2095.—Outward Keeping of the Sabbath.
By Editor
May I ask what is meant by outward keeping of the Sabbath, or any command of God? It seems to me that the one who desires to keep or observe the Sabbath, or Sunday, in very truth, will or does believe in Jesus Christ, for we read that Christ said, "If ye love Me, keep My commandments." What should actuate one to keep the commandments of God but love to God? What is meant by the outward keeping of the commands of God is simply the keeping of the form, as did the Pharisees of old. They observed the Sabbath very scrupulously; that is, they did no work upon that day. They observed certain forms of prayers, outwardly were very religious, yet Jesus, who read the heart, said they were like whited sepulchers that appear beautiful outwardly but within are full of corruption. One could refrain from open adultery, and yet at the same time transgress the commandment, as Jesus points out in Matt. 5:28. One could refrain from killing, and yet transgress the commandment by hating his brother. 1 John 3:15. There are many things which would actuate people to observe outwardly the forms of religion. Many do it and have done it confessedly because they have been so taught. Some do it hypocritically, wolves in sheep's clothing, that they may gain an advantage. We think we know from God's word that it is not for us to judge the hearts of men. On the other hand, there are many who have not observed the outward keeping of the fourth commandment, not purposely, nor wilfully, but because they have not seen the truth in regard to it, and God judges by the light which we have. The saints will come to the light and accept of the light, as stated in John 3:17, 18.