Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 3/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Pastor, I just want to know the verses from revelation 12:17 that Satan  make war with the people that keep the commandments of God and Have testimony of Jesus Christ and in regard of that Jesus also said in Matthew 5:17 that He is not came to destroy the Law or the Prophets But to fulfill (the Law refer to God's Law). And i just want to tell you that there's no one verse in the bible that demand or ask people to worship on Sunday?

ANSWER: Hi Joey,

Thanks for this interesting comment.  Even though there is no question here, I will bite....

You seem to believe that because there is a phrase about keeping the commandments of God that we are somehow still unter the Sabbath law.  I respectfully disagree with you if that is what you believe.

1.  The child spoken of in chapter 12 is Israel.  
2.  The Sabbath was given specifically to Israel as a sign between them and God... this is not something for the church it is a specific covenant relationship between God and Israel.  Yes it was part of the 10 commandments, but we receive further revelation that it is exclusively for Israel.

Exodus 31:12-17
12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14 Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.  16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Look how often God refers to the children of Israel and  the terms "me and you" used.  THis is a specific and exclusive covenant.

3.  After calvary, these laws, the Sabbath days, specifically mentioned, were nailed to the cross.

Colossians 2:14-16
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.  
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:   
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

4.  You are absolutely right, the Sabbath was NEVER CHANGED!  It was abolished.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you for your command, but  base on the same bible we read explained that the sabbath not for Israel people because it start from the creation (Genesis 2:1-3) if you believe that the sabbath is not for all human being i think  you do not believe that  God who created the heaven and earth is the same God  that rest on sabbath not because He is tired, because  God  live without time frame and place. If you believe that you Understand the bible follow it, you will understand fully about His will not only interpret according to your custom and understand.I hope and Pray that you will serve God that created Human being that include Israel nation without exception and that the law and regulation were abolish yet apply to the people of Israel.And also about Colossians 2:14-16 may be you have to read and study more (i believe you will find the true meaning) the ordinance of hand writing and the story behind that (Israel people and the Christians),and please Read Isaiah 66:22-23 that in the new heaven and earth we still worship on sabbath...do you want to go to Heaven?

Answer
Thank you for this follow up question.  I am very sorry for my late response.  In Genesis 2, God did hallow the Sabbath, but He did not reveal that to ANYONE until God gave the Sabbath to Moses on Mt Sinai.

Nehemiah 9:13-14
13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:  14 And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

Do I want to go to Heaven?  Heaven was NEVER EARNED BY KEEPING THE LAW!  Even if the Sabbath were for today, it is blasphemy to think that Jesus' death was not enough to save me!

Galatians 2:21
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

The King James Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.

I hope that this helps you.  THanks again for your concern.

In Christ
Pastor Don