Thursday, May 5, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Continuous Weekly Cycle Not Reliable for 7th Day Sabbath
Further Evidence Disproves Continuous Weekly Cycle
True 7th Day Sabbath Not Found On Saturday
(Clue: It’s about more than just the street where you live)
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the claim the 7th Day Sabbath as Saturday on the Gregorian calendar has never been changed or tampered with, is false. Situations exist today that cannot be explained away by the traditional reasoning. This paper will not deal with the usual arguments and hypothetical situations that have already been made regarding the International Date Line.
Is Saturday the true 7th Day Sabbath?
Seventh Day Sabbatarians believe that the 7th Day Sabbath is pinpointed on Saturday, the 7th day of the planetary week, on the papal gregorian calendar. They contend that Saturday is the seventh day of the week, and has been since the creation week, when God rested on the 7th day. Is this the case, and has it always been that way?
Saturday Sabbatarians contend that the present weekly cycle has never been altered, and to make their case, one single historical record is offered regarding the calendar change. This statement is found on the Seventh Day Adventist website;
“A change [to the old Julian Calendar] was recommended by astronomers and made at the time that Gregory XIII was the pope, and so the corrected calendar with its “leap year” was called the Gregorian calendar. It began to function on Friday, the 5th of October, 1582. Friday the 5th was changed to Friday the 15th . So that particular month was ten days shorter, but the length of its weeks was not affected. This is due to the simple fact that the number of days in the month or in the year has nothing to do with the number of days in the week. Thus the weekly cycle was not affected in any way.”
The Seventh Day Adventist Website argues that their Saturday Sabbath is the true Sabbath and the same Sabbath which the Jews observed through all ages. They further argue that Jesus himself observed the Saturday Sabbath and all those before him: “Our heavenly Father has given us more than written proof of the permanence of the Weekly Cycle and the Seventh-day Sabbath. He has given us living proof: The Jewish race…It has been 3400 years since the time that God gave them manna in the wilderness and told them to carefully keep each Seventh-day Sabbath when no manna fell. But all during those long centuries since then, they have observed God’s Sabbath, week after week, month after month, year after year, century after century. Ask any Jewish acquaintance what day is the Sabbath. He will tell you that it is Saturday, the Seventh day. Orthodox Jews scattered throughout the world have kept strict record of time. They have carefully observed the Seventh-day Sabbath throughout the ages. The existence and testimony of the Jewish race is alone enough to settle the matter. It is the most amazing and conclusive means of knowing the ancient Sabbath of Jesus and earlier times. There is no doubt that the God of heaven has carefully guarded the day that He sanctified and blessed at Creation. We have no excuse for not keeping it holy as He commanded.”
Other sources as well, make similar statements;
B.L. Cocherell in his article The Sabbath and the Calendar: Lunar or Solar makes this remarkable claim without giving evidence to substantiate his statement: "The weekly cycle, as well as knowledge of what day is the seventh day of the week, has been preserved by Catholics, Protestants, Moslems, and Jews, without change since the time of Christ to this day. The Sabbath was indeed from Friday evening to Saturday evening (on today's calendar), both then and now.”
Claus Tondering on his Website makes the following remark concerning the 7-day weekly cycle: “There is no record of the 7-day week cycle ever having been broken. Calendar changes and reform have never interrupted the 7-day cycles. It is very likely that the week cycles have run uninterrupted at least since the days of Moses [c. 1400 BC], and possibly even longer.” http://www.tondering.dk/main/index.php
Yisrayl Hawkins [the chief overseer of the House of Yahweh] concludes that the weekly cycle has never been altered anywhere or at any time since the beginning of time.
In his book THE SABBATH - Every Question Answered, on pp. 15-16 Hawkins writes: “By the year 1582 c.e. the “Julian Calendar” [established in 46 b.c.e.], which was still in use at this late date, had drifted TEN DAYS out of synchronization with the seasons; the spring equinox falling on March 11 instead of March 21 [as it had when the Julian Calendar was first initiated].
It was enacted by Pope Gregory that TEN DAYS be “DROPPED” from the Calendar. Thus, when Gregory XIII “reformed” the Julian Calendar in 1582 - “THURSDAY”, October 4 was immediately followed by “FRIDAY”, October 15! Even though TEN DAYS were dropped from this Calendar - THE ORDER OF DAYS in this WEEK was NOT INTERRUPTED! No day had been lost at all - only the “date” had been “changed”…Therefore “NO TIME HAD BEEN LOST” DURING ANY OF THE CALENDAR REFORMS TO THIS DAY [Feb. 1992]. Yahweh’s Sabbath is on the SEVENTH DAY OF EACH WEEK, JUST AS IT HAS BEEN FROM THE BEGINNING.”
Hawkins, just like many other Saturday Sabbath observers vigorously argue that the Sabbath they observe was NEVER AFFECTED BY ANY CALENDAR CHANGES AND REFORMS THROUGHOUT HISTORY. But to prove their argument they always only refer to the change and reform which took place in the Gregorian calendar.
In this paper, we will clearly demonstrate and document the fact that the weekly cycle and the days of the week were actually altered and confused. This fact proves that Hawkins, Adventists and all others who claim that the weekly cycle was never altered are either ignorant of the true historical facts or else they are skilful deceivers.
What is the Truth?
The truth is, all of this is a smoke screen. No one seems to be able to produce the “record” that the Jews have kept, and how they have kept it. This “record” would have to have been kept for about 3500 years now, to make sure that Saturday would always be in the 7th day position on the papal gregorian calendar, even though several different calendars have been used over the centuries. One much search calendar history much further back than a little over 400 years.
In addition, Saturday as the 7th Day Sabbath, cannot be explained and proven from the scriptures, God’s Word. This is irrefutable and the challenge is offered to anyone to prove it.
The purpose of this paper is not to explore the history of the calendar back to the time of Moses. The purpose is to show that the calendar has been altered historically, and more recently in modern times. If this can be demonstrated, it questions the authenticity of statements that claim the 7th day Saturday Sabbath has never been altered in any way.
Samoa and Australia
Prior to 1892 the people of Samoa observed the weekly cycle in conjunction with the people of Australia. But in 1892 the King of Samoa decreed that the weekly cycle of Samoa be changed and adjusted so that it would coincide with the weekly cycle of America.
King Malietoa Laupepa of Samoa decreed that Monday the 4th of July [US Independence Day] be the day on which the weekly cycle would be changed. Thus Monday of the 4th of July in 1892 by the imperial decree continued on the 5th of July as well so that the weekly cycle of Samoa could be adjusted and made to coincide with the weekly cycle of America.
Margaret Isabella [Balfour] Stevenson [1829-1897], the mother of the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson [1850-1894] who had settled in Samoa in 1890, described the occurrence of the “second 4th July, 1892” in her Letters From Samoa: “…in former days communication was entirely with Australia, and it was simpler and in every way more natural to follow the Australian calendar; but now that so many vessels come from San Francisco, the powers have decided to set things right and to adopt the date that belongs to our actual geographical position. To this end, therefore, WE ARE ORDERED TO KEEP TWO MONDAYS IN THIS WEEK, which will get us straight.”
Two Mondays: The 4th of July in 1892 was Monday. The next day, the 5th, was meant to be Tuesday. But by the imperial decree of King Laupepa, the 5th of July was made to be Monday again. Thus the 6th of July became Tuesday instead of Wednesday - as it would have been if there was no imperial intervention in the former weekly cycle.
Please note below where the Saturday Sabbath would have fallen if there was no change in the weekly cycle and where it fell after the change was implemented:
OLD WEEKLY CYCLE [in accordance with Australian computation
Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
NEW WEEKLY CYCLE [in accordance with the American computation
Sun | Mon | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
This imperial decree of King Laupepa in 1892 clearly altered the weekly cycle and therefore the SATURDAY SABBATH for all those who observed it in Samoa. From then on they observed the Saturday Sabbath actually on FRIDAY - since Monday was made to repeat itself in that weekly cycle. This is a historical fact. How then can Saturday Sabbatarians repeatedly say that the Saturday Sabbath and the weekly cycle was never confused anywhere? They are either ignorant of this fact or they know it but are trying to hide the facts.
Philippines
December 31st 1844-The Day No Filipinos Were Born
Until the early 1840’s, the Philippine Islands were observing the weekly cycle of then Spanish America. But after their trade significantly increased with China, Malay Peninsula, the Dutch East Indies and Australia, the Philippine authorities decided to abolish the weekly cycle of the then Spanish America and instead implement the weekly cycle of Asia. This was achieved in 1844 [the very year Adventists expected Jesus to return] when Narciso Claveria, the governor general of the Philippines, issued a proclamation announcing that Monday 30th December 1844, was to be immediately followed by Wednesday, 1st January 1845.
Thus those who formerly observed their Sabbath on Saturday were from then on in fact observing their Sabbath on a Sunday. This is an irrefutable fact, since the day Tuesday was altogether dropped from the old weekly cycle. Therefore those who claim that the weekly cycle was never tampered with and that the current weekly cycle runs consecutively since the beginning of time are deluded and do not know what they are talking about.
See http://www.bibingka.com/sst/misc/1844.htm for “The Day no Filipinos Were Born.”
Alaska and Russia
Prior to 1867 Alaska belonged to Russia. Russia at that time still observed the Julian calendar which was 12 days behind the Gregorian calendar. The neighboring Canadians on the other hand observed the Gregorian calendar and the American weekly cycle. But when Alaska was sold by Russians to the Americans, the change to the American mode of time reckoning was put into effect by the governmental decree.
In this case two things had to be done in order to reconcile the European week of Russia - observing the Julian calendar - with the weekly cycle of America. Twelve days first of all had to be dropped from the calendar and one day of the week had to repeat itself in its weekly cycle. This was accomplished on Friday the 6th October 1867. People who went to sleep the night of Friday, October 6, woke up in the morning to find out that it was then Friday, October 18. This imperial decree actually transferred the Saturday Sabbath to Friday - since the day Friday was made to repeat itself in that weekly cycle. Thus the Sabbatarians had their Sabbath altered in the weekly cycle by a deliberate reform and the change of the week.
Kiribati
The most recent deliberate reform and the change of the weekly cycle took place in Kiribati in 1995. Kiribati is an independent nation located on islands in the central Pacific ocean. The nation gained its independence on July 12, 1979 and is the member of the British Commonwealth. Prior to 1995 the western part of the republic was always 24 hours ahead of its eastern part, and there were only four days in each week when official business could be conducted between the two parts of the republic. To put an end to this situation, Teburoro Tito, the president of Kiribati, announced on January 1, 1995 the IDL would henceforth run along the many-cornered eastern boundary of the republic. Thus the weekly cycle in Kiribati was altered and changed as recently as 1995 and therefore the Sabbatarians who now observe the Sabbath in that region keep their Sabbath on what formerly was called Friday. Prior to 1995, the Sabbatarians in Kiribati and Hawaii observed the same Sabbath and on the same date. After the IDL was moved as far east as 150 degrees and therefore further than Honolulu, the Sabbatarians in Kiribati now observe their Sabbath a day earlier than those in Hawaii.
If these changes do not constitute the change and alteration of the weekly cycle and if they do not prove that the weekly cycle since creation was not everywhere preserved in its original form - then I don’t know what does. Therefore all those who believe that this current 7-day planetary week was always observed by the Jews are simply deluded and gravely mistaken. Likewise, all those who insist that the weekly cycle of creation was never tampered with nor the days of the week mixed and confused are either ignorant of the true historical facts or are simply guilty of bearing false witness.
Soviet Union: Fiasco of the 5 and 6 Day Week Calendar
Will the Real 7th Day Sabbath Stand Up?
In the late 1920’s and early 1930’s, the USSR made several changes to their calendar, attempting to facilitate better productivity from the workforce. Between 1929 and 1931, the USSR changed from the 7-day week to a 5-day week. There were 72 weeks and an additional five national holidays inserted within three of them totaling a year of 365 days.
In 1931 after the Soviet Union's 5-day week they changed to a 6-day week. Every 6th day (6th, 12th, 18th, 24th and 30th) of the Gregorian Calendar was a state rest day. The 5 additional national holidays in the earlier 5-day week remained and did not fall on the state rest day.
Because of the radical changes to the USSR calendar during the years demonstrated, this calendar example does not fit with all the date examples given. Refer to the links on the Wikipedia page to see the many calendar examples reflecting the changes. Acknowledging that this is a USSR calendar, and not the Gregorian, the question remains; where is the Saturday 7th day Sabbath?
But as January, March, May, July, August, October and December have 31 days, the week after the state rest day of the 30th was 7 days long (31st–7th). This extra day was a working day for most or extra holiday for others. Also as February is only 28 or 29 days depending if a leap year or not, the 1st of March was also made a state rest day, although not every enterprise conformed to this.
To clarify, the week after the state rest day, 24/25 February to 1 March, was only 5 or 6 days long, depending if a leap year or not. The week after that, 2 to 6 March, was only 5 days long.
The calendar was abandoned 26 June 1940 and the 7-day week reintroduced the day after.
In December 1931, the Soviets switched to a six-day week in which everyone received the same day off. Although this helped rid the country of the religious Sunday concept and allowed families to spend time together on their day off, it did not increase efficiency.
In 1940, the Soviets restored the seven-day week.
Alaska and Siberia:
A Conundrum at the International Date Line
There is clear proof that God most definitely did not count His days in accordance with the current IDL. The present IDL does not run in a straight vertical line but rather ZIGZAGS and DEVIATES in order to suit man’s commercial trading and money-making.
Many observers of the Saturday Sabbath observe their Sabbath on the wrong day. Take a look at the zigzag line between Siberia and the Aleutian Islands for example. When it is Friday sunset in the Aleutian Islands it is actually Saturday sunset in Siberia. Although the Sabbatarians of both regions in fact share the same sunrise and sunset, they do not observe the same day. The DEVIATING INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE causes these Sabbatarians to observe two different days as their Sabbaths - even though as far as God is concerned it is one and the same day - since they share the same sunrise and sunset.
If the IDL ran in a vertical line - without any deviation - then both groups would observe the same DAY and DATE as their Sabbath. But because of this man- made deviation the Sabbatarians in these regions are now observing two different Sabbaths and therefore at least one group is observing the false Sabbath.
Apparently, these man-made changes to the calendar cycles and days seem to be acceptable to Jews, Adventists, and other Saturday keeping Sabbatarians. But it’s the NIMBY (not in my back yard) mentality that keeps them in denial. The attitude seems to prevail that as long as it didn’t or doesn’t happen in my neighborhood, and it doesn’t affect me, then it’s not a problem.
. . . . . .And finally, The World Calendar: A Deception in Waiting
If the Babylonian system of the world has it’s way, a new World Calendar could be adopted in the very near future. The next proposed date to seamlessly implement the World Calendar is January 1, 2012. In the new calendar, there are two blank days each year, which by the middle of 2012, will begin to shift the days of the week from their current positions. The Saturday sabbath as it is known now, will no longer be found in the 7th day of the week position. The longer the calendar is in effect, the further the day will drift from its current position.
There was a previous attempt to implement this kind of world calendar in 1954. It was vigorously opposed by Saturday Sabbath observers, including Jews, at that time, and was never implemented.
All this seems to be acceptable to the Jews, Adventists and other Sabbatarians who observe Saturday as their Sabbath, but the BLANK DAY S of the WORLD CALENDAR will create havoc in their circles.
Saturday Sabbath observers may be able to keep the blinders on and stay in denial for awhile longer, but sooner or later, this issue is going to rear it’s head and everyone on the planet is going to have to deal with it, one way or another.
The issue of the true 7th Day Sabbath is at the forefront of the revival of God’s Word going on in the world right now. It’s not in the media; you won’t see it on television; it’s not being discussed much in churches, except to vehemently refute what is presented. But if you take the time to do a bit of digging on the internet, it won’t take long to see what’s happening. It is time for God’s final call to repentance. Will you be found following the Lamb whithersoever He goeth?
Credits:
Monday, April 4, 2011
Celebrating Yahuwah's New Moon
Celebrating the New Moon
Scriptures and Thoughts on Observing the New Moon
During the observance of the time of the New Moon there was the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn, or trumpet). Psalm 81:3 reveals to us that not only was it an appointed time and a solemn feast day, but that it was a time of the blowing of the trumpet. "Sound the shofar at the new moon..."
The New Moon was a time dedicated to worshiping God. Ezekiel 46:3 tells us: "The people of the land are also to prostrate themselves in worship before the Lord at the entrance to that gate on the Sabbaths and on the new moons." And in Ezekiel 40:44 we learn: "Outside the inner gate, in the inner courtyard, were rooms for the singers..." The people worshiped and the singers sang.
Observance of the new moon is to be a memorial of God's creation of the heavenly bodies (sun, moon, planets and stars) and, what's more significant, the consequent establishment of His calendar for all mankind. The observance of the New Moon keeps God's people in remembrance of His true calendar and its High Days, month by month.
King David and King Saul kept the New Moon Festival by having a special meal. 1Sam20
New Moon was to be kept by having access to the man of God. Who was the man of God? Had to be the priest or a prophet. Why go to the man of God? I can only assume he was to teach from God's Word and lead the people in prayer. So the New Moon Festival is an opportunity to study and learn from God's Word as well as additional prayer. It is a day of worship, though not a Sabbath. (There is one New Moon during the biblical year that is considered as a Sabbath; it is the 1st day of the 7th month, Day of Trumpets.)
"Judaism is based on a lunar calendar. Each month begins with the appearance of a new moon. The first of each new month is an occasion for special prayers and celebration. It is called Rosh Chodesh (the head of the month) and is observed for one or two days. When there are two days of Rosh Chodesh, the first day is the last day of the preceding month. Rosh Chodesh is announced in the synagogue on the preceding Sabbath with a special Prayer for the New Month." (from an article on the Jewish Calendar)
Observation of the New Moon could include extra prayer, extra Bible Study, meditation and a commemorative meal. If possible it could also be observed with a short worship service.
In looking at how the time of the New Moon was observed, we see the following major themes:
· blowing of the shofar
· worship and singing
· sweet incense
· free will offering
· reconciliation for the House of Israel
· mirth
Blowing of the shofar is important because this has an effect in the spirit realm by way of spiritual warfare, whose benefits ought to be pursued. Sweet incense is a type for petitional prayer! We see this from Rev. 5:8: "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and the four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints."
A free will offering today can be money, but it can be an offering of thanksgiving or praise to go along with the time of worship. It can be an offering of a vow (but vows have to be kept, otherwise they are displeasing), or an offering of our personal time.
Reconciliation for the House of Israel can be made by way of intercession which is different from petitional prayer in that intercession is not for yourself, it is on behalf of someone else. And intercession includes identifying with those being interceded for, and travailing for them, and thereby coming to a place of authority before God on their behalf. That is what Yahshua is doing in heaven for us right now (see First John 2:1-2).
Of course, Yahshua is also our sacrifice, and our offering. So, that burnt offerings, drink offerings, meat offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and oblations are now replaced by a time of personal confession of sin and of repentance.
Mirth. Going into the House of the Lord with other believers and worshiping and praising is really a celebration. During these times, Israel was commanded to rejoice and be glad before the Lord. It is a command! "Serve the Lord with gladness. Enter his presence with joyful songs." -Psalm 100:2.
Eastern Gate of Heaven Open on the New Moon
In the book of Ezekiel, there is an awesome revelation about the time of the New Moon. In Ezekiel 46:1 we read: "Thus saith The Lord God, the gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened." Now the prophet Ezekiel was speaking of what he was seeing in his day in the natural. But we know that the patterns that we see here on earth are types of the real (the heavenly). Moses was to follow the patterns given to him precisely. In Heb. 8:5 we read: "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." And in Hebrews 9:24 we see: "For Messiah is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" This then is the awesome revelation of Ezekiel: that the gates of the inner court of heaven are open at the time of the New Moon!
Deeper meaning of the New Moon
What is the deeper meaning of the time of the New Moon? For one thing, it speaks of favor with God. The New Moon is a time of divine invitation. In the book of Esther, one quickly grasps what a difference the favor of the king makes! Now, what about the favor of the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords?
In Esther 4:11, we read: "All the kings servants, and the people of the kings provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live..."
And in Esther 5:1-2 we read similarly: "Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood on the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."
A Royal Invitation: Favor with YHWH
On the day of the New Moon, we have favor; the heavenly gate of the inner court is open unto us and we can enter in. We have a royal invitation to do so. We need to grasp this one thing: as New Covenant believers we have access to God at any time we choose to seek Him. But in the time of the New Moon, God is seeking to have access to us!
The inner court is no ordinary place. It is a place of glory! It is a place of divine visitation! This is another reason for the new moon day to be considered holy. The “gates are open” during this (holy) time. The gates are closed on the days that are not considered “Holy.”
Look at Ezekiel 10:3-4: "Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house, when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the Lord's glory."
At this appointed time of the New Moon, you are not required to meet with God, though He has ordained this time to meet with you. You will meet with Him at this time for only one reason: that You love him.
Isaiah gives us a clue that the Sabbath and the New Moon will have a special place in our lives in the future;
“And is shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 66:23
Credits:
Celebrating the New Moon Wayne Bedwell www.studiesintheword.org
Celebrating Rosh Chodesh www.shemayisrael.org
Revised June 27 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Ellen G White Writings Confirm Lunar Calendar Sabbaths
Ellen G White Writings Confirm Biblical Lunar Calendar Sabbaths
Many Seventh Day Adventists today are confronted with two significant controversies regarding the biblical calendar of the “feasts” or appointed times of God, and the 7th day Sabbath.
There are two primary questions that arise in the current ongoing discussions. First, are the feasts or appointed times of God still in effect and do they apply to us today living in the end times described in scripture?
Which calendar is the 7th Day Sabbath Really On?
Second, and probably more significant and important, is the question of which calendar the 7th day Sabbath belongs on. Does it belong on Saturday as it has been kept since about the 4th century AD, as indicated on the papal gregorian calendar? Or, does the 7th day Sabbath belong on the biblical calendar of scripture as given at creation, and re-instituted by Moses at the time of the Exodus, as given to Moses by YHWH (God) beginning in Exodus 12?
In this paper, we will deal with only one aspect and fundamental question of this complex tapestry of chronology of God’s word. We will ask the question, Did Ellen G White, Prophet of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, confirm the 7th day Sabbath on Saturday on the papal gregorian calendar, or did she confirm the 7th day Sabbath on the biblical calendar dates of the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th days of each biblical month?
Ellen White's Use of the terms Friday and Saturday
In reference to Ellen White’s use of the words “Saturday” and “Saturday Sabbath,” it appears that she may not have used this terminology for 20 plus years following the advent movement (undetermined). Keep in mind that keeping of Saturday as Sabbath did not occur immediately, for another year or two following the advent movement of 1844, and even then, it was kept erroneously from 6PM to 6PM for about 10 years. It is acknowledged that she used the planetary week name “Friday” interchangeably at times, with the word for the sixth day, which was commonly known and used by the Israelites as “preparation.” She also used the planetary week name “Saturday” on many occasions, at times in reference to Saturday as the Sabbath.. In the context of the time the events of the exodus and crucifixion took place, the word “Friday” and “Saturday” are misplaced and incorrect. In addition, the crucifixion was more likely on what would have been a Wednesday on the Julian calendar, in use during the 1st century. The question remains; given the apparent contradiction, do we follow Ellen White, or do we follow YHWH’s holy scriptures? You decide.
Now let us look as some examples from the pen of Ellen White that confirms the biblical 7th day Sabbath days of the 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th days of the biblical month. It is acknowledged here that there may be no direct or indirect references to the 29th day of the month, but there are references that point to the other 7th day Sabbaths of the month.
NOTE: In several places in the writings of Ellen White, she used the term “Jewish month,” or “Jewish year.” It should be noted that this is an incorrect reference to the ownership of the lunarsolar calendar set forth in the scriptures. The calendar of scripture is given by YHWH (God) to Moses and the Israelites, and it is His calendar, that was given to the Jewish/Israelite people.
Passover: 14th day of 1st Biblical Month
"On the fourteenth day of the month at even," the Passover was celebrated on the plains of Jericho. "And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the Passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day. And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan." The long years of their desert wanderings were ended. The feet of Israel were at last treading the Promised Land. {PP 486.2}
These types were fulfilled, not only as to the event, but as to the time. On the fourteenth day of the first Jewish month, the very day and month on which, for fifteen long centuries, the Passover lamb had been slain, Christ, having eaten the Passover with his disciples, instituted that feast which was to commemorate his own death as “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” That same night he was taken by wicked hands, to be crucified and slain. And as the antitype of the wave-sheaf, our Lord was raised from the dead on the third day, “the first-fruits of them that slept,” [1 Corinthians 15:20.] a sample of all the resurrected just, whose “vile body” shall be changed, and “fashioned like unto his glorious body.” [Philippians 3:21.] {GC88 399.2}
Passover and preparation-14th day of 1st month, 6th day of week
Sabbath-15th day, same as the creation Sabbath
The Lord is no less particular now in regard to his Sabbath, than when he gave the foregoing special directions to the children of Israel. He required them to bake that which they would bake, and seethe (that is, boil) that which they would seethe, on the sixth day, preparatory to the rest of the Sabbath. Those who neglect to make suitable preparation on the sixth day for the Sabbath, violate the fourth commandment, and are transgressors of God's law. {ST, April 15, 1880 par. 3}
That was a never-to-be-forgotten Sabbath to the sorrowing disciples, and also to the priests, rulers, scribes, and people. At the setting of the sun on the evening of the preparation day the trumpets sounded, signifying that the Sabbath had begun. The Passover was observed as it had been for centuries, while He to whom it pointed had been slain by wicked hands, and lay in Joseph's tomb. DA 775
When there shall be a "restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph's tomb, will still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as "from one Sabbath to another" (Isaiah 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyful worship to God and the Lamb. {DA 769.2-770}
6th Day Preparation; 7th day Sabbath
On the sixth day the people gathered two omers for every person. The rulers hastened to acquaint Moses with what had been done. His answer was, "This is that which the Lord hath
296
said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning." They did so, and found that it remained unchanged. "And Moses said, Eat that today; for today is a Sabbath unto the Lord: today ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none." {PP 295.3}
God requires that His holy day be as sacredly observed now as in the time of Israel. The command given to the Hebrews should be regarded by all Christians as an injunction from Jehovah to them. The day before the Sabbath should be made a day of preparation, that everything may be in readiness for its sacred hours. In no case should our own business be allowed to encroach upon holy time. God has directed that the sick and suffering be cared for; the labor required to make them comfortable is a work of mercy, and no violation of the Sabbath; but all unnecessary work should be avoided. Many carelessly put off till the beginning of the Sabbath little things that might have been done on the day of preparation. This should not be. Work that is neglected until the beginning of the Sabbath should remain undone until it is past. This course might help the memory of these thoughtless ones, and make them careful to do their own work on the six working days. {PP 296.1}
7th Day Sabbath on 15th and 22nd day of Biblical Month
Moses, he said: "Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." It was to the celebration of this feast that Jesus came.RH Jul 7 1896
NOTE: Twice a year in YHWH’s calendar, the first day of a 7 day feast, or appointed time, is a Sabbath. This is on the 15th day of the month in each case, the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the 1st month, and the first day of the Feast of Tabernacles in the 7th month. This is typically thought of as a “high” day or Sabbath. It is the same as the 7th day Sabbath, not separately a “feast” Sabbath, and should be regarded as such.
On the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from Egypt, the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin; and there "the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron. . . . And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh-pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger. {RH, August 30, 1898 par. 3}
"Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt: and in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we, that ye murmur against us? And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord." {RH, August 30, 1898 par. 4}
"And in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents. . . . {RH, August 30, 1898 par. 5}
"And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord; bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe: and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein. And Moses said, Eat that today; for today is a Sabbath unto the Lord: today ye shall not find it in the field. Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, in it there shall be none. {RH, August 30, 1898 par. 6}
NOTE: Notice the specific day that the Israelites murmured; it was the 15th day of the second month, the self-same day they came out of Egypt. In the instructions, YHWH says He will give them quail after sundown, then the next day, in the morning, the 16th day, He would give them manna for 6 days; 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st. The next day is the 7th day Sabbath, and is the 22nd day of the month. If the 22nd day of the month is the 7th day sabbath, then the 15th is also the 7th day Sabbath, and likewise, the 8th and the 29th.
7th Day Sabbath confirmed on 8th Biblical Calendar day of month
According to the observance of the Biblical Calendar every 7th Day-Sabbath falls on the following days of the month: 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th. Let's look to our Master Yahshua, as to what He did:
John 12:1 Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. John 12:2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. John 12:4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, John 12:5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. John 12:7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.John 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
SIX DAYS BEFORE THE PASSOVER:
PASSOVER = 14th OF THE MONTH OF NISAN
From the 14th we subtract 6 days:
14 - 6 = 8th OF THE MONTH (A SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH)
So according to the gospel of John, Yahshua went to Mary and Martha on the 8th day of the month - A SABBATH DAY, according to the Biblical calendar.
Proof:
The Savior had reached Bethany only six days before the Passover, and according to His custom had sought rest at the home of Lazarus. The crowds of travelers who passed on to the city spread the tidings that He was on His way to Jerusalem, and that He would rest over the Sabbath at Bethany. Among the people there was great enthusiasm. Many flocked to Bethany, some out of sympathy with Jesus, and others from curiosity to see one who had been raised from the dead. {DA 557.3}
Yahshua visited them on the weekly Sabbath!
More proof?
John 12:12 On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, John 12:13 Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. John 12:14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, John 12:15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass' colt.
What does Sister Ellen White tell us about this occasion?
It was on the first day of the week that Christ made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Multitudes who had flocked to see Him at Bethany now accompanied Him, eager to witness His reception. Many people were on their way to the city to keep the Passover, and these joined the multitude attending Jesus. All nature seemed to rejoice. The trees were clothed with verdure, and their blossoms shed a delicate fragrance on the air. A new life and joy animated the people. The hope of the new kingdom was again springing up. {DA 569.3}
Note: the first day of this week would have been the 9th day of the biblical month, the day just prior to the day when the Passover Lamb would have been selected (10th day), and the Jews would have conspired to kill Yahushua.
7th day Creation Sabbath confirmed on 15th day of Biblical month
That was a never-to-be-forgotten Sabbath to the sorrowing disciples, and also to the priests, rulers, scribes, and people. At the setting of the sun on the evening of the preparation day the trumpets sounded, signifying that the Sabbath had begun. The Passover was observed as it had been for centuries, while He to whom it pointed had been slain by wicked hands, and lay in Joseph's tomb. DA 775
When there shall be a "restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph's tomb, will still be a day of rest and rejoicing. Heaven and earth will unite in praise, as "from one Sabbath to another" (Isaiah 66:23) the nations of the saved shall bow in joyful worship to God and the Lamb. {DA 769.2-770}
Note: Passover was always celebrated on the 14th day of the 1st biblical month, which was the 6th day of the week. The day that Yahushua lay in the tomb, the creation Sabbath, is the 15th day of the biblical month, always a 7th day Sabbath in scripture.
Receiving New Light in the End Times
"There is to be in the [Seventh-day Adventist] churches a wonderful manifestation of the power of God, but it will not move upon those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord, and opened the door of the heart by confession and repentance. In the manifestation of that power which lightens the earth with the glory of God, they will see only something which in their blindness they think dangerous, something which will arouse their fears, and they will brace themselves to resist it. Because the Lord does not work according to their ideas and expectations they will oppose the work. "Why," they say, "should we not know the Spirit of God, when we have been in the work so many years?"--RH Extra, Dec. 23, 1890. {LDE 209.3} "The third angel's message will not be comprehended, the light which will lighten the earth with its glory will be called a false light, by those who refuse to walk in its advancing glory".--RH May 27, 1890. {LDE 210.1}
It is not God that blinds the eyes of men or hardens their hearts. He sends them light to correct their errors, and to lead them in safe paths; IT IS BY THE REJECTION OF THIS LIGHT THAT THE EYES ARE BLINDED AND THE HEART HARDENED. Often the process is gradual, and almost imperceptible. Light comes to the soul through God's word, through His servants, or by the direct agency of His Spirit; but when ONE RAY OF LIGHT is disregarded, there is a partial benumbing of the spiritual perceptions, and the second revealing of light is less clearly discerned. So the darkness increases, until it is night in the soul." DA 32
Additional Light for God's People
(Written January 18, 1889, from Battle Creek, Michigan to R. A. Underwood)
You seem to be surprised that I look at matters in the light that I do. You speak of the resolution that you thought ought to have passed at the General Conference. What did that resolution comprehend? It virtually said that nothing should be taught in the college but that which had been taught during the past year. . . . {13MR 334.1}
I stated that I was a stockholder and I could not let the resolution pass, that there was to be special light for God's people as they neared the closing scenes of this earth's history. Another angel was to come from heaven with a message, and the whole earth was to be lightened with his glory. It would be impossible for us to state just how this additional light would come. It might come in a very unexpected manner, in a way that would not agree with the ideas that many have conceived. It is not at all unlikely, or contrary to the ways and works of God, to send light to His people in unexpected ways. Would it be right that every avenue should be closed in our school so that the students could not have the benefit of this light? The resolution was not called for.--Letter 22, 1889.
White Estate Washington, D. C. May 17, 1984 {13MR 334.2}
Paul W Puckett Mar 17 2011
Rev Apr 7 2011
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