EGW WritingsExodus 31
Ellen G. White · Page 3 of 3
Read Exodus 31 in the BibleExodus 31:13-16
Medical Ministry
The Physician Not Exempt
MM 214.3
Often physicians are called upon on the Sabbath to minister to the sick, and it is impossible for them to take time for rest and devotion. The Saviour has shown us by His example that it is right to relieve suffering on this day; but physicians and nurses should do no unnecessary work. Ordinary treatment, and operations that can wait, should be deferred till the next day. Let the patients know that physicians must have one day for rest. The Lord says, “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” Exodus 31:13.MM 215.1
God created the world in six days and rested upon the seventh. He sanctified and blessed the seventh day and made it His sacred memorial. “Wherefore,” He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who do this, keeping all of God’s commandments, may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14. The instruction given in this chapter is full and decided. Those who refrain from labor on the Sabbath may claim divine comfort and consolation. Shall we not believe God? Shall we not call holy the day which He calls holy? Man should not be ashamed to acknowledge as sacred that which God calls sacred. He should not be ashamed to do that which God has commanded. Obedience will bring him a knowledge of what constitutes true sanctification.The Kress Collection
Observance of the Sabbath
KC 60.4
Let no man, because he is a physician, feel at liberty to do those things which God has forbidden. He should not travel on the Sabbath unless this is a necessity in order to relieve suffering humanity. He should plan his work so as to obey God’s requirements. The Lord says, “Verily, my Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” Exodus 31:13. When there is real suffering to be alleviated, it is not a desecration of the Sabbath for physicians to travel upon it: but unimportant cases should be deferred. God sanctified and blessed the seventh day, and it is to be kept as His sacred memorial.KC 60.5
God created the world in six days, and rested upon the seventh. Therefore, He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who keep God’s commandments may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 162, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 162, 1897, par. 24
Often physicians are called upon on the Sabbath to minister to the sick, and it is impossible for them to take time for rest and devotion. The Saviour has shown us by His example that it is right to relieve suffering on this day; but physicians and nurses should do no unnecessary work. Ordinary treatment, and operations that can wait, should be deferred till the next day. Let the patients know that physicians must have one day for rest. The Lord says, “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is sign between me and you throughout your generations.” Exodus 31:13.12LtMs, Ms 162, 1897, par. 26
God created the world in six days and rested upon the seventh. He sanctified and blessed the seventh day and made it His sacred memorial. “Wherefore,” He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who do this, keeping all of God’s commandments, may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14. The instruction given in this chapter is full and decided. Those who refrain from labor on the Sabbath may claim divine comfort and consolation. Shall we not believe God? Shall we not call holy the day which He calls holy? Man should not be ashamed to acknowledge as sacred that which God calls sacred. He should not be ashamed to do that which God has commanded. Obedience will bring him a knowledge of what constitutes true sanctification.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 77, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 77, 1899, par. 41
“What more could I do to my vineyard, that I have not done?” Christ asks. [Isaiah 5:4.] No deeper wound could be inflicted upon God than to ignore His holy day, and place in its stead a spurious sabbath that bears no mark of sanctity. God gave His Sabbath to the world to remind men that in six days He made the world, and that the seventh He set apart for His name’s glory. He says, “It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:13, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 169, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 169, 1899, par. 47
Let no man, because he is a physician, feel at liberty to do those things which God has forbidden. He should not, because he is a physician, travel on the Sabbath unless this is a necessity in order to relieve suffering. He should plan his work so as to obey God’s requirements. The Lord says, “Verily, my Sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” Exodus 31:13. When there is real suffering to be alleviated, it is not a desecration of the Sabbath for physicians to travel upon it; but unimportant cases should be deferred. God sanctified and blessed the seventh day, and it is to be kept as His sacred memorial.14LtMs, Ms 169, 1899, par. 48
God created the world in six days, and rested upon the seventh “Wherefore,” He declares, “the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. Those who keep God’s commandments may claim the promises contained in Isaiah 58:11-14.Exodus 31:13-17
Counsels for the Church
Chapter 47—The Observance of God’s Holy Sabbath
CCh 261.2
When the Lord delivered His people Israel from Egypt and committed to them His law, He taught them that by the observance of the Sabbath they were to be distinguished from idolaters. It was this that made the distinction between those who acknowledge the sovereignty of God and those who refuse to accept Him as their Creator and King. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord said. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:17, 16.CCh 261.4
From the pillar of cloud Christ declared concerning the Sabbath: “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.” Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience.Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]
MR No. 1297—The Need to Review Sacred History; the Importance of the Sabbath; The Nearness of the End
17MR 346.2
And again He says: “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.... The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17].Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]
Lessons From Israel
13MR 187.1
From Sinai the Lord spoke His law, making a wonderful display of His glory. There He made a covenant with all who promised to be obedient to His law. Obedience to the Sabbath was to be a sign between Him and His people, “that ye may know,” He said, “that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17].Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
The Sign of Our Relationship to God
8T 198.2
By the observance of the Sabbath the children of Israel were to be distinguished from all other nations. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” Christ said, “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.” “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:13, 17, 16.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 44—The Observance of the Sabbath
6T 349.2
When the Lord delivered His people Israel from Egypt and committed to them His law, He taught them that by the observance of the Sabbath they were to be distinguished from idolaters. It was this that made the distinction between those who acknowledge the sovereignty of God and those who refuse to accept Him as their Creator and King. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord said. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:17, 16.6T 350.1
From the pillar of cloud Christ declared concerning the Sabbath: “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.” Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience.Letters to Physicians and Ministers
Our Message
SpTB01 6.3
The Sign of our Relationship to God. By the observance of the Sabbath, the children of Israel were to be distinguished from all other nations. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” Christ said: “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.... It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:13, 17, 16.Counsels on Health
The Sign of Our Relationship to God
CH 358.3
By the observance of the Sabbath, the children of Israel were to be distinguished from all other nations. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” Christ said, “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.” “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:13, 17, 16.The Review and Herald
November 20, 1913
RH November 20, 1913, par. 4
Through the setting up of a false sabbath the enemy has succeeded in turning the sign-board around, so that it points toward the path of disobedience. He has insulted Jehovah by attempting to set aside a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” He has thought to change times and laws. But has he really succeeded in changing God’s law? The words of the thirty-first chapter of Exodus are the answer. He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever has declared of the seventh-day Sabbath: “It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” “It is a sign.... forever.” Exodus 31:13, 17.Testimony Treasures, vol. 3
The Observance of the Sabbath
3TT 16.2
When the Lord delivered His people Israel from Egypt and committed to them His law, He taught them that by the observance of the Sabbath they were to be distinguished from idolaters. It was this that made the distinction between those who acknowledged the sovereignty of God and those who refused to accept Him as their Creator and King. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord said. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:17, 16.3TT 17.1
From the pillar of cloud Christ declared concerning the Sabbath, “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.” Exodus 31:13. The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience.From Splendor to Shadow
How Christ Upheld the Sabbath
SS 97.2
The great enemy of man’s happiness has made the Sabbath of the fourth commandment an object of special attack. Satan says, “I will work at cross purposes with God. I will set aside God’s memorial, the seventh-day Sabbath. I will show the world that the day sanctified by God has been changed. I will obliterate the memory of it. I will place in its stead a day that does not bear the credentials of God, a day that cannot be a sign between God and His people. Through my vicegerent, I will exalt myself. The first day will be extolled, and the Protestant world will receive this spurious sabbath as genuine. I will be the prince of this world. I will so control minds that God’s Sabbath shall be a special object of contempt. A sign? I will make the observance of the seventh day a sign of disloyalty to the authorities of earth. Human laws will be made so stringent that men and women will not dare to observe the seventh-day Sabbath. For fear of being without food and clothing, they will join the world in transgressing God’s law. The earth will be wholly under my dominion.” Through setting up a false sabbath, the enemy thought “to change times and laws.” But has he really succeeded in changing God’s law? He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, has declared of the seventh-day Sabbath: “It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” “It is a sign ... forever.” Exodus 31:13, 17. The changed signpost is pointing the wrong way, but God has not changed. He is just as jealous for His law now as in the days of Ahab and Elijah.Counsels on Health
Obedience and Understanding
CH 512.1
“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.” “The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.” Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 167, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 167, 1897, par. 20
Do not look around to see if there are not tests that can be brought upon God’s people. God has given a test—the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. “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. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]12LtMs, Ms 167, 1897, par. 21
All who bring to the observance of the Sabbath a heart consecrated to God will find that the day God has sanctified is more to them than they had any idea of. “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Verse 13.] “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:13, 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 157, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 157, 1898, par. 10
Every Sabbath should be hailed with joy and gladness. Every preparation should be made during the six working days, that we may hail with reverential joy the hour that brings the Sabbath. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:16, 17, 13.] Those who recognize the Sabbath as the holy of the Lord and honorable, honor Him who gave the Sabbath, and who meets, by His Spirit, with every one, large or [small,] who worships Him in spirit and truth and in the beauty of holiness. How sacred and precious are these hours which God has sanctified and blessed. We may feel that the Sabbath is the best opportunity to hold sweet communion with each other and precious intercourse with God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 91, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 91, 1899, par. 28
From Sinai the Lord spoke His law, making a wonderful display of His glory. There He made a covenant with all who promised to be obedient to His law. Obedience to the Sabbath was to be a sign between Him and His people, “that ye may know,” He said, “that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 27, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 27, 1899, par. 4
God has designated the seventh day as His Sabbath, the memorial of the creation. He declares. “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. ... It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested, and was refreshed. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:13, 17, 16.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 45, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 45, 1899, par. 10
The surrender of heart, soul, and mind to obedience to the commandments of God is as a thread of gold, binding up the precious things of God, and revealing their value in the time of trial. Therefore I say to my sisters, Enter into no controversy in regard to outward apparel, but be sure that you have the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price. Let all who accept the truth show their true colors. Ye are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. False prudence, mock modesty, may be shown by the outward apparel, while the heart is in great need of the inward adorning. Stand ever committed to the right. Do not look round to see if there are not tests that are now to be brought upon God’s people. God has given a test—the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep;” He says, “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. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]14LtMs, Lt 45, 1899, par. 11
All who bring to the observance of the Sabbath a heart consecrated to the observances of God will find that the Sabbath is more to them than they have any idea of. “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Verse 13.] “If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, not finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own word, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord, and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” [Isaiah 58:13, 14.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 109, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 109, 1899, par. 30
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak thou 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.” [Exodus 31:13.] God has given men six days in which to work for a livelihood, and if they disregard His holy Sabbath, they show open contempt for His law, and are numbered with the unbelievers as transgressors. They are not sanctified by the Lord, for they are not rendering to Him His due. They refuse the sign which would distinguish them as the people of God. God declares, “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.” [Verse 15.] This shows all the light in which God regards His Sabbath. The question of Sabbathkeeping is a life and death question.14LtMs, Lt 109, 1899, par. 31
In the days of Christ the Jewish rulers tried to fasten on Him the charge of breaking the Sabbath. Could they have made good their charge, they would have had no need to hire false witnesses to testify against Christ. But Christ declared to them that all His works were in strict obedience to the law of Jehovah. He preserved the sign by which God’s chosen people were distinguished from all people on the face of the earth. “Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Verses 16, 17.] God gave His chosen people special charge to keep holy His memorial, the seventh day Sabbath, which proclaimed Him the Creator of heaven and earth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 150, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 13
The Sabbath that God instituted in Eden was as precious to John on Patmos as when he was with his companions in the cities and towns. The precious promises God had given regarding this day he repeated and claimed as his own. It was the sign to him that God was his, for had not God declared, “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. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 50
“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.” [Exodus 31:13.] This is the true sanctification [that] it is essential for all to have. There is no genuine sanctification apart from the sign of loyalty to God, for God says so. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Verses 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 74, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 74, 1900, par. 28
By His mighty power, notwithstanding the opposition of Pharaoh, God delivered His people from Egypt, that they might keep His law. By the observance of the Sabbath, they were to be distinguished from all other nations. “It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever,” God declared; “for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested and was refreshed. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:17, 16.]15LtMs, Lt 74, 1900, par. 31
From the pillar of cloud Christ made the declaration regarding the Sabbath, “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 sanctify you.” [Verse 13.] The Sabbath is a sign of the relationship existing between God and His people, a sign that they are His obedient subjects, that they keep holy His law. This is the means ordained by God of preserving a right knowledge of Himself and of distinguishing His loyal subjects from the transgressors of His law.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 7, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 7, 1900, par. 10
“Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:8-11.] “Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep,” God says, “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. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 167, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 167, 1900, par. 4
The Lord accepts all the obedience of every creature He has made, according to the circumstances of time in the sun-rising and the sun-setting world. Obedience is the test. All this ploughing into the intricacy of the precise minutes and hours of the Sabbath—it is the test of man’s obedience to honor and glorify God. To sin, or transgression of His law, God will prove a consuming fire. The Sabbath observance is “a sign between me and you throughout your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 214, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 214, 1900, par. 5
“It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 17.] That sign is the observance of the day the Lord has appointed. There has been a strange neglect and a deficient spiritual eyesight and discernment to do the very work that should have been done in this field. We should be far advanced in establishing God’s memorials. We have made every effort in our power and yet debts are upon us, because we have not the means that others in America are using in building up that which is called medical missionary work. [They are] building more sanitariums when there is not sufficient call or dire necessity for them.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 105, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 105, 1903, par. 9
And again He says, “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. ... The children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Lt 255, 1903
18LtMs, Lt 255, 1903, par. 18
“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. ... The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 47, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 47, 1906, par. 5
We went to Glendale, near Los Angeles, and the following night, April 17, further representations passed before me. I seemed to be in an assembly, setting before the people the requirements of God’s law. I read the Scriptures regarding the institution of the Sabbath in Eden at the close of the creation week, and regarding the giving of the law at Sinai; and then I showed that the Sabbath was to be observed “for a perpetual covenant,” as a sign between God and His people forever, that they may know that they are sanctified by the Lord, their Creator. [Exodus 31:16, 17, 13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 54, 1911
25LtMs, Lt 54, 1911, par. 5
I honor and obey the law of God, and I desire that we all shall honor the great Lawgiver before all with whom we associate. Because of the light that has come to us on the Sabbath question, we should regard ourselves as a wonderfully favored people. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” the Lord declares; “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.” “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:13, 17, 16.]Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 27—The Law Given to Israel
PP 313.3
During his stay in the mount, Moses received directions for the building of a sanctuary in which the divine presence would be specially manifested. “Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8), was the command of God. For the third time the observance of the Sabbath was enjoined. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord declared, “that ye may know that I am Jehovah that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.... Whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.” Exodus 31:17,13, 14. Directions had just been given for the immediate erection of the tabernacle for the service of God; and now the people might conclude, because the object had in view was the glory of God, and also because of their great need of a place of worship, that they would be justified in working at the building upon the Sabbath. To guard them from this error, the warning was given. Even the sacredness and urgency of that special work for God must not lead them to infringe upon His holy rest day.From Eternity Past
God Exalts a Race of Slaves
EP 217.3
During his stay in the mount, Moses received directions for the building of a sanctuary in which the divine Presence would be specially manifested. “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them,” was the command of God. For the third time the observance of the Sabbath was enjoined: “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord declared, “that ye may know that I am Jehovah that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: ... whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.” Exodus 31:17, 13, 14.Counsels on Health
The Sign of Our Order
CH 235.1
The observance of the Sabbath is the sign between God and His people. Let us not be ashamed to bear the sign that distinguishes us from the world. As I considered this matter in the night season recently, One of authority counseled us to study the instruction given the Israelites in regard to the Sabbath. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” the Lord declared to them; “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. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.... 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.” Exodus 31:13-17.The Review and Herald
November 6, 1913
RH November 6, 1913, Art. A, par. 6
Through Moses the Lord instructed the Israelites: “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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:13-17.The Review and Herald
August 13, 1959
RH August 13, 1959, par. 8
“Speak thou ... 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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 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” (Exodus 31:13-17).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Ms 59, 1895
10LtMs, Ms 59, 1895, par. 43
What is the condition of those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus? If in families there are those who are refusing obedience to the Lord in keeping His Sabbath, then the seal cannot be placed upon them. The sealing is a pledge from God of perfect security to His chosen ones (Exodus 31:13-17). Sealing indicates you are God’s chosen. He has appropriated you to Himself. As the sealed of God we are Christ’s purchased possession, and no one shall pluck us out of His hands. The seal given in the forehead is God, New Jerusalem. “I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God.” Revelation 3:12.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 147, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 147, 1897, par. 43
Passion and human wisdom are arrayed against purity and holiness, against self-denial, and against the law which governs heaven and earth. Man’s will and purpose, dictated by the wisdom of Satan, is to deny the requirements of God. He would have human laws take the place of the divine. The will of the finite creature has been arrayed against the will of the infinite God. This has brought in and developed the man of sin, who has exalted himself against God, sitting in the temple of God, and showing himself to be God. He has trampled underfoot God’s great memorial established to commemorate the work of creation, and has presented to the world in its stead a common working day. This has been set up, as a rival sabbath, to be sacredly observed and worshipped. This has set the world against their God; for the Lord declares that He has sanctified the day of His rest. Exodus 31:13-17.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 64, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 64, 1899, par. 12
The Lord has declared that His Sabbath “is a sign between me and the children of Israel ... throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you. Everyone that defileth it shall surely be put to death; for whoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done, but in the seventh is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant.” [Exodus 31:17, 13-16.] But men boldly transgress God’s Word regarding His Sabbath.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 113, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 113, 1899, par. 5
“Six days may work be done; but 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.] Those who, having once observed the Sabbath, refuse to acknowledge its claims, and dishonor their Creator, that they may do their own work, are classed among those who “have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” [2 Peter 2:15.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 120, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 120, 1899, par. 24
“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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)
Ms 175, 1901
16LtMs, Ms 175, 1901, par. 8
Those who desire to know the truth concerning the Sabbath of the Lord are not left to the guidance of uncertain suppositions. But let them not depend upon the teachings of the fathers, or any other human agency, but upon the words spoken by the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. In it are to be found the laws of heaven. And from the Bible alone can we learn the truth regarding the Sabbath. God’s word is plain. The fourth commandment is definite and explicit, and reveals the divine origin of the Sabbath. And further, the Lord said to Moses: “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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 114, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 114, 1902, par. 17
The question of opening our restaurants on the Sabbath is to be considered in the light of God’s commandments. The Lord has declared: “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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh He rested and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 30, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 30, 1903, par. 16
Should the work continue on the Sabbath, the same as on the other days of the week, when would the workers receive time for spiritual refreshing and physical rest? These things should be considered in the light of God’s commandments. The Lord has said, “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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath through their generations, for it is a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.]Lift Him Up
The Law for Man’s Happiness, May 6
LHU 140.5
Through Moses the Lord instructed the Israelites: “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. 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 ... in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 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” (Exodus 31:13-17).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 38, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 38, 1906, par. 7
When the law of God was proclaimed in awful grandeur from Sinai, God specified the seventh day as the day on which His people were to rest. And once again, He said to Moses, “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. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you; everyone 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:13-17.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Lt 94, 1910
25LtMs, Lt 94, 1910, par. 9
And again He says, “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. ... The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.” [Exodus 31:13-17.]Manuscript Releases, vol. 15 [Nos. 1136-1185]
MR No. 1165—Heaven’s Judgments on the Wicked; God’s People Sealed
15MR 225.3
What is the condition of those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus? If in families there are those who are refusing obedience to the Lord in keeping His Sabbath, then the seal cannot be placed upon them. The sealing is a pledge from God of perfect security to His chosen ones (Exodus 31:13-17). Sealing indicates you are God’s chosen. He has appropriated you to Himself. As the sealed of God we are Christ’s purchased possession, and no one shall pluck us out of His hands. The seal given in the forehead is God, New Jerusalem. “I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God” (Revelation 3:12).Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]
MR No. 108—How To Study the Bible
2MR 91.1
“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. 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. 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed” [Exodus 31:13-17].Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8
Self-Sacrifice
8T 210.1
“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.... The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.” Exodus 31:13-17.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7
Chapter 22—The Sign of our Order
7T 105.1
The observance of the Sabbath is the sign between God and His people. Let us not be ashamed to bear the sign that distinguishes us from the world. As I considered this matter in the night season recently, One of authority counseled us to study the instruction given the Israelites in regard to the Sabbath. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” the Lord declared to them; “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. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you.... 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever.” Exodus 31:13-17.7T 109.2
In order that men might not forget the true God, Jehovah gave them a memorial of His love and power—the Sabbath. He says: “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you.” Exodus 31:13.The Story of Our Health Message
The Real Test
SHM-apx 445.1
Do not look around to see if there are not tests that can be brought upon God’s people. God has given a test—the Sabbath of the Fourth Commandment. “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....Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:13-17.SHM-apx 445.2
All who bring to the observance of the Sabbath a heart consecrated to God will find that the day God has sanctified is more to them than they had any idea of. “I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Exodus 31:13. If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” Isaiah 58:13, 14.—MS 167, 1897.Exodus 31:13-18
From Splendor to Shadow
Chapter 14—God’s Call to Modern Apostates
SS 95.2
Through Moses the Lord instructed the Israelites: “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.” “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:13, 17.SS 95.4
At the time of the Exodus the Sabbath was brought prominently before the people of God. While in Egypt their taskmasters had attempted to force them to labor on the Sabbath by increasing the amount of work required each week. But the Israelites were delivered from bondage and brought to a place where they might observe unmolested all the precepts of the Lord. At Sinai the law was spoken, and a copy of it, on two tables of stone, “written with the finger of God,” was delivered to Moses. Exodus 31:18. And through forty years of wandering the Israelites were constantly reminded of God’s appointed rest day by the withholding of the manna every seventh day and the miraculous preservation of the double portion that fell on the preparation day.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 66, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 66, 1898, par. 8
I read (Exodus 31:13, 18), showing the importance of observing the seventh-day Sabbath. God declares, “It is a sign between me and you.” In observing this day, God’s people may know it is the Lord that doth sanctify them. I think we dwell too little upon the evidence of the origin of the Sabbath and its perpetuity. I then turned to Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and chapter 7:6-11; 8:1-4. Then I turned to John 14, and read the entire chapter, and remarked upon it. The Lord gave me tongue and utterance, and His Spirit was upon me.Lift Him Up
God’s Law Never Changes, May 7
LHU 141.1
And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. Exodus 31:18.LHU 141.3
Through the setting up of a false sabbath, the enemy thought to change times and laws. But has he really succeeded in changing God’s law? The words of the thirty-first chapter of Exodus are the answer. He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever has declared of the seventh-day Sabbath: “It is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” “It is a sign ... for ever” (Exodus 31:13, 17). The changed signpost is pointing the wrong way, but God has not changed. He is still the mighty God of Israel. “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing” (Isaiah 40:15).... And He is just as jealous for His law now as He was in the days of Ahab and Elijah.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Ms 139, 1906
21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 26
There are societies all through the world who are observing the seventh day Sabbath. Thank God for these. It is given as “a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13, 17.] That sign is never to be removed.21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 33
Exodus 31:13-16. No change takes place. It is not changed to Sunday; it is the very day that denominates you, that you keep to honor God who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and rested the seventh.21LtMs, Ms 139, 1906, par. 35
Exodus 31:14-16, 18.Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 815—Evangelizing Big Cities From Outposts
10MR 212.4
The question of opening our restaurants on the Sabbath is to be considered in the light of God’s commandments. The Lord has declared: [Exodus 31:13-17, quoted.]10MR 237.1
It is not ostentation, outward show, which gives a correct representation of the work we should do as God’s chosen people who bear His sign, of which no one should be ashamed. All should bear the sign as the Lord’s peculiar people. [Exodus 31:13-18 quoted.]Prophets and Kings
Chapter 14—“In the Spirit and Power of Elias”
PK 179.3
Through Moses the Lord instructed the Israelites: “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. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: everyone that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work ... in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:13-17.PK 180.2
At the time of the Exodus from Egypt, the Sabbath institution was brought prominently before the people of God. While they were still in bondage, their taskmasters had attempted to force them to labor on the Sabbath by increasing the amount of work required each week. Again and again the conditions of labor had been made harder and more exacting. But the Israelites were delivered from bondage and brought to a place where they might observe unmolested all the precepts of Jehovah. At Sinai the law was spoken; and a copy of it, on two tables of stone, “written with the finger of God” was delivered to Moses. Exodus 31:18. And through nearly forty years of wandering the Israelites were constantly reminded of God’s appointed rest day, by the withholding of the manna every seventh day and the miraculous preservation of the double portion that fell on the preparation day.PK 184.3
Through the setting up of a false sabbath, the enemy thought to change times and laws. But has he really succeeded in changing God’s law? The words of the thirty-first chapter of Exodus are the answer. He who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, has declared of the seventh-day Sabbath: “It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” “It is a sign ... forever.” Exodus 31:13, 17. The changed signpost is pointing the wrong way, but God has not changed. He is still the mighty God of Israel. “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, He taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations before Him are as nothing; and they are counted to Him less than nothing, and vanity.” Isaiah 40:15-17. And He is just as jealous for His law now as He was in the days of Ahab and Elijah.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 86, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 86, 1893, par. 35
(Exodus 31:13): “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.” Take in this whole chapter and let its force be acknowledged. Verses 14-18.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 85, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 10
“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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed. And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon Mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.” [Exodus 31:13-18.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 163, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 163, 1904, par. 4
Another neighbor came in during the evening and in the course of the conversation asked me if I would explain to her about the Sabbath. I began by reading a text in the first of Genesis. Then I read the fourth commandment. When I had read this, they said, “Yes, but Sunday is the seventh day.” I explained to them that Sunday is the first day, and that the day called Saturday by the world is the seventh day. Then I read the last six verses of the thirty-first chapter of Exodus, where the Sabbath is clearly specified as the sign between God and His people.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 119, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 119, 1904, par. 23
It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who will be alive on the earth when past woes and celestial glory will be blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By the means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles; for Satan would counterfeit any miracle that might be worked. God’s tried and tested people will find their power in the sign spoken of in Exodus 31:13-18. They are to take their stand on the living Word—“It is written.” This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their covenant with God will in that day be without hope and without God in the world.Exodus 31:14-17
Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 30, 1903
2SAT 227.1
Should the work continue on the Sabbath, the same as on the other days of the week, when would the workers receive time for spiritual refreshing and physical rest? These things should be considered in the light of God’s commandments. The Lord has said, “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.” [Exodus 31:14-17, quoted.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 50, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 50, 1893, par. 35
At this time what will be the course of those who claim to fear God and respect His commandments? Will they be carried away by the apparently overwhelming power of the tide of evil? Will they allow themselves to be tempted by the scorn thrown upon God’s law, to think that it makes no difference what day they keep? Shall they not give heed to God’s Word, “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. Six days may work be done; but 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. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:14-17.]Exodus 31:16
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10 [Nos. 771-850]
MR No. 839—Keeping the Sabbath on a Round World
10MR 342.3
Here is a day given, and the Lord declares it shall be observe throughout your generations “for a perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:16), as a sign of obedience and loyalty to God, and yet it is so obscured no one can tell when it comes! Oh, what fallacies men will resort to in order to carry out false theories. The Lord pronounced His blessing upon all who keep holy the Sabbath day. His commandments are given to a thousand generations, and when that period is ended the redeemed host shall be in the city of God and observed the Sabbath there, and especially come up to worship God from Sabbath to Sabbath and from one new moon to another. (Isaiah 66:23.)—Manuscript 173, 1897, 4, 5. (Diary, June, 1897.)Our High Calling
A Distinct and Peculiar People, December 5
OHC 345.3
The children of Israel were to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations “for a perpetual covenant.” Exodus 31:16. The Sabbath has lost none of its meaning. It is still the sign between God and His people, and it will be so forever. Now and ever we are to stand as a distinct and peculiar people, free from all worldly policy, unembarrassed by confederation with those who have not wisdom to discern the claims of God, so plainly set forth in His law.To Be Like Jesus
Sabbath Truth Supported by the Word, May 9
BLJ 140.1
Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. Exodus 31:16, NKJV.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 173, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 173, 1897, par. 17
Here is a day given, and the Lord declares it shall be observed throughout your generations “for a perpetual covenant” [Exodus 31:16], as a sign of obedience and loyalty to God, and yet it is so obscured no one can tell when it comes! Oh, what fallacies men will resort to in order to carry out false theories. The Lord pronounced His blessing upon all who keep holy the Sabbath day. His commandments are given to a thousand generations, and when that period is ended the redeemed host shall be in the city of God and observe the Sabbath there, and especially come up to worship God from Sabbath to Sabbath and from one new moon to another.Exodus 31:16-17
The Story of Jesus
Chapter 11—Sabbathkeeping
SJ 67.2
The Bible says, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:8, 10, 11; 31:16, 17. Christ had worked with His Father in creating the earth, and He had made the Sabbath. The Bible says that “all things were made by Him.” John 1:3.The Upward Look
God Is With His People, March 28
UL 101.1
The children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath ... for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever. Exodus 31:16, 17.To Be Like Jesus
The Sabbath a Sign of Covenant Relationship, May 16
BLJ 147.1
It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed. Exodus 31:17, NKJV.BLJ 147.4
With these plain words [Exodus 31:16, 17] before us, who of those who know the truth will dare to make less prominent the distinguishing features of our faith? It is an established fact, to be made prominent before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples, that the Lord God made the world in six days, and rested on the seventh day. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.”—Manuscript Releases 5:83.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 162, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 162, 1903, par. 15
“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh He rested and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:16, 17.]God’s Amazing Grace
The Covenant and the Sabbath, May 28
AG 156.1
Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever. Exodus 31:16, 17.Lift Him Up
A Special, Distinguishing Sign, May 5
LHU 139.1
The children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 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. Exodus 31:16, 17.Manuscript Releases, vol. 5 [Nos. 260-346]
MR No. 277—The Sabbath
5MR 83.1
With these plain words [Exodus 31:16, 17] before us, who of those who know the truth will dare to make less prominent the distinguishing features of our faith. It is an established fact, to be made prominent before all nations, kindreds, tongues, and peoples, that the Lord God made the world in six days, and rested on the seventh day. “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them, and on the Seventh-day God ended His work which He had made, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made.”—Manuscript 162, 1903, 5. (“Written for Our Admonition,” June 29, 1903.)Exodus 31:17
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
“Preach the Word”
GW 148.4
I am instructed to say, Gather from the Scriptures the proofs that God has sanctified the seventh day, and let these proofs be read before the congregation. Let those who have not heard the truth be shown that all who turn aside from a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” must suffer the result of their course. In all ages the Sabbath has been the test of loyalty to God. “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever,” the Lord declares. [Exodus 31:17.]The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
GC88 437.1
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator, and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” [Exodus 20:10, 11.] Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” [Ezekiel 20:20.] And the reason given is, “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” [Exodus 31:17.]The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
General Notes
GC88 690.4
In Exodus 31:17 and Ezekiel 20:12, 20, The Sabbath of the Lord is called a sign. It is a memorial of the Creator’s work, and so a sign of his power and Godhead. Romans 1:20. This is also an institution, as was circumcision; but there is this distinction: circumcision was a sign in the flesh, while the Sabbath is a sign in the mind. “Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20.The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4
Appendix
4SP 504.5
In Exodus 31:17 and Ezekiel 20:12, 20, the Sabbath of the Lord is called a sign. It is a memorial of the Creator’s work, and so a sign of his power and Godhead. Romans 1:20. This is also an institution as was circumcision; but there was this distinction: circumcision was a sign in the flesh, while the Sabbath was a sign in the mind. “Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a signbetween me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God” Ezekiel 20:20.Sermons and Talks, vol. 2
Manuscript 11, 1893
2SAT 101.3
It is so plain, and so decided. It is a sign between the children of God and the children of the world. Please read Exodus 31:17: “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.”Lift Him Up
Worship the Creator, February 6
LHU 51.4
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:10, 11). Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God” (Ezekiel 20:20). And the reason given is: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:17)....Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 11, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 11, 1893, par. 10
You need the Holy Spirit of God, the divine power to co-operate with you to discern the track that the devil is preparing, and escape it. He is going to lead the religious world captive (2 Thessalonians 2:11). How dare they to lay their sacrilegious hands upon the Scriptures! We must bring the Sabbath of the Lord to the front. It is so plain, and so decided. It is a sign between the children of God and the children of the world. Please read (Exodus 31:17): “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.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Ms 110, 1905
20LtMs, Ms 110, 1905, par. 2
For this coming, we, as Seventh-day Adventists, are now waiting. We are known by the name “Seventh-day Adventists” because we keep the Sabbath-day that our Lord gave to the children of Israel—the day of which He has declared, “It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever” [Exodus 31:17]; and because we are watching and waiting for the second coming of our Lord, with power and great glory, in the clouds of heaven.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 5, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 5, 1908, par. 3
To preach the gospel means much more than many realize. It is a broad, far-reaching work. Our sanitariums have been presented to me as most efficient mediums for the promotion of the gospel message. Simple, earnest talks may be given in the parlors, pointing the sufferers to their only hope for the salvation of the soul. These religious meetings should be short and right to the point, and they will prove a blessing to the hearers. The word of Him who founded the world in six days, and on the seventh “rested and was refreshed,” should be effectively brought before the mind. [Exodus 31:17.] God has so clearly specified His claims upon the seventh day that no soul need be in darkness. Jehovah regarded of such importance the knowledge of His law, of which the Sabbath commandment is a part, that He came down from heaven and on Mt. Sinai He proclaimed the ten commandments. God regards His law as a sacred thing, which it is the life of His people to obey.The Great Controversy
Chapter 25—God’s Law Immutable
GC 437.1
In Revelation 14, men are called upon to worship the Creator; and the prophecy brings to view a class that, as the result of the threefold message, are keeping the commandments of God. One of these commandments points directly to God as the Creator. The fourth precept declares: “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: ... for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:10, 11. Concerning the Sabbath, the Lord says, further, that it is “a sign, ... that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” Ezekiel 20:20. And the reason given is: “For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” Exodus 31:17.Exodus 31:18
Lift Him Up
Keeping the Sabbath, May 3
LHU 137.3
At Sinai the law was spoken; and a copy of it, on two tables of stone, “written with the finger of God,” was delivered to Moses (Exodus 31:18). And through nearly forty years of wandering the Israelites were constantly reminded of God’s appointed rest day, by the withholding of the manna every seventh day and the miraculous preservation of the double portion that fell on the preparation day.A Word to the Little Flock
Dear Brother Bates
WLF 18.3
In the Holiest I saw an ark; on the top and sides of it was purest gold. On each end of the ark was a lovely Cherub, with their wings spread out over it. Their faces were turned towards each other, and they looked downwards. [Exodus 25:18-22.] Between the angels was a golden censor. Above the ark, where the angels stood, was an exceeding bright glory, that appeared like a throne where God dwelt. [Exodus 25:20-22.] Jesus stood by the ark. And as the saints’ prayers came up to Jesus, the incense in the censor would smoke, and He offered up the prayers of the saints with the smoke of the incense to His Father. [Revelation 8:3, 4.] In the ark, was the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of stone which folded together like a book. [Hebrews 9:4.] Jesus opened them, and I saw the ten commandments written on them with the finger of God. [Exodus 31:18.] On one table was four, and on the other six. The four on the first table shone brighter than the other six. But the fourth (the Sabbath commandment,) shone above them all; for the Sabbath was set apart to be kept in honor of God’s holy name. [Isaiah 58:13, 14.] The holy Sabbath looked glorious—a halo of glory was all around it. I saw that the Sabbath was not nailed to the cross. If it was, the other nine commandments were; and we are at liberty to go forth and break them all, as well as to break the fourth. I saw that God had not changed the Sabbath, for He never changes. [Malachi 3:6.] But the Pope had changed it from the seventh to the first day of the week; for he was to change times and laws. [Daniel 7:25.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Exodus 31:13
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Ms 9, 1900
15LtMs, Ms 9, 1900, par. 1
I rise at 2 a.m. to write a few words in regard to those of our people who are being thrust into the chain gang and forced to work on the Sabbath. It is the spirit of antichrist that inspires this oppression. Men are inspired by Satan to execute his purposes against God. The Lord has said, “Verily my Sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations.” [Exodus 31:13.] None should disobey this command in order to escape persecution. But let all consider the words of Christ, “When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.” [Matthew 10:23.] If it can be avoided, do not put yourselves into the power of men who are worked by the spirit of antichrist. If the payment of a fine will deliver our brethren from the hands of these oppressors, let it be paid, rather than allow them to be forced to work on the Sabbath. Everything that we can do should be done, that those who are willing to suffer for the truth’s sake may be saved from oppression and cruelty.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 42, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 42, 1900, par. 8
God said to Moses, “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 all your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord which doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:13.] This is the blessing all Sabbathkeepers may receive. Through obedience they may receive a knowledge of the sanctification of the Holy Spirit.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 99, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 99, 1902, par. 11
In order that men might not forget the true God, Jehovah gave them a memorial of His love and power—the Sabbath. He says, “Verily, my sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between me and you.” [Exodus 31:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 135, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 135, 1902, par. 18
On the Sabbath no servile work is to be done. God has given man six days on which to work. He claims the seventh day as His own. On this day men are to worship Him. They are to contemplate the wonderful works of the Creator, praising Him for His goodness and love. By giving them the Sabbath, it was God’s design to preserve among men a clear, definite knowledge of Himself as their Creator. He declares, “It is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” [Exodus 31:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 83, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 83, 1902, par. 12
It is not ostentation, outward show, which gives a correct representation of the work we should do as God’s chosen people who bear His sign, of which no one should be ashamed. All should bear the sign as the Lord’s peculiar people. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” the Lord declares; “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.” [Exodus 31:13.] The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed Israel from the land of bondage, delivering them with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. He displayed great signs and wonders in Egypt, showing His command over all the natural world and over the powers which the Egyptian oppressors worshiped. He exalted this people by His favor, setting them apart from the world to observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as a sign between Him and them. He designed that if they obeyed Him, they should stand throughout their generations as a hope, a light, and a deliverance to the end of time.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)
Lt 247, 1904
19LtMs, Lt 247, 1904, par. 8
God’s law is eternal, unchangeable, immutable. It is an expression of His high authority. Upon us rests the responsibility of obeying the word of the highest Potentate in heaven. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” He declares; “for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations forever.” [Exodus 31:13.] Human beings are to bring themselves into entire conformity to God’s holy law. The cross of Calvary is to be to them a perpetual memorial of the nobler world. By faith they are to see Him who is invisible. They have enlisted in Christ’s army, and they are to come out from the world, and be separate, loving not the world, neither the things of the world. They are to set their affections on things above. They are to represent Christ in character. This is the special charge that has been given them. They are to live in this world as men and women waiting only for that perfection of character which will enable them fully to represent the Saviour. How important, then, that they should stand out in bold relief from the world, beseeching men to be reconciled to God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)
Lt 225b, 1906
21LtMs, Lt 225b, 1906, par. 40
The Lord God of heaven has been dishonored by some who have had great light, but who claim a dominating power. Our God is a jealous God, and those who by their teaching or by their example have obliterated the sign that He has given to His people will, unless they repent, feel the retributive judgments of Him whom they have dishonored to accommodate worldlings. The strict observance of the Lord’s day is to be a silent sermon every week. “It is a sign between me and you.” [Exodus 31:13.] But the day has been desecrated by physicians, ministers, nurses, and patrons.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 72, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 72, 1907, par. 7
The testing truth that must come to the people in these last days is to be set forth in clear, straight lines. The men who are urging a Sunday law do not respect the Word of Jehovah. He says, “Verily My sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” [Exodus 31:13.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)
Lt 202, 1907
22LtMs, Lt 202, 1907, par. 5
There were others present who were persuaded that the message being presented was the truth of God, but they were not prepared to yield to its claims. I saw that the Holy Spirit was moving upon their hearts. Then a voice was heard, saying, “Verily, My Sabbaths ye shall keep.” [Exodus 31:13.] I want the endowment of the grace of God. Christ has given His life for me, and I will give my life for Him. I want to have His efficiency, that I may reveal His grace to others.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 94a, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 94a, 1909, par. 31
A mighty work is to be done by the people who observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. The Sabbath truth is to be presented in clear lines. Our platform is to be the law of God. We are to call attention to the Sabbath as the holy of the Lord, honorable. The Sabbath day is set apart by Jehovah as a sign between the Lord and His people. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep,” He says, “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.” Exodus 31:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Lt 140, 1909
24LtMs, Lt 140, 1909, par. 4
The Lord is our leader and teacher. He charges us not to connect with those who do not acknowledge God. “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” [Exodus 31:13.] Connect with those who honor God by keeping His commandments. If the recommendation goes forth from our people that our workers are to seek for success by acknowledging as essential the education which the world gives, we are virtually saying that the influence the world gives is superior to that which God gives. God will be dishonored by such a course. God has full knowledge of the faith and trust and confidence that His professed people have in His providence.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 84, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 84, 1910, par. 41
What we want is salvation, for in a little time this world will be in such a commotion as you never dreamed of. I want to tell you that it is high time that we understood that the higher education cannot be obtained by committing yourselves to be educated by leading men who do not obey God’s commandments. Leading men, praying men, seeking counsel of God, will be taught of God, and led and directed of God in their work and efforts. But some think they must attach to the worldly sort of men that claim to be physicians, or to some other soul that is not submitted to God. They do not keep His Sabbath, God’s appointed day that He has sanctified and blessed. “Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations,” says the Lord. [Exodus 31:13.] Where will they get their higher education?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)
Ms 68, 1910
25LtMs, Ms 68, 1910, par. 7
The Lord declares in His Word, “Verily, My Sabbaths ye shall keep; for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.” [Exodus 31:13.] Much depends upon the keeping of the Sabbath, and God will be honored and exalted as His people try to make plain this command upon which He has placed so much importance. Every family that keeps the Sabbath loyally is honoring God. Upon every family that has a knowledge of the truth the Lord has placed the responsibility of letting its influence tell on the side of right. In order to be in harmony with the God of heaven, we must obey His law. It is the solemn, sacred duty of Christians to let the Sabbath truth be expressed in their words and works through the sanctification of the truth.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Sanctifier, June 30
JNN 193.2
As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes God’s people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. The Sabbath is a sign of the relationship existing between God and His people, a sign that they honor His law. It distinguishes between His loyal subjects and transgressors.JNN 193.3
From the pillar of cloud Christ declared concerning the Sabbath: “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” (Exodus 31:13). The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that created all things is the power that re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through obedience.