Lesson 2 · July 13, 1895

The Design and Day of the Sabbath

Scripture Reading.—; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; .

Review Questions.—(a) When was the Sabbath made? (b) By what three steps was it instituted? (c) By whom was the Sabbath made? (d) For whom was the Sabbath made? (e) What is the meaning of the word "sanctify"?

1.By what characteristic is the true God distinguished? . (See note 1.)
2.How was God's power manifested in the creation of the earth? .
3.How long was the Lord in making the heavens and the earth? ; , first part.
4.What did He then do? ; .
5.Did the Lord need to rest? .
6.How did He regard His works? . (See note 2.)
7.What is said of the works of God? .
8.What is their character? .
9.What has God done for man's benefit? .
10.For how long does this memorial exist? .
11.By what institution is God's work called to remembrance? . (See note 3.)
12.Of whom and what, then, is the Sabbath a memorial?
13.To whom is it given for a memorial? .
14.Of what does the Sabbath become a sign? ; .
15.How should man regard it? .
16.Who alone can do holy or righteous works? .
17.How alone can we become righteous? ; , last part; 45:24, 25.
18.By what means does God make us holy? ; .
19.What does this word do for those who believe? .
20.How does Jesus express the same truth in His prayer? .
21.Who alone, then, can keep the Sabbath holy?
22.Whose life is thus manifest? .
23.Of what, then, does the Sabbath become a sign to the believer? .
24.Of what two great works, therefore, in God's plan is the Sabbath a memorial and sign? Ans. Creation and redemption, which is a re-creation.

Notes

1. Creative Power.—Jehovah is the true God, therefore He is the only God. He is the living God, therefore will always exist. In the very nature of things He therefore becomes an "everlasting King." Creative power is the great distinguishing characteristic of the true God. All things exist in Him; hence, when He speaks, things are. He takes the things that are not to bring to nothing things that are. He therefore can never be defeated, because He has in this all-creative power that which will overcome all opposition. Hence, whenever this Godhead is pointed out, or is contrasted with false gods, His creative power is the distinguishing characteristic. See . See also Paul's preaching before the heathen. .

2. God's Delight.—The Scripture tells us that God rested and was refreshed. The root word means to take a long breath. That is, when the six days' work was done, God looked it all over and was satisfied, delighted for the sake of man, even as the wise and loving parent is satisfied at the provision he makes for his children.

3. God's Works.—The works of the Lord are great, and all who take pleasure therein appreciate their greatness. His works are also honorable and glorious. Certainly they should be remembered. To remember that which is great, honorable, and glorious, ought to be man's greatest pleasure, as it is for his highest good. God has therefore made His wonderful works to be remembered. What is a more fitting memorial than that day on which the Creator ceased His labors and contemplated His work with delight, the day around which clustered the great facts of a completed creation.

Bible texts in this lesson

Jeremiah 10:10-12 · Psalms 33:6 · Psalms 33:9 · Exodus 20:11 · Isaiah 40:28 · Exodus 31:17 · Psalms 111:2-4 · Psalms 135:13 · Ezekiel 20:12 · Ezekiel 20:20 · 1 John 3:7 · 1 John 2:29 · Isaiah 54:17 · Genesis 1 · Genesis 2:2 · Psalms 111:2 · Psalms 111:3 · Psalms 111:4 · Exodus 20:8 · Mark 2:27 · John 15:3 · 1 Peter 1:22 · Ephesians 2:10 · Ephesians 4:24 · John 17:17 · Galatians 2:20 · Psalms 96:5 · Psalms 115:1-15 · Acts 14:15 · Acts 17:22-25

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