第四条诫命是极为重要的。 在安息日休息不工作是不足够的，加上我们不但要纪念这一日，还要做到守安息日为圣。由此，今天我们每一个人都必须知道如何守安息日为圣。 我们必须明白的是，我个人对圣的定义和你对圣的定义也许会不一样，每个人或许有自己的看法和理解，所以我们必须从圣经中找出它最正确的定义。 我们先来看圣经里的一个故事，它特别为我们启示，一个人若没有跟从与圣洁攸关的指示，其所带来的后果会是怎样的，而且这后果必是非常严重的。我们来看 撒母耳记下 6:6-11 到了拿艮的禾场，因为牛失前蹄（或作“惊跳”），乌撒就伸手扶住上帝的约柜。上帝耶和华向乌撒发怒，因这错误击杀他，他就死在上帝的约柜旁。大卫因耶和华击杀（原文作“闯杀”）乌撒，心里愁烦，就称那地方为毗列斯乌撒，直到今日。那日，大卫惧怕耶和华，说：“耶和华的约柜怎可运到我这里来？”于是大卫不肯将耶和华的约柜运进大卫的城，却运到迦特人俄别以东的家中。耶和华的约柜在迦特人俄别以东家中三个月，耶和华赐福给俄别以东和他的全家。 当我们读到这个故事时，我们可能会想，等等，这是怎么回事呢，为什么会这样。这个人单纯地只想做一件好事。眼看牛失蹄了，这位男人就因为害怕约柜会倒在地上，而伸出援手去扶住它。 他是怀着善意的，他的出发点单单是想避免约柜倒在地上。到底他何错之有呢？如果我们只读完这段经文，我们可能心想我们所侍奉的上帝或许不太公平，甚至有些残忍。 为什么上帝要击杀这位好心人呢？让我们翻开民数记以找出答案。民数记 4:15 民数记 4:15 将要起营的时候，亚伦和他儿子把圣所和圣所的一切器具遮盖完了，哥辖的子孙就要来抬，只是不可摸圣物，免得他们死亡。会幕里这些物件是哥辖子孙所当抬的。 “将要起营的时候，亚伦和他儿子把圣所和圣所的一切器具遮盖完了，哥辖的子孙就要来抬”， 让我们在这里停顿一下。我们知道以色列人在旷野搭建了一个圣幕。我们也晓得这些以色列人不会长久呆在一处，他们在旷野中不断迁移。所以上帝在如何设立圣所并谁能在圣所里供职这些方面上给了他们清楚的指示，而且祂这样做是有原因的。让我们继续读完这节经文。 “只是不可摸圣物，免得他们死亡。会幕里这些物件是哥辖子孙所当抬的。” 上帝无比清楚地给了他们明确的指示，让他们知道要如何处理圣物。另外，我们从这里学到的教训就是，圣洁是比我们想象中还要大的，且更为要紧的。 话说回来，大卫在这件事情发生后心里非常矛盾和困惑。他无法理解上帝为什么要这么做。怀爱伦先知在先祖与先知这本书里 有稍微谈到大卫当时的反应。让我们来读一读，看看事情为什么会如此发生。 大卫与他的百姓会合，他们安排了这项神圣的任务，是以欢欣乐意的心情来从事的； 但由于他们没有遵照耶和华的指示而行，因此祂就不能悦纳他们的服务。非利士人不知道上帝的律例，所以当他们把约柜送回以色列之地时，虽然把它放在牛车上运走，但耶和华却认可他们如此行。可是以色列人的手中有上帝的圣旨，有关于搬运约柜之事的明确指示，所以当他们忽略了这些指示，就是侮辱了上帝。乌撒则犯了更大的擅专之罪。他曾违犯了上帝的律法，故对约柜的神圣性感觉麻木了，他身上还有未曾承认的罪，竟敢冒犯上帝的禁令，而擅自触摸那代表上帝临格的象征。上帝不能接受一部分的顺从，不容许人在遵守他诫命的事上疏忽大意。他要借着那降在乌撒身上的刑罚使全以色列人得到深刻的印象，知道严格注意上帝命令的重要性。这样，一个人的死亡可以令百姓悔改，免得上帝的刑罚降在千万人身上。（怀爱伦著，《先祖与先知》原文第705页，第3段） “大卫与他的百姓会合，他们安排了这项神圣的任务，是以欢欣乐意的心情来从事的； 但由于他们没有遵照耶和华的指示而行，因此祂就不能悦纳他们的服务。非利士人不知道上帝的律例，所以当他们把约柜送回以色列之地时，虽然把它放在牛车上运走，但耶和华却认可他们如此行。” 上帝对他们的无知睁一只眼闭一只眼。上帝根据每个人所得到的亮光来审判各人。 “可是以色列人的手中有上帝的圣旨，有关于搬运约柜之事的明确指示，所以当他们忽略了这些指示，就是侮辱了上帝。乌撒则犯了更大的擅专之罪。他曾违犯了上帝的律法，故对约柜的神圣性感觉麻木了，他身上还有未曾承认的罪，竟敢冒犯上帝的禁令，而擅自触摸那代表上帝临格的象征。上帝不能接受一部分的顺从，不容许人在遵守他诫命的事上疏忽大意。” 朋友们，是什么造成死亡呢？什么事必定会导致死亡呢？就是罪，因为经上记着说，罪的工价乃是死。 “他要借着那降在乌撒身上的刑罚使全以色列人得到深刻的印象，知道严格注意上帝命令的重要性。这样，一个人的死亡可以令百姓悔改，免得上帝的刑罚降在千万人身上。” 所以即使在这一个大卫认为不公平的举动之中，我们也看见了上帝大爱的彰显，因为这件事救了千万人免受刑罚。不过上帝并没有任意选了乌撒来罚他或牺牲他的，而是乌撒本身有罪，因此承受了罪的代价。接下来，在怀爱伦著作中的下一面，她提到了大卫，我们来看。 上帝的谴责在大卫身上已经生效。他因此空前地体会到上帝律法的神圣，以及严格顺从的必要。上帝施恩给俄别以东全家，使大卫再希望约柜会使他和他的百姓蒙福。（怀爱伦著，《先祖与先知》原文第706页，第2段） 当然这里的律法是概括性的，这包括祂所有的律法和话语。但是当我们回到第四条诫命时，显而易见的就是这与我们所谈到的都有相同的道理。这是关乎一个神圣的课题，是一个宇宙的上帝要求或指示我们守之为圣的日子。 圣经里有一个很好的故事，虽然它与安息日没有直接的关系，但是它对我们今天所要学习和理解的道理很有帮助。这故事记载在路加福音 10:38-42，在我们读的当儿，我要你们好好思考以下这个问题，安息日其实是为了什么而被设立的呢？是什么让这一日成为圣洁的呢，而我们在那日又如何成为圣洁呢？ 路加福音 10:38-42 他们走路的时候，耶稣进了一个村庄。有一个女人名叫马大，接他到自己家里。她有一个妹子名叫马利亚，在耶稣脚前坐着听他的道。马大伺候的事多，心里忙乱，就进前来说：“主啊，我的妹子留下我一个人伺候，你不在意吗？请吩咐她来帮助我。”耶稣回答说：“马大，马大！你为许多的事思虑烦扰，但是不可少的只有一件，马利亚已经选择那上好的福分，是不能夺去的。” 圣经在这儿为我们呈现了两种人。 马利亚清楚明白耶稣的身份并耶稣对她的重要性。只要有机会与耶稣同在，她就愿意把所有的一切都放下，不让其他事物来占据她的思想。她想要做的唯一事情就是花时间与耶稣共处并与祂交谈，向祂学习并享受祂的同在。 反之，我们看到她的姐姐马大依然在劳碌奔波，忙东忙西，继续忙着做她一贯所做的事情。她忙着打扫，忙着预备食物等等，希望能为她的主预备一切，使他得到最好的待遇。 尽管如此，主以为我们预备了一个特别的日子，使我们能得到所谓的充电，一个我们都应该把焦点完全放在祂身上的日子。为什么呢？因为祂赐给了我们六天的时间来忙碌，来完成自己的私事。 这就是我们每一天的生活，我们必须做工，读书，做饭，打扫家居，照顾家人等等。但是到了第七日，耶稣以一种特别的方式来到我们的生命中。我们都晓得上帝给安息日赐下了特别的祝福。而玛利亚也清楚明白了与主同在并与主联系意味着什么。我们来看历代愿望一书中的一段引言。 马大不应该缺少“一件事”，就是安详虔诚的精神，一种对关乎将来不朽之生命的知识，和灵程长进所必需的恩典更为深邃的思虑。她应该少为暂时的事操心，而多为永恒的事焦急。耶稣教导他的儿女们，务必抓紧每一个机会来获得真知识，使他们能有得救的智慧。基督的圣工固然需要审慎积极的工人；广大的工作园地，正需要像马大这样热心从事宗教活动的人；但是，他们务要先同马利亚一起坐在耶稣脚前；务要藉基督的恩典使他们的殷勤、敏捷和魄力成圣；然后他们的人生才能成为一股不可征服的向善的力量。（怀爱伦著，《历代愿望》原文第525页，第2段） 弟兄姐妹们，若要遵守一个日子为圣，我们就必须与圣洁的来源合而为一。 我们都像马利亚一样，需要坐在耶稣的脚前向他学习，选择那永远不能被夺去的上好福分。我们像马大一样也需要常常竭力多作主工。那较高超的基督徒成就，惟在乎多用双膝跪下作诚恳的祈祷。……若有一丝自私的根保留在心灵之内，当不防备之时或要发芽生长，因而有多人沾染污秽。（怀爱伦著，《使我们认识祂》原文第351页，第4段） 在以赛亚书第58章最后两节，上帝在安息日的课题上给了我们一些明确的指示和教导，并让我们晓得上帝在这一天对我们的要求是什么。 以赛亚书 58:13-14 “你若在安息日掉转（或作“谨慎”）你的脚步，在我圣日不以操作为喜乐，称安息日为可喜乐的，称耶和华的圣日为可尊重的，而且尊敬这日，不办自己的私事，不随自己的私意，不说自己的私话，你就以耶和华为乐。耶和华要使你乘驾地的高处，又以你祖雅各的产业养育你。”这是耶和华亲口说的。 “你若在安息日掉转你的脚步，在我圣日不以操作为喜乐，称安息日为可喜乐的，称耶和华的圣日为可尊重的，而且尊敬这日，不办自己的私事，不随自己的私意，不说自己的私话。” 那我们要是不说自己的私话，那我们应该说谁的话和听谁的话呢？ 自己的话吗？我们一周内的成就吗？我们生意上的成绩吗？不是的，是基督的话语才对。玛利亚就是知道基督的话语有多么的可贵。她明白这些话语是公义和圣洁的来源。让我们继续读下去。 “你就以耶和华为乐。耶和华要使你乘驾地的高处，又以你祖雅各的产业养育你。这是耶和华亲口说的。”上帝藉着安息日赐下特别的福气给那些愿意领受的人。 论到安息日，有一件我们必须注意的事，是不要论断别人，因为我们不能看透人心，也不理解别人的处境。也许他人还未得到亮光，未明白安息日的真理，或者缺乏知识，不晓得要如何守安息日。这就是为什么上帝根据个人所得的亮光来审判世人。 尽管如此，上帝给我们祂的话语，即圣经和预言之灵，是有其原因的。我们得到了这些亮光，就应该好好地去研究，明白真理并与他人分享。现在让我们翻开教会证言卷六，来看看上帝赐给怀爱伦先知的一些知识，使我们有一些概念，在安息日来临前该做什么准备，并在安息日当天有什么要特别注意的。 安息日开始 在星期五这一天，为安息日所作的一切准备都应当完成。所有的衣服都要预备妥当，一切的饭食也当作好。此外如擦鞋，沐浴等事，均应一一办妥。这是可能做到的，只要你肯定规把它做成，则自然不难办到。安息日这天并不是给人缝补衣裳，烹调食物，寻求欢乐，或从事其它俗务的。在日落之前当将一切世俗的工作放在一边，一切世俗的报章杂志，也当收藏起来。做父母的当向儿女说明其所以如此行的原因和目的，并让他们也在这准备遵照诫命守安息日的事上有份。（怀爱伦著，《教会证言卷六》原文第355页，第3段） 根据上帝的话语，要遵守一个日子为圣是有一些条件的。我们再来看一段引言，也是同一页的上一段。 许多人须受教知道如何整肃仪表，以参赴安息日崇拜聚会。他们来到上帝面前，不应还穿着平素的衣服。各人都当有一身特为安息日而制备的服装，作为到上帝殿中参赴聚会时穿着之用。我们固然不应效法世界的风尚，但也决不可不关心自己的仪表。我们虽应避免盛妆艳服，但仍须讲求清洁整齐，因为上帝的子民在外表和内心都当纯洁。（怀爱伦著，《教会证言卷六》原文第355页，第2段） 接下来，我们来翻开第360页的第1段。 当我们迫不得已而需要在安息日旅行之时，也当设法避免与那些会吸引我们去注意俗事的人同行。当保守我们的心意，专心思念上帝，与衪谈心。遇有机会，就当向人传讲真理。要时常准备，以便救济受难的人，帮助缺乏者，在这一类的事情上，上帝要我们将衪所给的智慧和知识，付诸实用。但我们却不应商谈业务，或作任何普通的、世俗的谈话。因为随时随在，上帝都要我们藉着尊敬安息日，证实我们对衪的忠诚。（怀爱伦著，《教会证言卷六》原文第360页，第1段） “当我们迫不得已而需要在安息日旅行之时，也当设法避免与那些会吸引我们去注意俗事的人同行。当保守我们的心意，专心思念上帝，与衪谈心。遇有机会，就当向人传讲真理。要时常准备，以便救济受难的人，帮助缺乏者，在这一类的事情上，上帝要我们将衪所给的智慧和知识，付诸实用。但我们却不应商谈业务，或作任何普通的、世俗的谈话。” 我们不应该做任何世俗的谈话。为什么呢？记得我们在以赛亚书上所读的吗？在上帝的安息日不可说自己的私话。 “因为随时随在，上帝都要我们藉着尊敬安息日，证实我们对衪的忠诚。” 这段话是特别写给上帝的传道人的，就是那些到各个地方去传福音的弟兄姐妹们，当然我们尽可能要避免在圣安息日旅行到别的地方去。 但是如果无可避免的话，那我们应该注意我们的心思意念和言行举止。因为上帝所看的，是我们的出发点和我们行为的动机。 很多时候，我们没有遵守安息日的行为只是一些症状，而我们没有守安息日为圣的原因，或问题的根源，是因为我们个人没有与基督建立美好的关系。 也许我们还不明白玛利亚所明白的道理。我们没有玛利亚所拥有的欲望，就是当基督在她身边的时候她所要得到的。因此，很多时候，我们不断地想把这些症状治好，但却不断失败，也许每一次都失败。 因为我们没有对症下药，或更准确地说，我们不知道这问题的根本所在。好，现在让我们再读一段引言。 “我们要命令所有人，如果可以避免的话，尽可能不要在安息日洗他们的碗碟。在上帝的圣日做任何不必要的工作会让上帝蒙羞。如果可以的话，碗碟应该留到安息日结束之后才洗，这样做不会显得不一致，反而更加妥当。” （怀爱伦著，《信函》第104号，1901年，原文第9段） 我们尽可能避免在安息日洗碗碟，除非逼不得已。我们是在家里进行家庭崇拜的，那比如说用餐时我们不够碗碟供大家使用的情况，那么先用完餐的弟兄姐妹可以先把碗碟洗干净，再把餐具传给其他人。因此，正如我刚才所说的，很多时候最重要的是我们的出发点。接下来我们看这一段： 关于上帝就祂的圣日对你的要求，你必须有更高的见解。凡在上帝已赐给你的那六天能做成的事，你都应在那六天完成。但是圣日的时间，你不应抢夺上帝一时一刻。（怀爱伦著，《教会证言—卷二》原文第701页，第3段） 安息日结束 当太阳西沉之时，要有祈祷之声和赞美的歌声表示神圣的时间的终止，邀请上帝在劳作周的种种忧虑中与我们同在。（怀爱伦著，《教会证言—卷六》原文359页，第1段） 朋友们，我们刚刚在旧约圣经中所看到的，就是上帝对于守安息日为圣这件事上所作的一些要求，而这些要求被详细地记载在这些证言中，是有它的目的的。除此之外，我们越发亲近上帝时，就会越发明白这些真理。 因为你与上帝越要好，你就会越不想在上帝的圣日中抢夺祂的一分一秒。因为我们会以耶和华为乐，我们会在这特别的日子与我们这位特别的神，并祂儿子享受在一起的美好时光。 难得我们可以在这一天完全撇下一切的工作，一切的劳苦重担，忧愁挂虑并世俗的任何事情而来到上帝的面前，全心全意地与父和子相交，享受从天而来的福份。 说到这里呢，我想分享一个对我们很重要但许多人却都忽略的道理，记载在雅各书2:8-10。 雅各书 2:8-10 经上记着说：“要爱人如己。”你们若全守这至尊的律法，才是好的；但你们若按外貌待人，便是犯罪，被律法定为犯法的。因为凡遵守全律法的，只在一条上跌倒，他就是犯了众条。 我们必须遵守全十条律法。那让我来问你，你能够守安息日为圣却不孝敬父母吗？根据这段经文，答案很明显是不能。我们不能在守安息日或任何一条诫命的当儿又同时干犯另一条诫命。我们若是拜其他神或拜偶像的话，试问能守得安息日为圣吗？当然不能。为什么呢？因为圣经说，凡遵守全律法的，只要在一条上跌倒，他就是犯了众条。 这就是为什么上帝末时的子民，也被称为余民或圣徒, 不仅是守安息日的，而且也是守上帝诫命和耶稣真道的，你可以在启示录14：12看到这一点。我们不可能只守一条，但在其他诫命上跌倒，却误以为自己遵守了诫命。 我们必须有基督住在我们里头，靠着祂的力量来遵守全十条诫命，并结出圣灵的果子。只有这样，我们才能有基督的品格并有能力去面对那要来临的兽印记的大艰难时期。 单单知道关于安息日是不足够的，只知道星期日和三位一体敬拜是兽的印记也是不足够的。因为当那时候来到时，我们很有可能会跌倒。唯有基督藉着祂的灵住在我们里面，为我们塑造祂的品格，我们才能遵守得住所有的诫命并忍耐到底，直等到基督复临。 朋友们，让我们继续寻求上帝的公义，并祈求祂藉着祂儿子赐给我们祂的义，也让我们能遵守祂的安息日为圣，作为一个能使我们分别为圣的印记并藉着这一日与父并祂儿子更亲近。愿我们每一位都能认识上帝，经历祂，并有坚定的信心来奔走天国的道路。愿上帝赐福每一位，阿门。 上一篇 返回研究目录 下一篇 到最頂

All trinity studies Previous Download 看中文 Next Father, Son and Holy Spirit "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" There are many churches and Christians today who worship the trinity god, because they believe Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7 are speaking of three co-equal and co-eternal beings. But what they all fail to do is actually use the Bible to interpret these two verses. We are told in Isaiah 28 that we are to use the "line upon line" precept when studying the Bible. Which means we are to interpret scripture with scripture, and not with what we "think" something means. So this is what we are going to do on this page regarding Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7. Instead of just "thinking" ourselves what those verses mean, we are going to use scripture to properly interpret them. Let us start with those two Bible verses in question: Matthew 28:19 ...'Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' 1 John 5:7 ...'For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.' So let us find out who these 'three' are. I am merely going to provide many scripture verses and then make a small comment at the end of each section. The Father John 17:1-3 ...'These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' John 20:17 ...'Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.' 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 ...'As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.' Matthew 11:25 ...'At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.' John 4:22-24 ...'Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.' John 8:54 ...'Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God.' John 14:1 ...'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions.' Acts 3:13 ...'The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.' Acts 4:24-27 ...'And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed.' 2 Corinthians 1:3 ...'Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.' 2 Corinthians 11:31 ...'The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.' Romans 1:7-9 ...'To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with? my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.' Ephesians 1:2-3 ...'Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.' Ephesians 4:4-6 ...'There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.' 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 ...'For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.' 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ...'Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.' Philippians 2:11 ...'And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' 1 John 5:20 ...'And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.' So as we can see, when using the rest of scripture, that "THE FATHER" is none other than the 'one and only true God' Himself. And He is not just our God and Father, He is also the God and Father of Jesus Christ. So who is the Father? He is the one true God. The Son/Word John 20:31 ...'But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.' Matthew 16:15-17 ...'He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.' John 1:14 ...'And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.' Matthew 17:5 ...'While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.' Mark 1:1 ...'The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.' Mark 3:11 ...'And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, thou art the Son of God.' John 1:18 ...'No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.' John 3:16-18 ...'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.' John 5:26 ...'For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.' John 5:43 ...'I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.' John 6:68-69 ...'Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.' John 10:36 ...'Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?' John 11:27 ...'She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.' John 17:1 ...'These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.' John 20:17 ...'Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.' Acts 3:13 ...'The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.' Acts 9:19-20 ...'Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.' Romans 1:9 ...'For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.' Romans 8:3 ...'For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.' Galatians 4:4 ...'But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.' Galatians 4:6 ...'And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.' Colossians 1:13-15 ...'Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.' 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 ...'For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.' Hebrews 1:1-5 ...'God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?' Hebrews 4:14 ...'Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.' Hebrews 5:5 ...'So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.' 1 John 1:3 ...'That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.' 1 John 3:8 ...'He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.' 1 John 4:9 ...'In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.' 1 John 4:15 ...'Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.' 1 John 5:20 ...'And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.' 2 John 1:3 ...'Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.' Psalm 2:7 ...'I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.' Proverbs 8:22-30 ...'The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.' (NOTE: 1 Corinthians 1:24 confirms that Christ is 'the wisdom of God') Proverbs 30:4 ...'Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?' Micah 5:2 ...'But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.' John 16:27-29 ...'For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, AND am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb.' John 17:7-8 ...'Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.' So it is clear that "THE SON" is Jesus Christ, and He is the literal, only begotten Son of God the Father, who is the one true God. Jesus is not the one true God Himself, or the so called 'second person of the trinity'. He is the literal Son of God the Father, who was begotten of the Father in eternity past, as a true Son. This is why the Bible says that God 'SENT' His Son. The Holy Spirit Acts 2:32-33 ...'This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.' Luke 24:49 ...'And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.' John 3:34-35 ...'For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.' John 7:37-39 ...'In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)' John 20:21-22 ...'Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.' Romans 8:9-10 ...'But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.' 2 Corinthians 3:17 ...'Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.' Galatians 4:6 ...'And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.' Philippians 1:19 ...'For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.' Titus 3:4-6 ...'But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.' Revelation 5:6 ...'And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, HAVING seven horns and seven eyes, WHICH ARE the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.' So the Bible tells us that "THE HOLY SPIRIT" is the Father's own divine Spirit, which He has given to His Son Jesus, and comes to us through Christ, NOT some other 'third being'. Jesus is the one with the Holy Spirit to give us. So who are the 'three' in Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7? They are God the Father, who is the 'only true God'. Jesus Christ, who is the literal, only begotten Son of God the Father. And the Holy Spirit, which is the Spirit of Christ, which He has received from His Father. Jesus Christ comes to us HIMSELF as the Holy Spirit (John 14:18, Revelation 3:20, Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20), not some other unknown 'third being'. This is the truth concerning Matthew 28:19 and 1 John 5:7. Previous All trinity studies Next Back to top