Why Do Seventh-day Adventists Worship on the Sabbath?

Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday, the seventh day of the week, as a day of rest and worship. This practice is rooted in biblical teachings, particularly the fourth commandment, and reflects their commitment to following God's Word as closely as possible.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation of Sabbath observance comes from the Creation account in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the world and blessed it as a holy day. Later, in Exodus 20:8-11, the fourth commandment explicitly instructs believers to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." This commandment identifies the Sabbath as a sacred time for rest and communion with God, modeled after His own example.

Jesus and the Sabbath

Some may wonder if Jesus changed the day of worship, but the Bible shows that Jesus Himself observed the Sabbath. Luke 4:16 describes how Jesus went to the synagogue "as was His custom" on the Sabbath day. Rather than abolishing the Sabbath, Jesus clarified its purpose, stating in Mark 2:27, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." This means the Sabbath was given as a blessing for humanity, not as a burden.

The Apostles and Early Christians

The practice of Sabbath observance continued after Jesus’ resurrection. The book of Acts records several instances where the apostles gathered on the Sabbath for worship and teaching (Acts 13:42-44, Acts 16:13). This demonstrates that the early church maintained the seventh-day Sabbath as a day of worship.

Historical Changes to the Sabbath

Despite the biblical evidence for Sabbath observance, history records a shift from Saturday to Sunday worship. In the early centuries after Christ, Roman influence and the growing popularity of Sunday as a day of rest led to an official change. In A.D. 321, Emperor Constantine issued a decree establishing Sunday as a legal day of rest, and over time, church councils reinforced Sunday worship. However, the Bible never authorized this change.

A Sign of Faithfulness

Seventh-day Adventists believe that keeping the Sabbath is an expression of faithfulness to God’s commandments. Ezekiel 20:12 calls the Sabbath a "sign" between God and His people, symbolizing their relationship with Him. Observing the Sabbath is not about legalism but about honoring God’s original design for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal.

A Blessing for Today

In a fast-paced world, the Sabbath offers a precious gift: time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God, family, and community. It serves as a weekly reminder that God is the Creator and Sustainer of life.

For Seventh-day Adventists, Sabbath worship is not just a tradition but a joyful experience of faith and obedience to God’s Word. It is a time to step away from the busyness of life and find true peace in His presence.