Reformed Confessions & Catechisms

4th Commandment (Sabbath)

20 passages across 6 documents address 4th Commandment (Sabbath). The full text of each is below.

About this doctrine

I. The Moral and Perpetual Nature of the Sabbath vs. The Temporary Ceremonial Day

"The Fourth Commandment consists of two parts—a commandment and a reason of the commandment. The commandment is, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy; in it thou shalt do no manner of work, &c. Of this, again, there are two parts—the one moral and perpetual, as that the Sabbath be kept holy; the other ceremonial and temporary, as that the seventh day be kept holy." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"The fourth commandment doth require the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"It appears, therefore, from the nature of this commandment as moral, and not positive or ceremonial, that it is original and universal in its obligation." "We are as much bound to keep one day in seven holy unto the Lord, as were the patriarchs or Israelites. This law binds all men as men, because given to all mankind, and because it is founded upon the nature common to all men, and the relation which all men bear to God." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"God sanctified the sabbath, not only by setting it apart from the other days of the week but also by resting on it and blessing it..." "...man before the fall did not yet enjoy the eternal, heavenly sabbath; just as to the alternation of day and night, so he was also subject to that of six-day labor and rest on the seventh day; day of rest and working days were therefore also distinguished before the fall; the religious life also then required its own form and service and day alongside the life of culture." [Herman Bavinck - Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 2]

"That the other part of the commandment is ceremonial, and not perpetual, is evident from the fact that the Sabbath of the seventh day was, in the promulgation of the law, instituted of God for the observance of the Mosaic worship, and given to the Jews as a sacrament or a type of the sanctification of the church by the Messiah, who was to come..." "Hence the Sabbath, in as far as it has respect to the seventh day, was, together with other ceremonies and types, fulfilled and abolished by the coming of the Messiah."

II. The Spiritual Sabbath, Public Worship, and the Design of the Institution

"The word Sabbath (in the Hebrew schabbat, schebbet, and shabbathon,) means quietness, rest, or ceasing from labor." "The moral and internal, or spiritual Sabbath, includes the study of the knowledge of God and of his works, with a careful shunning of sin, and worshipping God by confession and obedience. Or we may define it more briefly as a ceasing from sin, and a giving of ourselves to God to do such works as he requires from us." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"First, under the rest of the seventh days the divine Lawgiver meant to furnish the people of Israel with a type of the spiritual rest by which believers were to cease from their own works, and allow God to work in them." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The end or design of the commandment is the maintenance of the public worship of God in the church; or the perpetual preservation, and use of the ecclesiastical ministry." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"It is of moral obligation that God and his great works should be statedly remembered. It is a moral duty that the people should assemble for religious instruction and for the united worship of God." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy... God speaks as if the thing concerning which he gives a command were of the greatest importance. Remember that thou keep holy; as if he would say, thou shalt observe the Sabbath day with great care and conscientiousness." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

III. Sanctification and the Prohibitions of the Commandment

"The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"We must rest on this day from all secular works." "As when Joseph would speak with his brethren he thrust out the Egyptians; so when we would converse with God on this day, we must thrust out all earthly employments." "We must in a solemn manner devote ourselves to God on this day; we must spend the whole day with God." [Thomas Watson - The Lord's Prayer]

"When God forbids us to work on the Sabbath day, he does not forbid every kind of work, but only such works as are servile—such as hinder the worship of God, and the design and use of the ministry of the church." "Christ here teaches that ceremonial works must yield to such as are moral, so that ceremonies should rather be omitted than works of love, which our own necessity or that of our neighbor requires." "Nor thy cattle. This furnishes still stronger proof that the Sabbath was no sacrament for such as did not believe; because even the cattle were required to have rest." "A violation of the Sabbath is a violation of the whole worship of God. A neglect of the ministry of the church leads most easily and directly to a neglect and corruption of the doctrine and worship of God." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

IV. The Shift under the Gospel: The Lord's Day

"From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day of the week, ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath." [Thomas Vincent - The Shorter Catechism]

"The apostolic church, to distinguish itself from the Jewish synagogue, chose, in the exercise of the liberty conferred upon it by Christ, the first day of the week in the place of the seventh, because on that day the resurrection of Christ took place, by which the internal and spiritual Sabbath is begun in us." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"It was not, however, without a reason that the early Christians substituted what we call the Lord's day for the Sabbath. The resurrection of our Lord being the end and accomplishment of that true rest which the ancient sabbath typified, this day, by which types were abolished serves to warn Christians against adhering to a shadowy ceremony." [John Calvin - Institutes]

"The change from the seventh to the first was circumstantial. If made for sufficient reason and by competent authority, the change is obligatory." "This change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week was made not only for a sufficient reason, but also by competent authority. It is a simple historical fact that the Christians of the apostolic age ceased to observe the seventh, and did observe the first day of the week as the day for religious worship." [Charles Hodge - Systematic Theology]

"The first day of the week, which is called Sunday, or, more properly, the Lord's day, which the Christian church has observed in the place of the seventh day from the time of the Apostles, in view of the resurrection of Christ, as appears from what the Apostle John says: 'I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day.'" "The old was restricted to the seventh day: its observance was necessary, and constituted the worship of God. The new depends upon the decision and appointment of the church, which for certain reasons has made choice of the first day of the week, which is to be observed for the sake of order, and not from any idea of necessity, as if this and no other were to be observed by the church..." [Zacharias Ursinus - Commentary on the Heidelberg]

"Christians, therefore, should have nothing to do with a superstitious observance of days." [John Calvin - Institutes]

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Question 92

Q. What is God's law?

A. God spoke all these words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. I. You shall have no other gods before me. II. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments. III. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. IV. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; you shall not do any work— you, your son or your daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the alien resident in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it. V. Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you. VI. You shall not murder. VII. You shall not commit adultery. VIII. You shall not steal. IX. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. X. You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or male or female servant, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:1–17; Deut. 5:6–21.

    Ex. 20:1–17 1 And God spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3 You shall have no other gods before My face. 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments. 7 You shall not take the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who takes His name in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it. 12 Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long upon the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 13 You shall not murder. 14 You shall not commit adultery. 15 You shall not steal. 16 You shall not answer against your neighbor [as] a false witness. 17 You shall not covet the house of your neighbor; you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

    Deut. 5:6–21 6 “I [am] YHWH your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 7 You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them, for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons and on the third and fourth of those hating Me, 10 and showing loving devotion to thousands, to those loving Me and keeping My commandments. 11 You shall not lift up the name of YHWH your God in vain, for YHWH will not hold guiltless him who lifts up His name in vain. 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. 16 Honor your father and your mother, as YHWH your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, that it may be well with you in the land that YHWH your God is giving to you. 17 You shall not murder. 18 And you shall not commit adultery. 19 And you shall not steal. 20 And you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 21 And you shall not covet the wife of your neighbor, and you shall not covet the house of your neighbor, his field, and his manservant, and his maidservant, his ox, and his donkey, and anything that [is] unto your neighbor.”

Parallel passages (6+)Second Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God33 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God15 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1158 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day7 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 496 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 103

Q. What is God's will for you in the fourth commandment?

A. First, that the gospel ministry and schools for it be maintained, and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I diligently attend the assembly of God's people to learn what God's Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to the Lord publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for the poor. Second, that every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through his Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal Sabbath.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 6:4–9, 20–25; 1 Cor. 9:13–14; 2 Tim. 2:2; 3:13–17; Titus 1:5.

    Deut. 6:4–9, 20–25 4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One. 5 And you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 And these words that I am commanding you today shall be upon your heart. 7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and talk of them in your sitting in your house and in your walking by the way and in your lying down and in your getting up. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house, and on your gates. 20 When your son asks you hereafter, saying, “What [are] the testimonies and the statutes and the ordinances that YHWH our God has commanded you⁺?” 21 Then you shall say to your son, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and YHWH brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 And YHWH showed signs and wonders, great and severe, on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his house, before our eyes. 23 And He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in to give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers. 24 And YHWH commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear YHWH our God, for good to us all the time, to keep us alive as this day. 25 And it will be righteousness for us if we are careful to observe all this command before the face of YHWH our God, as He has commanded us.”

    1 Cor. 9:13–14 13 Do you⁺ not know that those working [in] the temple eat the [things] of the temple, [and] those attending at the altar partake in the altar? 14 So also, the Lord directed those proclaiming the gospel to live from the gospel.

    2 Tim. 2:2 And the things that you heard from me through many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men such as will be sufficient to teach others also.

    3:13–17 13 But evil men and imposters will advance to the worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you, abide in the things you learned and were convinced of, having known from whom you learned, 15 and that from infancy you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture [is] God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, [and] for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, having been completely equipped toward every good work.

    Titus 1:5 For the sake of this I left you in Crete, that you might set in order the things lacking and might appoint elders in every city, as I directed you,

  • Deut. 12:5–12; Pss. 40:9–10; 68:26; Acts 2:42–47; Heb. 10:23–25.

    Deut. 12:5–12 5 For rather, unto the place where YHWH your⁺ God chooses out of all your⁺ tribes to establish His Name as His dwelling, you⁺ shall seek and you shall go there. 6 And you⁺ shall bring there your⁺ burnt offerings, and your⁺ sacrifices, and your⁺ tithes, and the contributions of your⁺ hands, and your⁺ vowed offerings, and your⁺ freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your⁺ herds and your⁺ flocks. 7 And you⁺ shall eat there before the face of YHWH your⁺ God, and you⁺ shall rejoice in all the sending out of your⁺ hands—you⁺ and your⁺ households—with which YHWH your God has blessed you. 8 You⁺ shall not do at all as we are doing here today—every man, whatever [is] right in his own eyes. 9 For you⁺ have not come as yet to the rest and the inheritance that YHWH your God is giving to you. 10 And you⁺ will pass over the Jordan and dwell in the land that YHWH your⁺ God is giving you⁺ to inherit, and He will give rest to you⁺ from all your⁺ enemies round about, so that you⁺ dwell in safety, 11 and there will be the place where YHWH your⁺ God chooses for His Name to dwell in it there; there you⁺ shall bring all that I command you⁺—your⁺ burnt offerings, and your⁺ sacrifices, your⁺ tithes, and the contributions of your⁺ hands, and all your choice offerings that you⁺ vow to YHWH. 12 And you⁺ shall rejoice before the face of YHWH your⁺ God—you⁺, and your⁺ sons, and your⁺ daughters, and your⁺ menservants, and your⁺ maidservants, and the Levite who [is] within your⁺ gates, since he has no portion or inheritance with you⁺.

    Pss. 40:9–10 9 I have proclaimed tidings of righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not restrain my lips, O YHWH, You have known. 10 Your righteousness I have not kept hidden in the midst of my heart; Your faithfulness and Your salvation I have declared; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and Your truth from the great assembly.

    68:26 In the assemblies bless God, YHWH, from the fountain of Israel.

    Acts 2:42–47 42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. 43 And fear was coming upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those believing were in the same [place] and were having all things in common. 45 And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need. 46 And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding every day to the same those being saved.

    Heb. 10:23–25 23 We should hold fast to the confession of [our] hope, unwavering; for the One having promised [is] faithful. 24 And we should carefully consider toward stirring up one another to love and to good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

  • Rom. 10:14–17; 1 Cor. 14:31–32; 1 Tim. 4:13.

    Rom. 10:14–17 14 How then can they call upon One in whom they did not believe? And how can they believe in One of whom they did not hear? And how can they hear apart from one preaching? 15 And how can they preach unless they can be sent? As it has been written: “How beautiful [are] the feet of those proclaiming good news of good things!” 16 But not all heeded the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith [is] by hearing, and hearing [is] through the word of Christ.

    1 Cor. 14:31–32 31 For you⁺ are all able to prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted. 32 And the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets.

    1 Tim. 4:13 Until I come, give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

  • 1 Cor. 11:23–25.

    1 Cor. 11:23–25 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.”

  • Col. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:1.

    Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.

    1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men,

  • Ps. 50:14; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8–9.

    Ps. 50:14 Make a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, and fulfill to the Most High your vows.

    1 Cor. 16:2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    2 Corinthians 8 on BibleHub ↗

    2 Corinthians 9 on BibleHub ↗

  • Isa. 66:23; Heb. 4:9–11.

    Isa. 66:23 And it will come to pass, from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, [that] all flesh will come to worship before Me,” says YHWH.

    Heb. 4:9–11 9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. 10 For the one having entered into His rest, he also rested from his works, just as God [did] from His own. 11 Therefore we should be diligent to enter into that rest, so that no one should fall in the same exhibit of disobedience.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day12 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 897 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1557 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1086 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 1: Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God6 shared proof texts

Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

1. The light of nature showeth that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.

2. Religious worship is to be given to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creature: and, since the fall, not without a Mediator; nor in the mediation of any other but of Christ alone.

3. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of religious worship, is by God required of all men: and, that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of his Spirit, according to his will, with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and, if vocal, in a known tongue.

4. Prayer is to be made for things lawful; and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter: but not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.

5. The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear, the sound preaching and conscionable hearing of the Word, in obedience unto God, with understanding, faith, and reverence, singing of psalms with grace in the heart; as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ, are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God: beside religious oaths, vows, solemn fastings, and thanksgivings upon special occasions, which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner.

6. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now, under the gospel, either tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed: but God is to be worshiped everywhere, in spirit and truth; as, in private families daily, and in secret, each one by himself; so, more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly or willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God, by his Word or providence, calleth thereunto.

7. As it is the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven, for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him: which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which, in Scripture, is called the Lord's Day, and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath.

8. This Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering of their common affairs beforehand, do not only observe an holy rest, all the day, from their own works, words, and thoughts about their worldly employments and recreations, but also are taken up, the whole time, in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.

Scripture proofs
  • Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:1–4a; Ps. 50:6; Ps. 97:6; Ps. 145:9–12; Acts 14:17; Ps. 104:1–35; Ps. 86:8–10; Ps. 95:1–6; Ps. 89:5–7; Deut. 6:4–5.

    Rom. 1:20 For from the creation of the world His invisible [qualities], both His eternal power and divinity, are clearly seen, being understood by the things made, for them to be without excuse.

    Ps. 19:1–4 1 For the one directing. A Psalm of David. The heavens are recounting the glory of God, and the firmament is declaring the work of and His hands. 2 Day after day it pours forth speech, and night after night it shows forth knowledge. 3 Without speech and without words, their voice not being heard, 4 their voice has gone out into all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. He has placed a tent in them for the sun,

    Ps. 50:6 And let the heavens declare His righteousness—for God Himself is Judge. Selah

    Ps. 97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

    Ps. 145:9–12 9 Good [is] YHWH to all, and His mercies [are] upon all His works. 10 O YHWH, all Your works will give You thanks, and Your holy ones will bless You. 11 The glory of Your kingdom they will speak, and Your might they will declare, 12 to make known to the sons of man His mighty [deeds], and the glory of the majesty of His kingdom.

    Acts 14:17 And yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving to you⁺ rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your⁺ hearts with food and gladness.”

    Ps. 104:1–35 1 O my soul, bless YHWH! O YHWH my God, You are very great; with honor and majesty You are clothed. 2 Covering Himself [with] light as a garment, stretching out the heavens like a curtain, 3 the One laying the beams in the waters of His upper chambers, the One making the clouds His chariot, the One walking on the wings of the wind, 4 making the winds His messengers, His servants flaming fire. 5 He set the earth upon [its] foundations; it should not be shaken forever and ever. 6 The deep, as [with] a garment You covered it; upon the mountains the waters were standing. 7 From Your rebuke they fled; from the voice of Your thunder they hurried away. 8 Upon the mountains, the valleys sank down, to the place that You established for them. 9 You have set a boundary [that] they may not cross over; they may never return to cover the earth. 10 He sends the springs into the valleys; they flow between the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys break their thirst. 12 Nearby them the birds of the heavens are dwelling; from between the branches they give forth a voice. 13 Watering the hills from His upper chambers; with the fruit of Your works the earth is satisfied— 14 causing the grass to sprout for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, to bring forth food from the earth, 15 and wine makes glad the heart of man, to make [his] face shine from oil, and bread supports the heart of man. 16 The trees of YHWH are satisfied, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted, 17 where in the birds make their nests; the stork—the cypresses [are] her house. 18 The high mountains [are] for the wild goats; the crags a refuge for the rock badgers. 19 He made the moon for appointed times; the sun knows its entrance. 20 You make darkness, and it becomes night; in it all the living [things] of the forest creep about. 21 The young lions roar for the prey and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises, they are gathered; and in their dens they stretch out. 23 Man goes out to his work, and to his labor until the evening. 24 How many are Your works, O YHWH! All of them You have made in wisdom; the earth is full of Your creatures. 25 This [is] the sea, great and wide—in it [are] teeming things, and without number, living things small with the great. 26 There the ships go about, [and] Leviathan, which You formed to play in it. 27 All of them look to You, to give their food, in its season. 28 You give to them, [and] they gather in; You open Your hand, [and] they are satisfied [with] good. 29 You hide Your face—they are troubled; You gather their spirit—they die, and to their dust they return. 30 You send forth Your Spirit—they are created, and You renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of YHWH be forever; may YHWH rejoice in His works— 32 the One looking on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to YHWH during my life; I will sing praise to my God while I [live]! 34 May my melody be pleasing to Him; I rejoice in YHWH. 35 May the sinful ones be consumed from the earth, and the wicked shall not be anymore! O my soul, bless YHWH! Hallelu YAH!

    Ps. 86:8–10 8 None like You [is] among the gods, O Lord, and not like Your works. 9 All the nations whom You have made shall come and bow down before Your face, O Lord, and they will glorify Your name. 10 For You [are] great, and the One doing wonders; You [are] God—You alone.

    Ps. 95:1–6 1 O come, let us sing out to YHWH; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come before His face with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully with psalms to Him! 3 For a great God [is] YHWH, and the great King above all gods— 4 in whose hand [are] the depths of the earth, and the peaks of the mountains [are] unto Him, 5 [and] to whom [is] the sea, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker!

    Ps. 89:5–7 5 and the heavens will praise Your wonders, O YHWH, [and] Your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones. 6 For who in the heavens can be compared to YHWH, likened to YHWH among the sons of the mighty? 7 God is to be feared greatly in the council of the holy ones, and to be revered by all those surrounding Him.

    Deut. 6:4–5 4 Hear, O Israel: YHWH our God, YHWH [is] One. 5 And you shall love YHWH your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

  • Deut. 12:32; Matt. 15:9; Acts 17:23–25; Matt. 4:9–10; Deut. 4:15–20; Ex. 20:4–6; John 4:23–24; Col. 2:18–23.

    Deut. 12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

    Matt. 15:9 and in vain they worship Me, teaching [as] teachings the precepts of men.’”

    Acts 17:23–25 23 For passing through and examining your⁺ objects of worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore whom you⁺ worship without knowing, this I proclaim to you⁺. 24 The God having made the world and all things that [are] in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples, 25 nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He [who] gives to all life and breath and all things.

    Matt. 4:9–10 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to You if, falling down, You worship me.” 10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

    Deut. 4:15–20 15 And guard greatly your⁺ souls, for you⁺ did not see any form when YHWH spoke to you⁺ at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you⁺ act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female— 17 the likeness of any animal that [is] on the earth, or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, or the likeness of any fish that [is] in the water beneath the earth. 19 And lest you lift up your eyes to the heavens and you see the sun and the moon and the stars—all the host of the heavens—and you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which YHWH your God has given as a heritage to all the peoples under the whole heavens. 20 And YHWH has taken you⁺ and brought you⁺ out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to Him for a people, as an inheritance this day.

    Ex. 20:4–6 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments.

    John 4:23–24 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

    Col. 2:18–23 18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom all the body, being supplied and being knit together by the joints and ligaments, grows with the growth of God. 20 If you⁺ died with Christ, away from the elements of the world, why, as if living in the world, are you⁺ subject to decrees: 21 “You should not handle! You should not taste! You should not touch!”— 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men, 23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.

  • John 5:23; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Eph. 3:14; Rev. 5:11–14; Acts 10:25–26.

    John 5:23 so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one not honoring the Son does not honor the Father, the One having sent Him.

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    2 Cor. 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit [be] with all of you⁺.

    Eph. 3:14 ... for reason of this, I bow my knees to the Father,

    Rev. 5:11–14 11 And I saw, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, and of the living creatures, and of the elders; and their number was myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying in a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and upon the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and everything in them, saying: “To the One sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and might to the ages of the ages!” 14 And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell and worshiped.

    Acts 10:25–26 25 And as Peter was entering, Cornelius, having met him, having fallen at [his] feet, worshiped [him]. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Rise up, I myself am also a man.”

  • Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10; Rom. 1:25.

    Col. 2:18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

    Rev. 19:10 And I fell before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, “See, no! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, those having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

    Rom. 1:25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.

  • John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:5; Eph. 2:18; Col. 3:17.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

    Eph. 2:18 For through Him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.

    Col. 3:17 And everything, whatever you⁺ may do in word or in work, do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

  • Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1; Col. 4:2.

    Phil. 4:6 Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your⁺ requests be made known to God.

    1 Tim. 2:1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men,

    Col. 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it in thanksgiving,

  • Ps. 65:2; Ps. 67:3; Ps. 96:7–8; Ps. 148:11–13; Isa. 55:6–7.

    Ps. 65:2 O Hearer of prayer, to You all flesh will come.

    Ps. 67:3 May the peoples praise You, O God; may the peoples praise You—all of them.

    Ps. 96:7–8 7 Give to YHWH, O families of the peoples, give to YHWH honor and strength! 8 Give to YHWH the glory [due] His name; lift up an offering and come into His courts!

    Ps. 148:11–13 11 kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth; 12 young men and also maidens, old with young: 13 Let them praise the name of YHWH, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor above the earth and the heavens!

    Isa. 55:6–7 6 Seek YHWH while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked one forsake his way, and the man of iniquity his thoughts; and let him return to YHWH, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

  • John 14:13–14; 1 Peter 2:5.

    John 14:13–14 13 And whatever you⁺ might ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you⁺ ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it].

    1 Peter 2:5 you yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house into a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18.

    Rom. 8:26 Now likewise also, the Spirit joins to help in our weakness; for we do not know the [things] that we should pray for as it is necessary, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

    Eph. 6:18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

  • 1 John 5:14.

    1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

  • Ps. 47:7; Eccl. 5:1–2; Heb. 12:28; Gen. 18:27; James 5:16; James 1:6–7; Mark 11:24; Matt. 6:12, 14–15; Col. 4:2; Eph. 6:18.

    Ps. 47:7 For the King of all the earth [is] God—sing praises [with] skill!

    Eccl. 5:1–2 1 Guard your feet when you walk to the house of God; and drawing near to listen [is] above giving the sacrifice of fools, for there are none of them knowing they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and do not let your heart hurry to bring out a word before the face of God; for God [is] in the heavens, and you [are] upon the earth—upon thus, let your words be few.

    Heb. 12:28 Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, we may have grace, by which we may serve God well pleasingly, with reverence and awe.

    Gen. 18:27 And Abraham answered and said, “Behold, please, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord, and I [am] dust and ash.

    James 5:16 Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you⁺ may be healed. The supplication of a righteous [man] being made effective prevails much.

    James 1:6–7 6 But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one doubting is like a wave of the sea, being blown and being tossed by the wind. 7 For let that man not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.

    Mark 11:24 Because of this, I say to you⁺, all things—as many as you⁺ pray and ask—believe that you⁺ receive, and it will be unto you⁺.

    Matt. 6:12, 14–15 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 14 For if you⁺ forgive men their trespasses, your⁺ heavenly Father will also forgive you⁺. 15 But if you⁺ do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your⁺ Father forgive your⁺ trespasses.

    Col. 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it in thanksgiving,

    Eph. 6:18 through all prayer and supplication, praying in the Spirit in every season and unto this very thing, staying awake with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,

  • 1 Cor. 14:14.

    1 Cor. 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

  • 1 John 5:14, 16; John 15:7.

    1 John 5:14, 16 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that.

    John 15:7 If you⁺ remain in Me and My words remain in you⁺, you⁺ shall ask whatever you⁺ wish, and to you⁺ it will come to pass.

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2; John 17:20; 2 Sam. 7:29; 2 Chron. 6:14–42.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

    John 17:20 But I do not ask for these only, but also for those believing in Me through their word,

    2 Sam. 7:29 And now begin and bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord YHWH, have spoken [it], and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

    2 Chron. 6:14–42 14 and he said: “O YHWH, God of Israel, [there is] not a god like You in the heavens or on the earth, who keeps the covenant of loving devotion with Your servants walking before You with all their heart, 15 who has kept for Your servant David my father what You spoke to him. You have spoken with Your mouth and with Your hand you have fulfilled [it], as this day. 16 And now, O YHWH, God of Israel, keep for Your servant David my father what You spoke to him, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man before Me, to sit on the throne of Israel, only if your sons take heed to their way, to walk in My law, as you have walked before My face.’ 17 And, O YHWH, God of Israel, confirm Your word that You have spoken to Your servant David. 18 But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, the heavens, and the heavens of the heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built! 19 And You have turned toward the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O YHWH my God, to listen to the cry and the prayer that Your servant is praying before You. 20 For may Your eyes be open toward this house day and night, toward the place where You have said to put Your name, that You may listen to the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. 21 And may You listen to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place, and may You hear from Your dwelling place, the heavens, and may You hear and forgive. 22 If anyone sins against his neighbor, and it is lifted up upon him to take an oath to swear, and he comes in to swear before Your altar in this house, 23 then may You hear from the heavens and act and judge Your servants, to give back to the wicked by bringing his way on his own head, and to justify the righteous by giving to him according to his righteousness. 24 And if Your people Israel are struck before an enemy because they have sinned against You, and they return and confess Your name, and they pray and make supplication before You in this house, 25 then may You hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land that You gave to them and to their fathers. 26 When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, and they pray toward this place and confess Your name, and from their sin they turn back because You afflict them, 27 then may You hear [in] the heavens and forgive the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel, that You may direct them toward the good way that they should walk in it, and give rain on Your land that You have given to Your people as an inheritance. 28 Famine, when it is in the land, or there is pestilence, blight or mildew, locust or grasshoppers, when it is that their enemies besiege them in their land—its gates—any plague and any sickness, 29 any prayer, any supplication that is by any man, or by all Your people Israel, when they know, each one, his own burden and his own grief, and he spreads out his hands to this house, 30 then may You hear from the heavens, the fixed place of Your dwelling, and forgive, and give to each man according to all his ways (since You know his heart, for You alone know the heart of the sons of men), 31 that they may fear You to walk in Your ways all the days that they live on the face of the ground that You have given to our fathers. 32 And also concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, and he comes from a distant country for the sake of Your great name, and Your mighty hand, and Your outstretched arm, and they come and pray in this house, 33 then may You hear from the heavens, the fixed place of Your dwelling, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, so that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as do Your people Israel, that they may know that Your name is called upon this house that I have built. 34 When Your people go out to battle against their enemies in the way that You send them, and they pray to You toward this city that You have chosen and the house that I have built for Your name, 35 then may You hear from the heavens their prayer and their supplication, and may You maintain their cause. 36 When they sin against You—for [there is] no one who does not sin—and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and their captors take them captive to a land distant or near, 37 and they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive there, and they turn and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness,’ 38 and they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity where they have been carried captive, and they pray toward their land that You gave to their fathers, and the city that You have chosen, and toward the house that I have built for Your name, 39 then may You hear from the heavens, the fixed place of Your dwelling, their prayer and their supplications, and may You maintain their cause and forgive Your people who have sinned against You. 40 Now, my God, please, let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer in this place. 41 And now arise, O YHWH God, to Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength. Let Your priests, O YHWH God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your holy ones rejoice in the goodness. 42 O YHWH God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed. Remember the loving devotion to David Your servant.”

  • Luke 16:25–26; Isa. 57:1–2; Ps. 73:24; 2 Cor. 5:8, 10; Phil. 1:21–24; Rev. 14:13.

    Luke 16:25–26 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you fully received your good [things] in your life, and Lazarus likewise the evil [things]. But now he is comforted here, and you are suffering. 26 And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you⁺, so that those desiring to go over from here to you⁺ are not able, nor may they cross over from there to us.’

    Isa. 57:1–2 1 The righteous one has perished, and no man takes [it] upon the heart; and men of devotion are gathered up, [and] no one considers that the righteous one is gathered up from the face of evil. 2 He enters into peace; they rest in their beds, [each] walking [in] his uprightness.

    Ps. 73:24 May You lead me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me [in] glory!

    2 Cor. 5:8, 10 8 Now we are confident and we are well pleased rather to be away, out of the body, and to be at home with the Lord. 10 For it is necessary for us all to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive back the things [done] through the body according to what he did, whether good or evil.

    Phil. 1:21–24 21 For to me, to live [is] Christ and to die [is] gain. 22 But if [I am] to live in flesh, this for me [is] the fruit of work; and what will I choose? I do not know. 23 But I am pressed by the two, having the desire to depart and to be with Christ, for [it is] very much better, 24 but to remain in the flesh [is] more necessary on account of you⁺.

    Rev. 14:13 And I heard a voice out of heaven saying, “Write, ‘Blessed [are] the dead who are dying in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they will rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.”

  • 1 John 5:16.

    1 John 5:16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that.

  • Luke 4:16–17; Acts 15:21; Col. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:27; Rev. 1:3.

    Luke 4:16–17 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read. 17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and having unrolled the scroll, He found the place where it was written:

    Acts 15:21 For Moses has ones proclaiming him in every city from generations of old, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

    Col. 4:16 And when the letter may be read among you⁺, cause that it may be read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you⁺ also may read the one from Laodicea.

    1 Thess. 5:27 I adjure you⁺ [by] the Lord [for] the letter to be read to all the brothers.

    Rev. 1:3 Blessed [is] the one reading and those hearing the words of the prophecy and keeping the things written in it; for the time [is] near.

  • 2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 5:42.

    2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all patience and teaching.

    Acts 5:42 And every day, in the temple and in the house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news [that] Jesus [is] the Christ.

  • James 1:22; Acts 10:33; Matt. 13:19; Heb. 4:2; Isa. 66:2.

    James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding yourselves,

    Acts 10:33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and you did well, having come. Now, therefore, we are all present before God to hear all the things having been commanded you by the Lord.”

    Matt. 13:19 Everyone hearing the word of the kingdom and not understanding, the evil one comes and snatches away that having been sown in his heart. This is the one having been sown along the path.

    Heb. 4:2 For also we are [those] having had the gospel proclaimed, even as also those; but the word of [their] hearing did not profit those not having been united with the faith of those having heard.

    Isa. 66:2 And all these [things] My own hand has made, and all these [things] have come to be!” a declaration of YHWH. “And to this one I will look: To the poor and stricken one in spirit, and [who] trembles at My word.

  • Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19; James 5:13; 1 Cor. 14:15.

    Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.

    Eph. 5:19 speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your⁺ heart to the Lord,

    James 5:13 Is anyone among you⁺ suffering evil? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.

    1 Cor. 14:15 What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind. I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will also sing praise with the mind.

  • Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23–29; Acts 2:42.

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

    1 Cor. 11:23–29 23 For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you⁺, that the Lord Jesus, in the night in which He was delivered up, took bread, 24 and having given thanks, He broke [it] and said, “This is My body, which [is] for you⁺; do this to the remembrance of Me.” 25 Likewise also the cup after having supped, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you⁺ may drink [it], to the remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come. 27 Therefore, whoever may eat the bread or may drink the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty of the body and of the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and thus let him eat of the bread, and let him drink of the cup. 29 For the one eating and drinking, not discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.

    Acts 2:42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.

  • Deut. 6:13; Neh. 10:29; 2 Cor. 1:23.

    Deut. 6:13 YHWH your God you shall fear, and Him you shall serve, and by His name you shall swear.

    Neh. 10:29 taking hold upon their brothers, their nobles, and entering into a curse and into an oath to walk in the law of God that was given by the hand of Moses the servant of God, and to keep and to do all the commandments of YHWH, our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes,

    2 Cor. 1:23 But I call God as witness upon my soul, that sparing you⁺ I did not yet come to Corinth.

  • Ps. 116:14; Isa. 19:21; Eccl. 5:4–5.

    Ps. 116:14 I will fulfill My vows to YHWH now in front of all His people.

    Isa. 19:21 And YHWH will make Himself known to Egypt, and Egypt will acknowledge YHWH [on] that day, and they will prepare sacrifice and offering, and they will vow a vow to YHWH and fulfill [it].

    Eccl. 5:4–5 4 When you vow a vow to God, you should not delay to fulfill it, for [there is] no delight in fools. What you have vowed, you must fulfill. 5 Better that you did not vow, than that you vow and not fulfill [it].

  • Joel 2:12; Est. 4:16; Matt. 9:15; Acts 14:23.

    Joel 2:12 “Even now,” a declaration of YHWH, “May you turn to Me with all your⁺ heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”

    Est. 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast over me, and you⁺ shall not eat and you⁺ shall not drink [for] three days, night and day. Also I and my young women will fast likewise, and with this I will go to the king, which [is] not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish!”

    Matt. 9:15 And Jesus said to them, “Are the sons of the bridechamber able to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But days will come when the bridegroom shall have been taken away from them, and then they will fast.

    Acts 14:23 And having appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed, with fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

  • Ex. 15:1–21; Ps. 107:1–43; Neh. 12:27–43; Est. 9:20–22.

    Ex. 15:1–21 1 Then Moses sang—and the sons of Israel—this song to YHWH, and they spoke, saying: “I will sing to YHWH, for He has greatly triumphed; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea. 2 My strength and song [is] YAH, and He has become my salvation. This [is] my God, and I will praise Him, God of My father, and I will exalt Him. 3 YHWH [is] a man of war; YHWH [is] His name. 4 The chariots of Pharaoh and his army He has cast into the sea, and the choice of his captains are sunk in the Red Sea. 5 The depths cover them; they went down into the depths like a stone. 6 Your right hand, O YHWH, is glorious in power. Your right hand, O YHWH, shatters the enemy. 7 And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those rising against You. You send forth Your burning anger; it consumes them like stubble. 8 And by the breath of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together; the flowing waters stood upright like a heap; the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. 9 The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my soul shall be filled with them. I will draw my sword; my hand shall destroy them.’ 10 You blew with Your breath; the sea covered them; they sank like lead in mighty waters. 11 Who [is] like You among the gods, O YHWH? Who [is] like You, majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? 12 You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them. 13 You have led forth in Your loving devotion the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided [them] in Your strength to Your holy habitation. 14 Peoples heard; they are troubled. Anguish seized those dwelling in Philistia. 15 Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed; the mighty men of Moab; trembling seized them; all those dwelling in Canaan melted away. 16 Fear and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be [as] still as a stone, until Your people pass over, O YHWH, until the people whom You have purchased pass over. 17 You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance—the place for Your own dwelling, [which] You have made, O YHWH, the sanctuary, O Lord, [that] Your hands have established. 18 YHWH shall reign forever and ever.” 19 For the horses of Pharaoh went in, with his chariots and with his horsemen, into the sea, and YHWH brought back upon them the waters of the sea, and the sons of Israel walked on the dry land in the midst of the sea. 20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam answered them, “Sing to YHWH, for He has greatly triumphed; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.”

    Ps. 107:1–43 1 Give thanks to YHWH, for [He is] good, for His loving devotion [is] forever! 2 Let the redeemed of YHWH say, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, 3 and from the lands He has gathered them—from the east and from the west, from the north and from the sea. 4 They wandered in the wilderness, by the way in a desert; a city for of dwelling they did not find. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul in them grew faint. 6 And they cried out to YHWH in the distress for them; from their straits He delivered them. 7 And He made them tread on a straight path, to walk toward a city of dwelling. 8 Let them give thanks to YHWH for His loving devotion, and His wonders to the sons of man! 9 For He satisfies the rushing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with goodness. 10 They are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and irons, 11 because they rebelled against the words of God, and they despised the counsel of the Most High, 12 and He humbled with labor their heart; they fell down, and no one was helping. 13 And they cried out to YHWH in the distress for them, [and] from their straits He saved them. 14 He brought them forth from darkness and the shadow of death, and their bonds He broke away. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion, and His wonders to the sons of man! 16 For He has broken down doors of bronze, and He has cut through bars of iron! 17 Fools from the path of their transgression, and by their iniquities they were afflicted. 18 All food their soul abhorred, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 And they cried out to YHWH in the distress for them, [and] from their straits He saved them. 20 He sent His word and healed them, and He rescued them from the Pit. 21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion, and His wonders to the sons of man! 22 And let them sacrifice sacrifices of thanksgiving, and recount His works with rejoicing! 23 Those going down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters, 24 they have seen the works of YHWH, and His wonders in the deep. 25 And He spoke and stationed the wind, a tempest, and it lifted high the waves; 26 they went up [to] the heavens, they went down [to] the depths; their soul melted in evil. 27 They reel and stagger like the drunkard, and all their wisdom is swallowed up. 28 And they cried out to YHWH in the distress for them, and from their straits He brought them out. 29 He stilled the tempest to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 And they rejoiced because they grew quiet, and He guided them to the haven of their desire. 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of man! 32 And let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people, and in the seat of the elders praise Him! 33 He turns rivers into a wilderness, and outpourings of waters into thirsty ground, 34 a land of fruit into salty ground, from the wickedness of those dwelling in it. 35 He turns the desert into pools of water, and a land of dryness into springs of waters. 36 And the hungry He makes to dwell there, that they may establish a city for a dwelling place. 37 And there they sow fields and plant vineyards, that they may yield the fruit of produce. 38 And He blesses them and they multiply exceedingly, and their cattle He does not let diminish. 39 When they are diminished and brought low from oppression, evil, and sorrow, 40 He pours out contempt on nobles, and causes them to wander in a wasteland without a path. 41 And He sets on high [for] the needy from affliction, and He places families as a flock. 42 Let the upright see and rejoice, and may all iniquity shut its mouth. 43 And [him] who [is] wise, let him attend to these things, and they will consider the loving devotion of YHWH.

    Neh. 12:27–43 27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to make the dedication [with] gladness, and with praises, and with singing, [with] cymbals, harps, and with lyres. 28 And the sons of the singers gathered together from the circuit around Jerusalem, and from the villages of the Netophathite, 29 and from Beth-gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. 31 [Then] I brought up the leaders of Judah upon the wall, and I made stand two great thanksgiving groups, and one went to the south upon the wall toward the Gate of the Dunghill. 32 And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah, 33 and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, 34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, 35 and [some] from the sons of the priests with the trumpets, Zechariah son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph, 36 and his brothers—Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani—with instruments of song of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them. 37 And at the Gate of the Fountain and in front of them they went up on the stairs of the City of David, on the ascent to the wall, up above the house of David, and up to the Gate of the Water eastward. 38 And the second thanksgiving group was proceeding opposite, and I [was] behind it, and half of the people on the wall above the Tower of the Ovens and up to the Broad Wall. 39 And above the Gate of Ephraim, and above the Gate of Jeshanah, and above the Gate of the Fish, and the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, and up to the Gate of the Sheep, and they stood by the Gate of the Guard. 40 And the two thanksgiving groups stood in the house of God, and I, and half of the officials with me, 41 and the priests—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Minjamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, Hananiah—with the trumpets; 42 and Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang out, and Jezrahiah [was] the overseer. 43 And they sacrificed on that day great sacrifices, and they rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy. And also the women and the sons rejoiced, and the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.

    Est. 9:20–22 20 And Mordecai wrote these words, and he sent letters to all the Jews who [were] in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, those near and those far away, 21 to establish for them to be keeping the four [and] tenth day [of] the month of Adar, and the five [and] tenth day of it, in every year and year, 22 as the days on which the Jews had rest on them from their enemies, and the month that was turned for them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a good day, to make them days of feasting and joy, and [for] sending portions, each man to his neighbor, and gifts to the needy.

  • Heb. 12:28.

    Heb. 12:28 Therefore, receiving an unshakable kingdom, we may have grace, by which we may serve God well pleasingly, with reverence and awe.

  • John 4:21.

    John 4:21 Jesus says to her, “Believe Me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you⁺ worship the Father.

  • Mal. 1:11; 1 Tim. 2:8.

    Mal. 1:11 For from the rising of the sun to its going down, great [is] My name among the nations; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. Indeed, My name will be great among the nations.” Says YHWH of Hosts.

    1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

  • John 4:23–24.

    John 4:23–24 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father also seeks such who worship Him. 24 God [is] Spirit, and it is necessary for those worshiping Him to worship in spirit and truth.”

  • Jer. 10:25; Deut. 6:6–7; Job 1:5; 2 Sam. 6:18, 20.

    Jer. 10:25 Pour out Your fury on the nations who do not know You, and on the families who do not call on Your name; for they have eaten up Jacob, and have devoured him and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate!

    Deut. 6:6–7 6 And these words that I am commanding you today shall be upon your heart. 7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and talk of them in your sitting in your house and in your walking by the way and in your lying down and in your getting up.

    Job 1:5 And it came to pass that the days of the feasting had gone around, and Job would send and would sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer up burnt offerings, the number of them all, for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did all the days.

    2 Sam. 6:18, 20 18 And David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, and he blessed the people in the name of YHWH of hosts. 20 And David returned to bless his house. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How honored today was the king of Israel, who has uncovered himself today in the eyes of the maidservants of his servants, as one of the vain ones is openly uncovered.”

  • Matt. 6:11. (See Job 1:5.)

    Matt. 6:11 Give us today our necessary bread.

    Job 1:5 And it came to pass that the days of the feasting had gone around, and Job would send and would sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer up burnt offerings, the number of them all, for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did all the days.

  • Matt. 6:6, 16–18; Neh. 1:4–11; Dan. 9:3–4a.

    Matt. 6:6, 16–18 6 But you, when you may pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward to you. 16 And when you⁺ may fast, do not be as the hypocrites, gloomy-faced; for they disfigure their faces so that they might appear to men [as] fasting. Truly I say to you⁺, they have their reward in full. 17 But you, fasting, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you might not appear to men [as] fasting, but to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward you.

    Neh. 1:4–11 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned [for] days, and I was fasting and praying before the face of the God of the heavens, 5 and I said, “Please, O YHWH, God of the heavens, the great and awesome God, keeping the covenant and loving devotion for those loving Him and observing His commandments, 6 please let Your ear be attentive, and Your eyes be open, that You may listen to the prayer of Your servant, which I pray before You now, day and night, for the sons of Israel Your servants. And confessing on account of the sins of the sons of Israel, which we have sinned against You, both I and the house of my father have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You, and we have not kept the commandments, and the statutes, and the ordinances that You commanded Moses Your servant. 8 Remember, please, the word that You commanded Moses Your servant, saying, ‘You⁺ are unfaithful—I will scatter you⁺ among the nations; 9 and [if] you⁺ return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your⁺ outcast were in the end of the heavens, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen as a dwelling for My name there.’ 10 And they [are] Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your mighty hand. 11 Please, O Lord, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who desire to fear Your name, and let prosper, please, Your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the eyes of this man.” (For I was cupbearer to the king.)

    Dan. 9:3–4 3 And I set my face toward the Lord God to seek [by] prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes. 4 And I prayed to YHWH my God, and I made confession and said: “O Lord God, the great and fearsome One, the One keeping the covenant and the loving devotion to those loving Him and those keeping His commandments.

  • Isa. 56:6–7; Heb. 10:25; Ps. 100:4; Ps. 122:1; Ps. 84:1–12; Luke 4:16; Acts 13:42, 44; Acts 2:42.

    Isa. 56:6–7 6 And the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to YHWH to serve Him and to love the name of YHWH, to be His servants, all keeping the Sabbath from being profaned and holding firmly to My covenant, 7 even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and I will make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

    Heb. 10:25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

    Ps. 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise; give thanks to Him; bless His name!

    Ps. 122:1 A Song of the Ascents. Of David. I was glad at the saying to me, “Let us go [to] the house of YHWH.”

    Ps. 84:1–12 1 For the one directing. According to Gittith. Of the sons of Korah. A Psalm. How lovely [is] Your dwelling place, O YHWH of hosts! 2 My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of YHWH; my heart and my flesh cry out to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young—near Your altars, YHWH of hosts, my King and My God, 4 blessed [are] those dwelling in Your house! Ever they are praising You. Selah 5 blessed [is] the man, the strength of him [is] in You; highways [are] in their heart. 6 Passing through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; even with blessings the early rain covers it. 7 They go from strength to strength; [each] appears before God in Zion. 8 O YHWH, God of Hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah 9 may You see our shield, O God, and look upon the face of Your anointed. 10 For better a day in Your courts than a thousand; I would choose to stand at the entrance in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For a sun and shield [is] YHWH God; favor and honor YHWH will give, [and] He will not withhold good for those walking with integrity. 12 O YHWH of hosts, blessed [is] the man trusting in You.

    Luke 4:16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read.

    Acts 13:42, 44 42 And [on] their having departed, they were begging these words to be spoken to them on the next Sabbath. 44 And on the coming Sabbath, almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word of the Lord.

    Acts 2:42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.

  • Ex. 20:8–11; Isa. 56:2–7.

    Ex. 20:8–11 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

    Isa. 56:2–7 2 Blessed [is] the man [who] does this, and the son of man [who] grabs hold of it, keeping the Sabbath from being profaned, and keeping his hand from doing any evil.” 3 Let no son of the foreigner [who] has joined himself to YHWH speak, saying, “YHWH will surely separate me from His people.” And let the eunuch not say, “Behold, I [am] a dry tree.” 4 For thus says YHWH: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what I delight in, and hold fast to My covenant: 5 And will I give to them in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than sons and daughters—an everlasting name I will give to them, that will not be cut off. 6 And the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to YHWH to serve Him and to love the name of YHWH, to be His servants, all keeping the Sabbath from being profaned and holding firmly to My covenant, 7 even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and I will make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

  • Gen. 2:2–3; 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

  • Rev. 1:10.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

  • Matt. 5:17–18; Mark 2:27–28; Rom. 13:8–10; James 2:8–12.

    Matt. 5:17–18 17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass.

    Mark 2:27–28 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made on account of the man, and not the man on account of the Sabbath. 28 So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

    Rom. 13:8–10 8 Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one loving the other has fulfilled the law. 9 For, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and if any other commandment, it is summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love works no evil to the neighbor; therefore love [is] the fulfillment of the law.

    James 2:8–12 8 If indeed you⁺ fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you⁺ are doing well. 9 But if you⁺ show partiality, you⁺ are working sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all. 11 For the One having said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” But if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as being about to be judged by the law of freedom.

  • Ex. 20:8; Ex. 16:23–30; Ex. 31:15–17; Isa. 58:13–14; Neh. 13:15–22.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

    Ex. 16:23–30 23 And he said to them, “This [is] what YHWH has said: ‘Tomorrow [is] a complete rest, a holy Sabbath to YHWH,. What you⁺ bake, bake, and what you⁺ boil, boil; and all that remains, lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’” 24 And they laid it up until the morning, as Moses had commanded, and it did not stink, and there were no worms in it. 25 And Moses said, “Eat it today; for today [is] a Sabbath to YHWH; today you⁺ will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you⁺ shall gather it, and on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none in it.” 27 And it came to pass on the seventh day, [that some] of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 And YHWH said to Moses, “How long do you⁺ refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See that YHWH has given to you⁺ the Sabbath; upon thus He gives to you⁺ on the sixth day bread for two days. Let each man remain in his place; let no man go out from his place on the seventh day.” 30 And the people rested on the seventh day.

    Ex. 31:15–17 15 Six days work shall be done, and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to YHWH. Every doer of work on the Sabbath day, he must surely be put to death. 16 And the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to do the Sabbath throughout their generations [as] an everlasting covenant. 17 It [is] a sign between Me and between the sons of Israel forever; for [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

  • Isa. 58:13–14; Luke 4:16; Matt. 12:1–13; Mark 3:1–5.

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

    Luke 4:16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read.

    Matt. 12:1–13 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 But I say to you⁺ that a greater One than the temple is here. 7 But if you⁺ had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you⁺ would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9 And having departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, a man having a withered hand, and they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, “What man will there be of you⁺ who will have one sheep, and if this one should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, will not take hold of it and will raise [it] up? 12 How much more valuable, therefore, [is] a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched [it] out, and it was restored, sound as the other.

    Mark 3:1–5 1 And He entered into the synagogue again, and a man having a withered hand was there. 2 And they were watching Him, whether He will heal him on the Sabbaths, so that they might accuse Him. 3 And He says to the man having the withered hand, “Arise into the midst.” 4 And He says to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbaths to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 And having looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardness of their heart, He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched [it] out, and his hand was restored.

Parallel passages (6+)London Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day68 shared proof texts · 4 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6027 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 11726 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 10819 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 12113 shared proof texts · shared topicHeidelberg Catechism · Question 10312 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 57

Q. Which is the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, 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.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8–11; Deut. 5:12–15.

    Ex. 20:8–11 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

    Deut. 5:12–15 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 928 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1158 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God8 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1203 shared proof texts · 3 shared topics

Question 58

Q. What is required in the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment requireth the keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy Sabbath to himself.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 31:13, 16–17.

    Ex. 31:13, 16–17 13 “And You, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Truly My Sabbaths you⁺ shall keep, for it [is] a sign between Me and between you⁺ throughout your⁺ generations, that [you] may know that I [am] YHWH who sanctifies you⁺. 16 And the sons of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to do the Sabbath throughout their generations [as] an everlasting covenant. 17 It [is] a sign between Me and between the sons of Israel forever; for [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

Parallel passages (1)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 59

Q. Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath?

A. From the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath; and the first day of the week ever since, to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 2:2–3; Ex. 20:11.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

  • Mark 2:27–28; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Rev. 1:10.

    Mark 2:27–28 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made on account of the man, and not the man on account of the Sabbath. 28 So then, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    1 Cor. 16:2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1165 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1213 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 202 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1172 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 60

Q. How is the Sabbath to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:10; Neh. 13:15–22; Isa. 58:13–14.

    Ex. 20:10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

  • Ex. 20:8; Lev. 23:3; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

    Lev. 23:3 Six days work shall be done, and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You⁺ shall not do any work; it [is] the Sabbath of YHWH in all your⁺ dwellings.

    Luke 4:16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

  • Matt. 12:1–13.

    Matt. 12:1–13 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 But I say to you⁺ that a greater One than the temple is here. 7 But if you⁺ had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you⁺ would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9 And having departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, a man having a withered hand, and they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, “What man will there be of you⁺ who will have one sheep, and if this one should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, will not take hold of it and will raise [it] up? 12 How much more valuable, therefore, [is] a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched [it] out, and it was restored, sound as the other.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day27 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day24 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 11720 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1219 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1184 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 61

Q. What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission, or careless performance, of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.

Scripture proofs
  • Neh. 13:15–22; Isa. 58:13–14; Amos 8:4–6.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

    Amos 8:4–6 4 Hear this, those swallowing up the needy and causing to cease the poor of the land, 5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit, 6 to acquire the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, even selling the chaff with the wheat?”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 11710 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1219 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day9 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1183 shared proof texts · shared topic

Question 62

Q. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment?

A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment are, God's allowing us six days of the week for our own employments, his challenging a special propriety in the seventh, his own example, and his blessing the Sabbath day.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:9; Ex. 31:15; Lev. 23:3.

    Ex. 20:9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work,

    Ex. 31:15 Six days work shall be done, and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to YHWH. Every doer of work on the Sabbath day, he must surely be put to death.

    Lev. 23:3 Six days work shall be done, and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You⁺ shall not do any work; it [is] the Sabbath of YHWH in all your⁺ dwellings.

  • Gen. 2:2–3; Ex. 20:11; Ex. 31:17.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

    Ex. 31:17 It [is] a sign between Me and between the sons of Israel forever; for [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day6 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1152 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1202 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 1162 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Larger Catechism · Question 202 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 20

Q. What was the providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created?

A. The providence of God toward man in the estate in which he was created, was the placing him in paradise, appointing him to dress it, giving him liberty to eat of the fruit of the earth; putting the creatures under his dominion, and ordaining marriage for his help; affording him communion with himself; instituting the Sabbath; entering into a covenant of life with him, upon condition of personal, perfect, and perpetual obedience, of which the tree of life was a pledge; and forbidding to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, upon the pain of death.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 2:8, 15–16.

    Gen. 2:8, 15–16 8 And YHWH God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and He put there the man whom He had formed. 15 And YHWH God took the man and He caused him to rest in the garden of Eden, to work it and to keep it. 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat.

  • Gen. 1:28.

    Gen. 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.”

  • Gen. 2:18. (See Matt. 19:3–9; Eph. 5:31.)

    Gen. 2:18 And YHWH God said, “[It is] not good [for] the man to be alone; I will make for him a helper as his counterpart.”

    Matt. 19:3–9 3 And Pharisees came to Him, testing Him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to send away his wife for any cause?” 4 And answering, He said, “Did you⁺ not read that the One having created from the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ 5 and He said, ‘On account of this a man will leave the father and the mother and be joined with his wife, and the two will be for one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God yoked together, let man not separate.” 7 They say to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give [her] a roll of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He says to them, “Moses, for your⁺ hardness of heart, allowed you⁺ to divorce your⁺ wives; but it has not been this way from the beginning. 9 And I say to you⁺ that whoever shall send away his wife, except for sexual immorality, and shall marry another, he commits adultery.”

    Eph. 5:31 “Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will be into one flesh.”

  • Gen. 1:26–29; Gen. 3:8.

    Gen. 1:26–29 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and over the bird of the heavens, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every crawling thing that crawls upon the earth.” 27 And God created the man in His image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it. And rule over the fish of the sea and over the bird of the heavens and over every living thing that is crawling upon the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given to you⁺ every plant bearing seed which [is] on the face of all the earth, and every tree that [has] in [it] the fruit of a tree bearing seed—it shall be for food to you⁺—

    Gen. 3:8 And they heard the voice of YHWH God walking about in the garden in the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the face of YHWH God in the midst of the trees of the garden.

  • Gen. 2:3. (Cf. Ex. 20:11.)

    Gen. 2:3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

  • Gen. 2:16–17; Gal. 3:12; Rom. 10:5.

    Gen. 2:16–17 16 And YHWH God placed a command upon the man, saying, “From every tree of the garden you may surely eat. 17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

    Gal. 3:12 But the law is not out of faith; rather, “The one having done these things will live in them.”

    Rom. 10:5 For Moses writes [of] the righteousness that [is] of the law, that, “The man having done these things will live in them.”

  • Gen. 2:9; Gen. 3:22–24.

    Gen. 2:9 And YHWH God made sprout from the ground every tree [that] is pleasing to the sight and good for food, and the tree of life in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

    Gen. 3:22–24 22 And YHWH God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, in knowing good and evil. And now, lest he stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever:” 23 And YHWH God sent him out of the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. 24 And He drove out the man, and He caused to dwell at the east of the garden of Eden the cherubim and the flame of the sword that turns itself to guard the way to the tree of life.

  • Gen. 2:17. (Cf. James 2:10.)

    Gen. 2:17 And from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, from it you shall not eat. For in the day of your eating from it, you shall surely die!”

    James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, but shall stumble in one [part], he has become guilty of all.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God10 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 4: Of Creation8 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 24: Of Marriage and Divorce7 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 7: Of God's Covenant with Man5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 4: Of Creation5 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 123 shared proof texts · 5 shared topics

Question 115

Q. Which is the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment is, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, 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.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8–11. (Cf. Deut. 5:12–15.)

    Ex. 20:8–11 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work, 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates. 11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

    Deut. 5:12–15 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 928 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 578 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God8 shared proof textsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God4 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 602 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 116

Q. What is required in the fourth commandment?

A. The fourth commandment requireth of all men the sanctifying or keeping holy to God such set times as he hath appointed in his Word, expressly one whole day in seven; which was the seventh from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, and the first day of the week ever since, and so to continue to the end of the world; which is the Christian sabbath, and in the New Testament called the Lord's Day.

Scripture proofs
  • Deut. 5:12–14; Gen. 2:2–3; 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7; John 20:19, 26. (See Matt. 5:17–18; Isa. 56:2, 4, 6–7.)

    Deut. 5:12–14 12 Observe the day of the Sabbath, to keep it holy, as YHWH your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    John 20:19, 26 19 Therefore, it being evening the same day, the first of the week, and the doors where the disciples were having been shut because of the fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and He says to them, “Peace to you⁺.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them, the doors having been shut. Jesus comes, and He stood in the midst and said, “Peace to you⁺.”

    Matt. 5:17–18 17 Do not suppose that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you⁺, until the heaven and the earth should pass away, not even one iota, or one stroke of a letter, shall pass away from the Law, until everything should come to pass.

    Isa. 56:2, 4, 6–7 2 Blessed [is] the man [who] does this, and the son of man [who] grabs hold of it, keeping the Sabbath from being profaned, and keeping his hand from doing any evil.” 4 For thus says YHWH: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, and choose what I delight in, and hold fast to My covenant: 6 And the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to YHWH to serve Him and to love the name of YHWH, to be His servants, all keeping the Sabbath from being profaned and holding firmly to My covenant, 7 even them I will bring to My holy mountain, and I will make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar; for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

  • Rev. 1:10.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day12 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 595 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God4 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 923 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 573 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 117

Q. How is the Sabbath or the Lord's Day to be sanctified?

A. The Sabbath or Lord's Day is to be sanctified by an holy resting all the day, not only from such works as are at all times sinful, but even from such worldly employments and recreations as are on other days lawful; and making it our delight to spend the whole time (except so much of it as is to be taken up in works of necessity and mercy) in the public and private exercises of God's worship: and, to that end, we are to prepare our hearts, and with such foresight, diligence, and moderation, to dispose and seasonably dispatch our worldly business, that we may be the more free and fit for the duties of that day.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8, 10.

    Ex. 20:8, 10 8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates.

  • Ex. 16:25–28; Jer. 17:21–22. (See Neh. 13:15–22.)

    Ex. 16:25–28 25 And Moses said, “Eat it today; for today [is] a Sabbath to YHWH; today you⁺ will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you⁺ shall gather it, and on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none in it.” 27 And it came to pass on the seventh day, [that some] of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 And YHWH said to Moses, “How long do you⁺ refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?

    Jer. 17:21–22 21 Thus says YHWH: Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day to bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 You shall not bring out a load from your⁺ houses on the Sabbath day, and you⁺ shall not do any work, and keep holy the Sabbath day, as I commanded your⁺ fathers.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

  • Matt. 12:1–5 (see vv. 6–13).

    Matt. 12:1–5 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless?

  • Isa. 58:13–14; Luke 4:16; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Lev. 23:3. (See Ps. 92 title; Isa. 66:23.)

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

    Luke 4:16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and according to His custom, He entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, and He rose up to read.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    Lev. 23:3 Six days work shall be done, and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You⁺ shall not do any work; it [is] the Sabbath of YHWH in all your⁺ dwellings.

    Isa. 66:23 And it will come to pass, from New Moon to New Moon, and from Sabbath to Sabbath, [that] all flesh will come to worship before Me,” says YHWH.

    Psalm 92 on BibleHub ↗

  • Ex. 20:8; Luke 23:54, 56; Ex. 16:22, 25–26, 29; Neh. 13:19.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

    Luke 23:54, 56 54 And it was the Day of Preparation, and Sabbath was beginning. 56 And having returned, they prepared spices and anointing oils. And they rested indeed on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

    Ex. 16:22, 25–26, 29 22 And it came to pass, on the sixth day, [that] they gathered double bread—two omers for each one—and all the leaders of the congregation came and told Moses. 25 And Moses said, “Eat it today; for today [is] a Sabbath to YHWH; today you⁺ will not find it in the field. 26 Six days you⁺ shall gather it, and on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none in it.” 29 See that YHWH has given to you⁺ the Sabbath; upon thus He gives to you⁺ on the sixth day bread for two days. Let each man remain in his place; let no man go out from his place on the seventh day.”

    Neh. 13:19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day26 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6020 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day18 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 6110 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 922 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 118

Q. Why is the charge of keeping the Sabbath more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors?

A. The charge of keeping the Sabbath is more specially directed to governors of families, and other superiors, because they are bound not only to keep it themselves, but to see that it be observed by all those that are under their charge; and because they are prone ofttimes to hinder them by employments of their own.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:10; Ex. 23:12. (See Josh. 24:15; Neh. 13:15–17; Jer. 17:20–22.)

    Ex. 20:10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates.

    Ex. 23:12 Six days you shall do your works, and on the seventh day you shall rest, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the sojourner may be refreshed.

    Josh. 24:15 And if it seems evil in your⁺ eyes to serve YHWH, choose for yourselves this day whom you⁺ will serve, whether the gods that your⁺ fathers served that [were] on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorite, in whose land you⁺ are dwelling. And I and my house, we will serve YHWH!”

    Neh. 13:15–17 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath?

    Jer. 17:20–22 20 And you shall say to them: ‘Hear the word of YHWH, O kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all those dwelling in Jerusalem who enter by these gates. 21 Thus says YHWH: Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day to bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 You shall not bring out a load from your⁺ houses on the Sabbath day, and you⁺ shall not do any work, and keep holy the Sabbath day, as I commanded your⁺ fathers.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day4 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 604 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 613 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate3 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 921 shared proof text · 3 shared topics

Question 119

Q. What are the sins forbidden in the fourth commandment?

A. The sins forbidden in the fourth commandment are, all omissions of the duties required, all careless, negligent, and unprofitable performing of them, and being weary of them; all profaning the day by idleness, and doing that which is in itself sinful; and by all needless works, words, and thoughts, about our worldly employments and recreations.

Scripture proofs
  • Ezek. 22:26.

    Ezek. 22:26 Her priests have done violence to My law, and have profaned My holy things; between the holy [and] the profane they do not separate, and between the unclean [and] the clean they do not discern; and from My Sabbaths they have hidden their eyes, and I am profaned in their midst!

  • Amos 8:5. (See Acts 20:7, 9; Ezek. 33:30–32; Mal. 1:13.)

    Amos 8:5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit,

    Acts 20:7, 9 7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight. 9 And a certain young man named Eutychus was sitting by the window, overcome by deep sleep, Paul talking on longer. Having been overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead.

    Ezek. 33:30–32 30 And you, son of man, the sons of your people are speaking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses, and they speak one to to another, a man to his brother, saying: ‘Come, now, and hear what [is] the word coming forth from YHWH.’ 31 And they come to you, like the coming of people, and they sit before you—My people, and they hear your words, and they will not do them; for they do loves with their mouth; their heart is pursuing after dishonest gain. 32 And behold, you [are] to them as a song of loves, one beautiful of voice, and playing well on a stringed instrument; for they hear your words, and nthey do ot do them.

    Mal. 1:13 and You⁺ also say, ‘Behold, a weariness,’ and you⁺ sneer at it,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And you⁺ bring the stolen, and the lame, and the sick, and you⁺ bring the offering! Should I accept this from your⁺ hands?” Says YHWH.

  • Ezek. 23:38.

    Ezek. 23:38 Moreover this they have done to Me: They have defiled My sanctuary on that day, and My Sabbaths have profaned.

  • Jer. 17:24, 27. (See Isa. 58:13–14.)

    Jer. 17:24, 27 24 And it will come to pass, if you⁺ listen carefully to Me, a declaration of YHWH, and do not bring in a load through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, and consecrate the Sabbath day to not do any work on it, 27 And if you⁺ will not listen to Me to consecrate the Sabbath day and not to carry a load and enter the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it will consume the citadels of Jerusalem, and it will not be quenched.’”

    Isa. 58:13–14 13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word, 14 then you will delight yourself in YHWH; and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the earth, and I will feed you the inheritance of Jacob your father.” For the mouth of YHWH has spoken.

Parallel passages (6)Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 613 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 603 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day2 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 29: Of the Lord's Supper1 shared proof text · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 591 shared proof text · shared topic

Question 120

Q. What are the reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it?

A. The reasons annexed to the fourth commandment, the more to enforce it, are taken from the equity of it, God allowing us six days of seven for our own affairs, and reserving but one for himself, in these words, Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: from God's challenging a special propriety in that day, The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: from the example of God, who in six days . . . made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: and from that blessing which God put upon that day, not only in sanctifying it to be a day for his service, but in ordaining it to be a means of blessing to us in our sanctifying it; Wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:9.

    Ex. 20:9 Six days you shall labor and you shall do all your work,

  • Ex. 20:10.

    Ex. 20:10 and the seventh day [is] a Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, your manservant, and your maidservant, and your livestock, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates.

  • Ex. 20:11.

    Ex. 20:11 For [in] six days YHWH made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that [is] in them; and He rested on the seventh day. Therefore YHWH blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it.

Parallel passages (6+)Heidelberg Catechism · Question 923 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 573 shared proof texts · 3 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day3 shared proof texts · 2 shared topicsWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 19: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsSecond Helvetic Confession · Chapter 12: Of the Law of God3 shared proof textsWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 622 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 121

Q. Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?

A. The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, for that there is less light of nature for it, and yet it restraineth our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; that it cometh but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it; and that Satan with his instruments much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety.

Scripture proofs
  • Ex. 20:8.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

  • Ex. 16:23; Luke 23:54, 56. (See Mark 15:42; Neh. 13:19.)

    Ex. 16:23 And he said to them, “This [is] what YHWH has said: ‘Tomorrow [is] a complete rest, a holy Sabbath to YHWH,. What you⁺ bake, bake, and what you⁺ boil, boil; and all that remains, lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’”

    Luke 23:54, 56 54 And it was the Day of Preparation, and Sabbath was beginning. 56 And having returned, they prepared spices and anointing oils. And they rested indeed on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

    Mark 15:42 And evening already having come, since it was the Preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath),

    Neh. 13:19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath.

  • Ezek. 20:12, 19–20; Ps. 92:13–14. (See Ps. 92 title.)

    Ezek. 20:12, 19–20 12 And also My Sabbaths I gave to them to be as a sign between Me and between them, that they might know that I [am] YHWH, the One sanctifying them. 19 I [am] YHWH your⁺ God; in My statutes you must walk, and My ordinances you must keep and do them, 20 and My Sabbaths keep holy, that they may be as a sign between Me and between you⁺, to know that I [am] YHWH your⁺ God.’

    Ps. 92:13–14 13 Those planted in the house of YHWH, in the courts of our God, they will sprout. 14 Still bearing fruit in old age, they will remain fat and flourishing—

  • Gen. 2:2–3; Ps. 118:22, 24; Rev. 1:10.

    Gen. 2:2–3 2 And God finished by the seventh day His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He ceased from all His work that God had created for making.

    Ps. 118:22, 24 22 The stone the builders rejected has become as the head of the corner. 24 This [is] the day YHWH has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

  • Ezek. 22:26.

    Ezek. 22:26 Her priests have done violence to My law, and have profaned My holy things; between the holy [and] the profane they do not separate, and between the unclean [and] the clean they do not discern; and from My Sabbaths they have hidden their eyes, and I am profaned in their midst!

  • Neh. 9:14.

    Neh. 9:14 And the Sabbath of Your holiness You made known to them, and the commands and statutes and instructions You commanded to them by the hand of Moses Your servant.

  • Ex. 34:21.

    Ex. 34:21 Six days you shall work, and on the seventh day you shall rest: In the plowing time and in the harvest you shall rest.

  • Deut. 5:14–15; Amos 8:5.

    Deut. 5:14–15 14 and the seventh day [is] the Sabbath to YHWH your God; you shall not do any work—you, and your son, and your daughter, and your manservant, and your maidservant, and your ox, and your donkey, and any of your cattle, and your sojourner who [is] within your gates—that your manservant and your maidservant may rest like you. 15 And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and YHWH your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Upon thus YHWH your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

    Amos 8:5 saying, “When will the New Moon pass, so that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat, making small the ephah and making large the shekel, and cheating [with] scales of deceit,

  • Lam. 1:7; Jer. 17:21–23. (See Neh. 13:15–22.)

    Lam. 1:7 Jerusalem remembers in the days of her affliction and her wandering all her desirable [things] that were in days before. In the falling of her people into the hand of the enemy, there was no one giving help to her; the adversaries saw her; they have laughed at her destruction.

    Jer. 17:21–23 21 Thus says YHWH: Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day to bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 You shall not bring out a load from your⁺ houses on the Sabbath day, and you⁺ shall not do any work, and keep holy the Sabbath day, as I commanded your⁺ fathers. 23 They did not listen and they did not incline their ear, and they stiffened their neck, that they would not hear, and they would not receive discipline.

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

Parallel passages (6+)Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day13 shared proof texts · shared topicLondon Baptist Confession (1689) · Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day10 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 609 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Shorter Catechism · Question 619 shared proof texts · shared topicWestminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 23: Of the Civil Magistrate8 shared proof textsHeidelberg Catechism · Question 923 shared proof texts · 2 shared topics

Question 151

Q. What are those aggravations that make some sins more heinous than others?

A. Sins receive their aggravations, 1. From the persons offending: if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by others. 2. From the parties offended: if immediately against God, his attributes, and worship; against Christ, and his grace; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings; against superiors, men of eminency, and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; against any of the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or any other, and the common good of all or many. 3. From the nature and quality of the offense: if it be against the express letter of the law, break many commandments, contain in it many sins: if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation: if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, conviction of conscience, public or private admonition, censures of the church, civil punishments; and our prayers, purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to God or men: if done deliberately, willfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance. 4. From circumstances of time and place: if on the Lord's Day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 2:8.

    Jer. 2:8 The priests did not say, ‘Where [is] YHWH?’ And those handling the law did not know Me; and the rulers transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things] not profitable.

  • Job 32:7, 9; Eccl. 4:13.

    Job 32:7, 9 7 I said, “Days shall speak, and a multitude of years shall make known wisdom.’ 9 Not [only] the great [in years] [are] wise, nor do [only] the aged understand justice.

    Eccl. 4:13 Better a youth poor and wise than a king old and foolish, who does not know to be warned anymore.

  • 1 Kings 11:4, 9.

    1 Kings 11:4, 9 4 And it was, at the time of the old age of Solomon, that his wives stretched his heart after other gods, and his heart was not loyal to YHWH his God like the heart of David his father. 9 And YHWH became angry with Solomon, because his heart had stretched from YHWH, God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.

  • 2 Sam. 12:14; 1 Cor. 5:1.

    2 Sam. 12:14 Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for [the word] of YHWH by this deed, also the son born to you will surely die.”

    1 Cor. 5:1 Sexual immorality is actually heard [of] among you⁺, and sexual immorality such as [is] not even among the nations, so as for one to have the wife of the father.

  • James 4:17; Luke 12:47–48.

    James 4:17 Therefore to the one knowing to do good, and not doing [it], to him it is sin.

    Luke 12:47–48 47 Now that servant, the one having known the will of his master and not having prepared nor having done according to his will, he will be beaten with many. 48 But the one not having known but having done [things] worthy of stripes will be beaten with few. And of everyone to whom much was given, much will be required; and from him to whom much was committed, more will they ask of him.

  • Jer. 5:4–5.

    Jer. 5:4–5 4 And I said, “Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish, for they do not know the way of YHWH, the justice of their God. 5 I shall go Myself to the great ones, and will speak to them, for they have known the way of YHWH, the justice of their God.” But they have broken the yoke as one; they have drawn away the bonds.

  • 2 Sam. 12:7–9; Ezek. 8:11–12.

    2 Sam. 12:7–9 7 And Nathan said to David, “You [are] the man. Thus says YHWH, God of Israel, ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I snatched you up from the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave to you the house of your master and the wives of your master into your bosom, and I gave to you the house of Israel and Judah. And if [that was] too little, I would have given to you like them and like them. 9 Why have you despised the commandment of YHWH to do evil in His sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and his wife you have taken [to be] your wife, and him have killed with the sword of the sons of Ammon.

    Ezek. 8:11–12 11 and seventy men from the elders of the house of Israel—and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan standing in their midst—standing before them; and each man his censer in his hand, and the fragrance of a cloud of incense was rising up. 12 And He said to me: “Have you seen, Son of man, that which the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each man in the inner chambers of his imagery? For they say, ‘YHWH [is] not seeing us, [for] YHWH has forsaken the land.’”

  • Rom. 2:17–24.

    Rom. 2:17–24 17 But if you are named a Jew and rest upon the law and boast in God, 18 and you know the will and approve the [things] being superior, being instructed out of the law, 19 and you have persuaded yourself [that you] are a guide of the blind, a light to those in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth— 21 then [you] who are teaching another, do you not teach yourself? [You] who are preaching not to steal, do you steal? 22 [You] who are saying not to commit adultery, do you commit adultery? [You] who are abhorring idols, do you rob temples? 23 [You] who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law? 24 As it has been written: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you⁺.”

  • Gal. 2:11–14.

    Gal. 2:11–14 11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed [him] to his face because he was standing condemned. 12 For before certain ones came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he was drawing back and was separating himself, fearing those of the circumcision. 13 And also the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they are not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before all, “If you, being a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how do you compel the Gentiles to Judaize?”

  • Ps. 2:12; Matt. 21:38–39.

    Ps. 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you⁺ perish [in] the way, when His wrath is kindled in an instant. Blessed [are] all those taking refuge in Him.

    Matt. 21:38–39 38 But the farmers, having seen the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and gain possession of his inheritance.’ 39 And having taken him, they cast [him] out of the vineyard and killed [him].

  • 1 Sam. 2:25; Acts 5:4; Ps. 5:4.

    1 Sam. 2:25 If one man sins against another, God will judge him, but if a man sins against YHWH, who will intercede for him?” And they did not listen to the voice of their father, because YHWH delighted to put them to death.

    Acts 5:4 Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it [not] in [your] own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!”

    Ps. 5:4 For You [are] not a God delighting in wickedness; evil shall not sojourn with You.

  • Rom. 2:4.

    Rom. 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

  • Mal. 1:8, 14.

    Mal. 1:8, 14 8 For when you⁺ offer the blind as a sacrifice, [is it] not evil? And when you⁺ offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? Offer it now to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or would he lift up your face?” Says YHWH of Hosts. 14 “And cursed [is] the one plotting, and a male is in his flock, and vowing [it] and sacrificing [what] is blemished to the Lord. For I [am] a great King,” says YHWH of Hosts, “And My name is feared among the nations.

  • Heb. 2:2–3; Heb. 12:25.

    Heb. 2:2–3 2 For if the word having been spoken by angels was firm, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, 3 how will we escape, having neglected such a great salvation, which, having received a beginning to be spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those having heard,

    Heb. 12:25 Watch out, lest you⁺ refuse the One speaking. For if they did not escape, having refused the One divinely warning [them] on earth, much less we, turning away from the One from the heavens,

  • Heb. 10:28–29; Matt. 12:31–32.

    Heb. 10:28–29 28 Anyone having set aside the law of Moses dies without mercies on the basis of two or three witnesses. 29 How much worse punishment do you⁺ think he will be worthy of, the one having trampled upon the Son of God, and having deemed common the blood of the covenant in which he was sanctified, and having insulted the Spirit of grace?

    Matt. 12:31–32 31 Because of this I say to you⁺, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men; but the blasphemy of the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 And whoever may speak a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever may speak against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him—neither in this age nor in the coming one.

  • Eph. 4:30.

    Eph. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you⁺ were sealed for the day of redemption.

  • Heb. 6:4–6.

    Heb. 6:4–6 4 For [it is] impossible for those once having been enlightened, and having tasted of the heavenly gift, and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and having tasted the goodness of God’s word and the power [of] the coming age— 6 and then having fallen away—to restore [them] again to repentance, crucifying in themselves the Son of God and subjecting [Him] to open shame.

  • Jude 8; Num. 12:8–9; Isa. 3:5.

    Num. 12:8–9 8 I speak with him mouth to mouth, and even plainly and not in riddles; and the form of YHWH he sees. And why were you⁺ not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of YHWH was kindled against them, and He departed.

    Isa. 3:5 And the people will be oppressed, each man by a man and each man by his neighbor; the child will rage against the elder, and the one despised against the honored.

    Jude 8 on BibleHub ↗

  • Prov. 30:17; 2 Cor. 12:15; Ps. 55:12–15.

    Prov. 30:17 The eye [that] mocks at a father and despises obedience to a mother—the ravens of the valley will dig it out, and the young eagles will eat it.

    2 Cor. 12:15 Now I will spend most gladly, and will be utterly spent for your⁺ souls. If loving you⁺ more abundantly, am I loved less?

    Ps. 55:12–15 12 For [it is] not an enemy [who] scorns me, or I could bear it; and not one hating me [who] wielded power against me, or I could hide myself from him. 13 And [it was] you, a man like me in rank, my companion, and one known by me, 14 [with] whom we would take sweet counsel together; in the house of God we walked with the throng. 15 Devastation [is] upon them! May they go down alive [to] Sheol! For evils [are] in their dwellings, within them.

  • Zeph. 2:8, 10–11; Matt. 18:6; 1 Cor. 6:8; Rev. 17:6.

    Zeph. 2:8, 10–11 8 “I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the sons of Ammon, with which they have scorned My people, and magnified [themselves] against their border. 10 This [is] unto them in exchange for their pride, because they have scorned and magnified [themselves] against the people of YHWH of Hosts. 11 Fearsome [is] YHWH against them, for he will starve all the gods of the earth; and will bow down to Him all the coasts of the nations, each man from his place.

    Matt. 18:6 And whoever might cause to stumble one of these little ones believing in Me, it is better for him that a heavy millstone should be hung around his neck and he should be sunk in the depth of the sea.

    1 Cor. 6:8 But you⁺ do wrong and defraud, and this to brothers!

    Rev. 17:6 And I saw the woman being drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. And having seen her, I marveled with great wonder.

  • 1 Cor. 8:11–12; Rom. 14:13, 15, 21.

    1 Cor. 8:11–12 11 For the one being weak is destroyed by your knowledge—the brother for whom Christ died. 12 And thus sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience, [it] being weak, you⁺ sin against Christ.

    Rom. 14:13, 15, 21 13 May we no longer, therefore, judge one another; but rather you⁺ decide this, not to put a stumbling block or obstacle before a brother. 15 For if because of food your brother is grieved, no longer do you walk according to love. Do not destroy with your food that one for whom Christ died. 21 [It is] good neither to eat meat nor to drink wine nor [anything] in which your brother stumbles.

  • Ezek. 13:19; 1 Cor. 8:12; Rev. 18:12–13; Matt. 23:15.

    Ezek. 13:19 And you⁺ profane Me among My people for handfuls of barley, and for pieces of bread, by putting to death people who should not die, and keeping alive people who should not live, by your⁺ lying to My people who listen to a lie.

    1 Cor. 8:12 And thus sinning against the brothers and wounding their conscience, [it] being weak, you⁺ sin against Christ.

    Rev. 18:12–13 12 cargo of gold, and of silver, and of precious stone, and of pearls; and of fine linen, and of purple, and of silk, and of scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel of most precious wood, and of bronze, and of iron, and of marble; 13 and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and myrrh, and frankincense; and wine, and oil, and finest flour, and wheat; and cattle, and sheep, and of horses, and of chariots; and of bodies and souls of men.

    Matt. 23:15 Woe to you⁺, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you⁺ traverse the sea and the dry land to make one convert, and when he might become one, you⁺ make him twofold more a son of Gehenna than yourselves.

  • 1 Thess. 2:15–16; Josh. 22:20.

    1 Thess. 2:15–16 15 who, having killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and having driven us out; and [they are] not pleasing God and contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, so as to fill up their sins always. Now the wrath has come upon them to the end.

    Josh. 22:20 Did not Achan son of Zerah act unfaithfully—an unfaithfulness—with the devoted thing, so that wrath fell upon all the congregation of Israel? And not only he, one man, perished in his iniquity.’”

  • Prov. 6:30–33.

    Prov. 6:30–33 30 They do not despise the thief if he steals to fill his soul when he is hungry, 31 and having been found, he must repay sevenfold; all the wealth of his house he must give. 32 The one committing adultery with a woman is lacking of heart; he does it, destroying his own soul. 33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away.

  • Ezra 9:10–12; 1 Kings 11:9–10.

    Ezra 9:10–12 10 And what shall we say, our God, after this? For we have forsaken Your commandments, 11 that You commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying, ‘The land that you⁺ are entering to possess, it is a land of impurity, by the impurity of the peoples of the lands with their abominations that have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. 12 And now, do not give as wives your⁺ daughters for their sons, and lift not their daughters to your⁺ sons, and never seek their peace or prosperity even to forever, that you⁺ may be strong and eat the good of the land, and give possession to your⁺ children even to forever.’

    1 Kings 11:9–10 9 And YHWH became angry with Solomon, because his heart had stretched from YHWH, God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 And He had commanded to him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. And he did not keep what YHWH had commanded.

  • Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10; Prov. 5:8–12; Prov. 6:32–33; Josh. 7:21.

    Col. 3:5 Put to death, therefore, the members that [are] upon the earth: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry,

    1 Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all evils, which some, stretching after, were led astray away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

    Prov. 5:8–12 8 Keep your path far away from her, and do not go near to the opening of her house, 9 lest you give to others your splendor, and your years to a cruel one; 10 lest strangers be satisfied [by] your strength, and your labors [be] in the house of a foreigner; 11 and you groan at your end, in the consumption of your flesh and your body, 12 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart spurned rebuke!

    Prov. 6:32–33 32 The one committing adultery with a woman is lacking of heart; he does it, destroying his own soul. 33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away.

    Josh. 7:21 And I saw among the spoils one beautiful cloak of Shinar, and two hundred shekels of silver, and one wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, and I coveted them and took them, and there they are hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver [is] under it.”

  • James 1:14–15; Matt. 5:22; Mic. 2:1.

    James 1:14–15 14 But each one is tempted, being dragged away and being enticed by [his] own desire. 15 Then desire, having conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, having become fully grown, brings forth death.

    Matt. 5:22 But I say to you⁺ that everyone being angry with his brother will be liable to the judgment, and whoever may say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be liable to the Sanhedrin. But whoever may say, ‘Fool!’ will be liable to the Gehenna of fire.

    Mic. 2:1 Woe [to] those devising iniquity and working evil on their beds. In the light of morning they do it, because it is in the power of their hand.

  • Matt. 18:7; Rom. 2:23–24.

    Matt. 18:7 Woe to the world because of the stumbling blocks. For [it is] a necessity that the stumbling blocks come, but woe to the man through whom the stumbling block comes!

    Rom. 2:23–24 23 [You] who boast in the law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the law? 24 As it has been written: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you⁺.”

  • Deut. 22:22, 28–29; Prov. 6:32–35.

    Deut. 22:22, 28–29 22 If a man is found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall die, even the two of them, the man that lay with the woman and the woman. And you shall put away the evil from Israel. 28 If a man finds a young woman, a virgin who is not betrothed, and he seizes her and lies with her and they are found out, 29 then the man who lay with her shall give to the father of the young woman fifty [shekels] of silver, and to him she shall be wife upon that he has humbled her. He shall not be permitted to divorce her all his days.

    Prov. 6:32–35 32 The one committing adultery with a woman is lacking of heart; he does it, destroying his own soul. 33 He finds [only a stroke and shame, and his reproach is not wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the heat of a man, and he will not spare on the day of vengeance. 35 He will not lift the face of any ransom, and he will not consent, though you may multiply the bribe.

  • Matt. 11:21–24; John 15:22.

    Matt. 11:21–24 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles having happened in you⁺ had happened in Tyre and Sidon, long ago in sackcloth and ashes they would have repented. 22 But I say to you⁺, for Tyre and Sidon it will be more bearable in the day of judgment than for you⁺. 23 And you, Capernaum, to heaven will you be lifted up? To Hades you will be brought down! For if the miracles having happened in you had happened in Sodom, it would have remained until [this] day. 24 But I say to you⁺ that it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.”

    John 15:22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

  • Isa. 1:3; Deut. 32:6.

    Isa. 1:3 An ox has known his owner and a donkey the trough of its master; Israel has not known; my people have not understood.”

    Deut. 32:6 Is it [even] to YHWH [that] you⁺ would act this way, O people foolish and unwise? Is not He your Father [who] created you, He [who] made you and established you?

  • Amos 4:8–11; Jer. 5:3.

    Amos 4:8–11 8 And they would stagger off two [or] three cities to one city, to drink water, and they were not satisfied—and [still] you⁺ have returned not to Me!” An utterance of YHWH. 9 “I struck you⁺ with blight and with mildew in your growing your⁺ gardens and your⁺ vineyards and your⁺ fig trees and your⁺ olive trees. The locust devoured and you⁺ have not returned to Me,” a declaration of YHWH. 10 “I sent among you⁺ a plague in the manner of Egypt; I killed your⁺ young men with the sword, along with the captivity of your⁺ horses. And the stench of your⁺ camps I even made come up to your⁺ nostrils! And you⁺ have not returned to Me,” a declaration of YHWH. 11 “I overthrew [some] among you⁺, like the overthrow by God of Sodom and Gomorrah, and you⁺ were like a firebrand delivered from the burning—and you⁺ have not returned to Me,” a declaration of YHWH.

    Jer. 5:3 O YHWH, [are] not Your eyes on the truth? You have struck them, and they have not grieved; You have finished them off; they have refused to receive discipline. They have made their faces harder than rock; they have refused to turn back.

  • Rom. 1:26–27.

    Rom. 1:26–27 26 Because of this, God gave up them to passions of dishonor. For even their females changed the natural use into that contrary to nature. 27 And likewise also the males, having left the natural use of the female, were inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working out shame and receiving back in themselves the recompense that was fitting of their error.

  • Rom. 1:32; Dan. 5:22; Titus 3:10–11.

    Rom. 1:32 who, having known the righteous decree of God that those practicing such things are worthy of death, not only are doing them, but also agree with those practicing [them].

    Dan. 5:22 And you, his son, O Belshazzar, you have not humbled your heart, all even though all of this you knew,

    Titus 3:10–11 10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition, 11 knowing that such a man is warped and is sinning, being self-condemned.

  • Prov. 29:1.

    Prov. 29:1 A man often reproved hardening the neck, suddenly will be broken, and there is no healing.

  • Titus 3:10; Matt. 18:17.

    Titus 3:10 Reject a divisive man after one and a second admonition,

    Matt. 18:17 And if he may fail to hear them, say [it] to the church. And if he may fail to hear even the church, let him be unto you as the Gentile and the tax collector.

  • Prov. 27:22; Prov. 23:35.

    Prov. 27:22 Though you may pound a fool in the mortar, in the midst of the grain with the pestle, his folly will not turn away from him.

    Prov. 23:35 “They struck me; I did not become weak. They beat me; I did not know [it]. When I awake, I will add to seek it again?”

  • Ps. 78:34–37; Jer. 2:20; Jer. 13:5–6, 20–21.

    Ps. 78:34–37 34 When He slew them, they would seek Him, and they turned back and sought after God. 35 And they remembered that God [was] their rock, and El-Elyon their Redeemer. 36 And they deceived Him with their mouth, and with their tongue they lied to Him. 37 And their heart was not established with Him, and they were not faithful to His covenant.

    Jer. 2:20 “For from long ago I have broken your yoke, and torn off your bonds. And you said, I will not serve!’ For on every high hill and under every green tree you lay down as a prostitute.

    Jer. 13:5–6, 20–21 5 And I went and hid it in Perath, as YHWH commanded me. 6 And it came to pass after many days that YHWH said to me: “Rise [and] go to Perath, and take from there the the loincloth that I commanded you to hide there. 20 Lift up your⁺ eyes, and see those coming from the north. Where [is] the flock He gave to you, your beautiful flock? 21 What will you say when He sets over you—and you had taught them to be allies with you—to be head? Will not pangs seize you like a woman in labor?

  • Eccl. 5:4–6; Prov. 20:25.

    Eccl. 5:4–6 4 When you vow a vow to God, you should not delay to fulfill it, for [there is] no delight in fools. What you have vowed, you must fulfill. 5 Better that you did not vow, than that you vow and not fulfill [it]. 6 Do not give your mouth to cause your flesh to sin, and do not say before the face of the messenger that it [was] an error. Why should God be angry concerning your voice and destroy the work of your hands?

    Prov. 20:25 [It is] a snare for a man to rashly declare “It is holy” and afterward to reconsider [his] vows.

  • Lev. 26:25.

    Lev. 26:25 And I will bring against you⁺ a sword that will kill the vengeance of the covenant. And [when] you⁺ are gathered together within your⁺ cities, then I will send pestilence in your⁺ midst, and you⁺ shall be given into the hand of the enemy.

  • Prov. 2:17; Ezek. 7:18–19.

    Prov. 2:17 the one having forsaken the guide of her youth, and she has forgotten the covenant of her God.

    Ezek. 7:18–19 18 And they will be girded with sackcloth, and shuddering will cover them; and on every face [is] shame, and on all their heads baldness. 19 Their silver they will throw into the streets, and their gold will become like refuse; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them on the day of the wrath of YHWH. Their souls they cannot satisfy, and their stomachs they cannot fill, for a stumbling block their iniquity has become.

  • Ps. 36:4.

    Ps. 36:4 He devises iniquity upon his bed; he stands himself on a path [that is] not good; he does not reject evil.

  • Jer. 6:16.

    Jer. 6:16 Thus says YHWH: “Stand along the pathways, and see; and ask for the old paths, ‘Where [is] this good way,’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your⁺ souls. And they said, ‘We will not walk!’

  • Num. 15:30; Ex. 21:14.

    Num. 15:30 And the soul who does beguile by hand, from the native and from the sojourner, he reviles YHWH; that person shall be cut off from among his people.

    Ex. 21:14 But if a man acts presumptuously against his neighbor to kill him by treachery, you shall take him away from My altar to die.

  • Jer. 3:3; Prov. 7:13.

    Jer. 3:3 And the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; and yet you had a whorish woman’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed.

    Prov. 7:13 And she laid hold on him and kissed him; she has hardened her face and said to him:

  • Ps. 52:1.

    Ps. 52:1 For the one directing. A Maskil of David, in the coming of Doeg the Edomite, when he announced to Saul and said to him, “David has gone to the house of Ahimelech.” Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God [is] all the day.

  • 3 John 10.
  • Num. 14:22.

    Num. 14:22 indeed all these men who have seen My glory and the signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test these ten times and have not heeded My voice,

  • Zech. 7:11–12.

    Zech. 7:11–12 11 And they refused to pay attention, and they gave the shoulder, acting rebelliously, and their ears they made heavy from hearing; 12 and their hearts they made flint, from hearing the law and the words that YHWH of Hosts had sent by His Spirit, by the hand of the former prophets. And there was great wrath from YHWH of Hosts.

  • Prov. 2:14.

    Prov. 2:14 those glad to do evil, they rejoice in the perversity of evil,

  • Isa. 57:17.

    Isa. 57:17 With the iniquity of his gain I was angry, and I struck him; I hid and was angry. And he went on, turning back in the way of his heart.

  • Jer. 34:8–11; 2 Peter 2:20–22.

    Jer. 34:8–11 8 The word that came to Jeremiah from YHWH after King Zedekiah had cut a covenant with all the people who [were] at Jerusalem, to proclaim to them liberty, 9 that each man should send forth free his manservant and his maidservant, a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, that none of them should lay service on a Jew, his fellow man. 10 And they agreed, all the princes and all the people who had come into this covenant, to send forth free each man his manservant and his maidservant, so as not to lay service on them anymore. And they agreed and sent [them] forth. 11 And they turned around after thus, the menservants and the maidservants made return whom they had sent forth free, and they subjected them as menservants and as maidservants.

    2 Peter 2:20–22 20 For if, having escaped from the pollutions of the world in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, now again having been entangled in these they are subdued, the last [state] has become worse to them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, having known [it], to have turned from the holy commandment having been delivered to them. 22 The thing of the true proverb has happened to them: “A dog having returned to [its] own vomit,” and, “A sow, having washed, to [her] rolling place in the mire.”

  • 2 Kings 5:26.

    2 Kings 5:26 And he said to him, “Did my heart not go when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? [Is it] the time to receive silver, and to receive garments, and olive groves, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and maidservants?

  • Jer. 7:10; Isa. 26:10.

    Jer. 7:10 and then come and stand before My face in this house, over which is called My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—In order to do all these abominations?

    Isa. 26:10 Let the wicked be favored—he will not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness he acts unjustly, and he cannot see the majesty of YHWH.

  • Ezek. 23:37–39.

    Ezek. 23:37–39 37 For they have committed adultery, and blood [is] on their hands; with their idols they have committed adultery, and even their sons whom they bore to Me, they made pass through [the fire] for them as food. 38 Moreover this they have done to Me: They have defiled My sanctuary on that day, and My Sabbaths have profaned. 39 For in their slaughtering their children to their idols, they came into My sanctuary on that day to profane it; and behold, thus they have done in the midst of My house,

  • Isa. 58:3–5; Num. 25:6–7.

    Isa. 58:3–5 3 “Why have we fasted and You have not seen—we have afflicted our soul, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your⁺ fast you⁺ find pleasure, and you⁺ oppress all your⁺ laborers! 4 Behold, for quarreling and strife you⁺ fast, and for striking with the fist of wickedness. You⁺ shall not fast like this day to make heard your⁺ voice on high. 5 Is it like this, the fast I choose? A day for a man to afflict his soul, for bowing down his head like a reed, and spreading out sackcloth and ashes—do you call this a fast, and a day of pleasure for YHWH?

    Num. 25:6–7 6 And indeed, one of the sons of Israel came and presented to his brothers a Midianitess before the eyes of Moses and before the eyes of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and they [were] weeping at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 7 And Phinehas son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, saw [it], and he rose from the midst of the congregation, and he took a spear in his hand,

  • 1 Cor. 11:20–21; Jer. 7:8–10.

    1 Cor. 11:20–21 20 Therefore, [on] your⁺ coming together in the same [place], it is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For in eating, each takes first [his] own supper. And indeed this one is hungry, but that one is drunk.

    Jer. 7:8–10 8 Behold, you⁺ keep trusting for yourselves in words of deception that do not profit. 9 Are you stealing, murdering, and committing adultery, and swearing by deception, and burning incense to Baal, and walking after other gods whom you do not know, 10 and then come and stand before My face in this house, over which is called My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’—In order to do all these abominations?

  • Prov. 7:14–15; John 13:27, 30.

    Prov. 7:14–15 14 “Sacrifices of peace offerings [are] by me; this day I have paid my vows; 15 upon thus I have come out to meet you, to earnestly seek your face, and I have found you!

    John 13:27, 30 27 And after the morsel, then Satan entered into him. Therefore Jesus says to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 30 Therefore, having received the morsel, he went out immediately. And it was night.

  • Ezra 9:13–14.

    Ezra 9:13–14 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt (since You, our God, you have restrained it to lower than our iniquities and have given us a deliverance like this), 14 should we turn back to break Your commandments and join in marriage with the peoples of these abominations? Would You not be angry with us until You had consumed [us] without remnant or survivor?

  • 2 Sam. 16:22; 1 Sam. 2:22–24.

    2 Sam. 16:22 And they pitched for Absalom a tent on the roof, and Absalom went in to the concubines of his father before the eyes of all Israel.

    1 Sam. 2:22–24 22 And Eli was very old, and he heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you⁺ do these things? For I hear of your⁺ evil deeds from all these people. 24 No, my sons, for the report [is] not good that I hear spreading among the people of YHWH.

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Chapter 24: Of Holy Days, Fasts, and the Choice of Meats

Although religion is not tied unto time, yet it cannot be planted and exercised without a due dividing and allotting out of time unto it. Every church, therefore, chooses unto itself a certain time for public prayers, and for preaching of the gospel, and for the celebration of the sacraments: and it is not lawful for everyone to overthrow this appointment of the church at his own pleasure. For except some due time and leisure were allotted to the outward exercise of religion, without doubt men would be quite drawn from it by their own affairs. In regard hereof, we see that in the ancient churches, there were not only certain set hours in the week appointed for meetings, but that also even for the Lord's Day itself, ever since the apostles' time, was consecrated to religious exercises and unto a holy rest; which also is now very well observed of our churches for the worship of God and increase of charity. Yet herein we give no place unto the Jewish observation of the day or to any superstitions. For we do not account one day to be holier than another, nor think that mere rest is of itself liked of God. Besides we do celebrate and keep the Lord's Day, and not the Sabbath, and that with a free observation.

Moreover, if the churches do religiously celebrate the memory of the Lord's nativity, circumcision, passion, resurrection, and of His ascension into heaven, and sending the Holy Ghost upon His disciples, according to Christian liberty, we do very well approve of it. But as for festival days ordained to men or departed saints, we cannot allow them. For indeed such feasts must be referred to the first table of the Law and belong peculiarly unto God. To conclude, these festival days, which are appointed to saints and abrogated of us, have in them many gross things, unprofitable and not to be tolerated. In the meantime, we confess that the remembrance of saints in due time and place may be to good use and profit commended unto the people in sermons, and the holy examples of holy men set before their eyes to be imitated of all.

Now, the more sharply that the church of Christ accuses surfeiting, drunkenness, and all kind of lusts and intemperance, so much the more earnestly does it commend unto us Christian fasting. For fasting is nothing else but the abstinence and temperance of the godly, and watching and chastising of our flesh taken up for the present necessity, whereby we are humbled before God and withdraw from the flesh those things whereby it is cherished, to the end it may the more willingly and easily obey the Spirit. Wherefore they do not fast at all that have no regard of those things, but do imagine that they fast if they stuff their bellies once a day, and for a set or prescribed time abstain from certain meats, thinking that by this very work wrought they please God and do a good work. Fasting is a help of the prayers of the saints and of all virtues: but the fasts wherein the Jews fasted from meat and not from wickedness, pleased God not at all, as we may see in the books of the prophets.

Now fasting is either public or private. In old time they celebrated public fasts in troublesome times and in the afflictions of the church: wherein they abstained altogether from meat unto the evening and bestowed all that time in holy prayers, the worship of God and repentance. These differed little from mournings and lamentations; and of these there is often mention made in the prophets, and especially in the second chapter of Joel. Such a fast should be kept at this day when the church is in distress. Private fasts are used of every one of us, according as every one feels the Spirit weakened in him: for so far forth he withdraws that which might cherish and strengthen the flesh. All fasts ought to proceed from a free and willing spirit and such a one as is truly humbled, and not framed to win applause and liking of men, much less to the end that a man might merit righteousness by them. But let everyone fast to this end that he may deprive the flesh of that which would cherish it and that he may the more zealously serve God.

The fast of Lent has testimony from antiquity but none out of the apostles' writings; and, therefore, ought not, nor cannot, be imposed on the faithful. It is certain that in old time there were divers manners and uses of this fast; whereupon Irenaeus, a most ancient writer, says, "Some think that this fast should be observed one day only, others two days, but others more, and some forty days. Which variety of keeping this fast began not now in our times, but long before us; by those as I suppose which, not simply holding that which was delivered to them from the beginning, fell shortly after into another custom, either through negligence or ignorance." Moreover, Socrates, the writer of the History, says, "Because no ancient record is found concerning this matter, I think the apostles left this to every man's own judgment, that every one might work that which is good without fear or constraint."

Now as concerning the choice of meats, we suppose that in fasting all that should be taken from the flesh whereby the flesh is made more lusty, wherein it most immoderately delights and whereby it is most of all pampered, whether they be fish, spices, dainties, or excellent wines. Otherwise we know that all the creatures of God were made for the use and service of men. All things which God made are good (Gen. 1:31) and are to be used in the fear of God and with due moderation, without putting any difference between them. For the apostle says, "To the pure, all things are pure" (Titus 1:15); and also, "Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, eat ye, and ask no question, for conscience' sake" (1 Cor. 10:25). The same apostle calls the doctrine of those which teach to abstain from meats, "the doctrine of devils" for "God created meats to be received of the faithful and such as know the truth with thanksgiving because whatsoever God has created, it is good, and is not to be refused, if it is received with giving of thanks" (1 Tim. 4:1, 3–4). The same apostle to the Colossians reproves those which by an overmuch abstinence will get into themselves an opinion of holiness (Col. 2:20–23). Therefore, we altogether dislike the Tatians, and the Encratites, and all the disciples of Eustathius, against whom the Synod of Gangra was assembled.

Scripture proofs
  • Gen. 1:31

    Gen. 1:31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, [it was] very good! And there was evening and there was morning—the sixth day.

  • Titus 1:15

    Titus 1:15 All things [are] pure to the pure; but to those being defiled and unbelieving, nothing [is] pure. But both their mind and conscience are defiled.

  • 1 Cor. 10:25

    1 Cor. 10:25 Eat everything being sold in the meat market, inquiring nothing because of conscience,

  • 1 Tim. 4:1, 3–4

    1 Tim. 4:1, 3–4 1 But the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons, 3 forbidding to marry, [requiring] to abstain from foods that God created for reception with thanksgiving by the faithful and [by] [those] knowing the truth. 4 For every creature of God [is] good, and nothing [is] to be rejected, being received with thanksgiving,

  • Col. 2:20–23

    Col. 2:20–23 20 If you⁺ died with Christ, away from the elements of the world, why, as if living in the world, are you⁺ subject to decrees: 21 “You should not handle! You should not taste! You should not touch!”— 22 which are all unto decay with the use, according to the precepts and teachings of men, 23 which, having indeed a word of wisdom in self-willed worship and humility and harsh treatment of the body, are not in any value toward the indulgence of the flesh.

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Chapter 22: Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day

1. The light of nature shows that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good, and doth good unto all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshiping the true God, is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations, and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representations, or any other way, not prescribed in the Holy Scriptures.

2. Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a Mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone.

3. Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one special part of natural worship, is by God required of all men. But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to his will; with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue.

4. Prayer is to be made for things lawful, and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those of whom it may be known that they have sinned the sin unto death.

5. The reading of the Scriptures, preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as also the administration of baptism, and the Lord's Supper, are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; moreover, solemn humiliation, with fastings, and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.

6. Neither prayer, nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel tied unto, or made more acceptable by, any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshiped everywhere in spirit, and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor willfully to be neglected, or forsaken, when God by his word, or providence calleth thereunto.

7. As it is the law of nature, that in general a proportion of time by God's appointment, be set apart for the worship of God, so by his Word, in a positive moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men, in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath to be kept holy unto him, which from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which is called the Lord's Day; and is to be continued to the end of the world, as the Christian Sabbath; the observation of the last day of the week being abolished.

8. The Sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe a holy rest all the day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy.

Scripture proofs
  • Jer. 10:7; Mark 12:33.

    Jer. 10:7 Who does not fear You O King of the nations? Indeed, it is fitting for you! Because among all the wise ones of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [is] none like You.

    Mark 12:33 and to love Him out of all the heart and out of all the understanding and out of all the strength, and to love the neighbor as oneself is more than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

  • Deut. 12:32.

    Deut. 12:32 The whole thing, whatever I command you⁺, be careful to observe it. You shall not add to it, nor take away from it.

  • Ex. 20:4–6.

    Ex. 20:4–6 4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness that [is] in the heavens above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them and you shall not serve them; for I, YHWH your God, [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of fathers on sons on the third and on the fourth for those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving devotion to thousands for those who love Me and for those who keep My commandments.

  • Matt. 4:9–10; John 6:23; Matt. 28:19.

    Matt. 4:9–10 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give to You if, falling down, You worship me.” 10 Then Jesus says to him, “Go away, Satan! For it has been written: ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”

    John 6:23 (But boats from Tiberias came near the place where they ate the bread, the Lord having given thanks).

    Matt. 28:19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

  • Rom. 1:25; Col. 2:18; Rev. 19:10.

    Rom. 1:25 who changed the truth of God into falsehood, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the One having created, who is blessed to the ages! Amen.

    Col. 2:18 Let no one disqualify you⁺, delighting in humility and worship of the angels, going into what he has seen, vainly being puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

    Rev. 19:10 And I fell before his feet to worship him. And he says to me, “See, no! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers, those having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

  • John 14:6.

    John 14:6 Jesus says to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father if not through Me.

  • 1 Tim. 2:5.

    1 Tim. 2:5 For [there is] one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,

  • Ps. 95:1–7; Ps. 65:2.

    Ps. 95:1–7 1 O come, let us sing out to YHWH; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! 2 Let us come before His face with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully with psalms to Him! 3 For a great God [is] YHWH, and the great King above all gods— 4 in whose hand [are] the depths of the earth, and the peaks of the mountains [are] unto Him, 5 [and] to whom [is] the sea, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the face of YHWH our Maker! 7 For He [is] our God, and we [are] the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you⁺ hear His voice:

    Ps. 65:2 O Hearer of prayer, to You all flesh will come.

  • John 14:13–14.

    John 14:13–14 13 And whatever you⁺ might ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you⁺ ask Me anything in My name, I will do [it].

  • Rom. 8:26.

    Rom. 8:26 Now likewise also, the Spirit joins to help in our weakness; for we do not know the [things] that we should pray for as it is necessary, but the Spirit Himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings.

  • 1 John 5:14.

    1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we may ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

  • 1 Cor. 14:16–17.

    1 Cor. 14:16–17 16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one filling up the place of the uninstructed say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you say? 17 For indeed, you give thanks well, but the other is not edified.

  • 1 Tim. 2:1–2; 2 Sam. 7:29.

    1 Tim. 2:1–2 1 I exhort, therefore, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] thanksgivings to be made for all men, 2 for kings and all those being in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

    2 Sam. 7:29 And now begin and bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue forever before You. For You, O Lord YHWH, have spoken [it], and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.”

  • 2 Sam. 12:21–23.

    2 Sam. 12:21–23 21 And his servants said to him, “What [is] this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; and when the child died, you arose and ate food.” 22 And he said, “While the child was alive I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows that YHWH may be gracious, and the child may live?’ 23 And he is dead. Why [is] this [that] I should fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, and he shall not return to me.”

  • 1 John 5:16.

    1 John 5:16 If anyone should see his brother sinning a sin not unto death, he shall ask, and He will give to him life—to those sinning not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he should implore concerning that.

  • 1 Tim. 4:13.

    1 Tim. 4:13 Until I come, give heed to the reading, to exhortation, to teaching.

  • 2 Tim. 4:2; Luke 8:18.

    2 Tim. 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; convict, rebuke, exhort, in all patience and teaching.

    Luke 8:18 Therefore look how you⁺ hear; for whoever may have, to him [it] will be given; and whoever may not have, even what he thinks to have will be taken away from him.”

  • Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19.

    Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you⁺ richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing each other in psalms, hymns, [and] spiritual songs, in grace singing in your⁺ hearts to God.

    Eph. 5:19 speaking to each other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your⁺ heart to the Lord,

  • Matt. 28:19–20.

    Matt. 28:19–20 19 Therefore, having gone, disciple all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things, as much as I commanded you⁺. And behold, I am with you⁺ all the days, until the consummation of the age.”

  • 1 Cor. 11:26.

    1 Cor. 11:26 For as often as you⁺ may eat this bread and may drink the cup, you⁺ proclaim the death of the Lord until He should come.

  • Esth. 4:16; Joel 2:12.

    Esth. 4:16 “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast over me, and you⁺ shall not eat and you⁺ shall not drink [for] three days, night and day. Also I and my young women will fast likewise, and with this I will go to the king, which [is] not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish!”

    Joel 2:12 “Even now,” a declaration of YHWH, “May you turn to Me with all your⁺ heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”

  • Exod. 15:1ff.; Ps. 107.

    Exod. 15:1 Then Moses sang—and the sons of Israel—this song to YHWH, and they spoke, saying: “I will sing to YHWH, for He has greatly triumphed; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea.

    Psalm 107 on BibleHub ↗

  • John 4:21; Mal. 1:11; 1 Tim. 2:8.

    John 4:21 Jesus says to her, “Believe Me, woman, that an hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you⁺ worship the Father.

    Mal. 1:11 For from the rising of the sun to its going down, great [is] My name among the nations; in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. Indeed, My name will be great among the nations.” Says YHWH of Hosts.

    1 Tim. 2:8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

  • Acts 10:2.

    Acts 10:2 devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God through all.

  • Matt. 6:11; Ps. 55:17.

    Matt. 6:11 Give us today our necessary bread.

    Ps. 55:17 Evening and morning and noon I meditate and cry aloud, and He hears my voice.

  • Matt. 6:6.

    Matt. 6:6 But you, when you may pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father, the One in secret. And your Father, the One seeing in secret, will reward to you.

  • Heb. 10:25; Acts 2:42.

    Heb. 10:25 not forsaking the assembling together of ourselves, as [is] the custom with some, but exhorting, and so much more as you⁺ see the Day drawing near.

    Acts 2:42 Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers.

  • Ex. 20:8.

    Ex. 20:8 Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.

  • 1 Cor. 16:1–2; Acts 20:7; Rev. 1:10.

    1 Cor. 16:1–2 1 Now concerning the collection that [is] for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so also you⁺ are to do. 2 Every first of the week, let each one of you⁺ put aside, treasuring up whatever he may be prospered in, so that when I might come, then there should be no collections.

    Acts 20:7 And on the first of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight.

    Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

  • Isa. 58:13; Neh. 13:15–22.

    Isa. 58:13 If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, doing your pleasure on My holy day, and [if] you call the Sabbath a delight, holy of YHWH, honored, and [if] you honor it above doing your own ways above finding your own delight and speaking a word,

    Neh. 13:15–22 15 In those days I saw in Judah those treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing [in] the heaps [of grain], and lifting [loads] upon the donkeys, and also wine, [and] grapes, and figs, and every load carried; and [they were] bringing [it] [to] Jerusalem on the day of the Sabbath. And I protested on the day of their selling provision. 16 And the Tyrians who dwelt in it were bringing fish and every of merchandise and selling on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah, even in Jerusalem. 17 And I contended with the nobles of Judah, and I said to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you⁺ are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath? 18 Thus did not your⁺ fathers do, and our God brought upon us all this disaster, and upon this city? And you⁺ are adding to wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19 And it came to pass when the gates of Jerusalem were becoming dark before the face of the Sabbath, that I commanded the gates to be shut, and I said that they shall not open them until after the Sabbath. And [some] from my servants I made stand at the gates, [that] there should not be brought [in] loads carried on the day of the Sabbath. 20 And they lodged—those who traded and those who sold all kinds of goods to sell—outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 And I testified against them and said to them, “Why [are] you⁺ lodging in front of the wall? If you⁺ do [this] again, a hand I will put forth on you⁺.” From that time they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 And I said to the Levites that they should be cleansing themselves, and coming in guarding the gates, to sanctify the day of the Sabbath. Also for this, remember me, O my God, and have pity on me according to the abundance of your loving devotion.

  • Matt. 12:1–13.

    Matt. 12:1–13 1 At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbaths, and His disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 And the Pharisees, having seen, said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples do what it is not lawful to do on a Sabbath.” 3 And He said to them, “Did you⁺ not read what David did when he was hungry, and those with him— 4 how he entered into the house of God, and they ate the loaves of the presentation, which it was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those with him, except for the priests only? 5 Or did you⁺ not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? 6 But I say to you⁺ that a greater One than the temple is here. 7 But if you⁺ had known what is ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ then you⁺ would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” 9 And having departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, a man having a withered hand, and they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbaths?” so that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, “What man will there be of you⁺ who will have one sheep, and if this one should fall into a pit on the Sabbaths, will not take hold of it and will raise [it] up? 12 How much more valuable, therefore, [is] a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good.” 13 Then He says to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched [it] out, and it was restored, sound as the other.

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