Sabbath and Fasting: Spiritual Feasting or Sacrificial Denial?

The Sabbath is a day for rejoicing and delighting in the Lord, making it generally inappropriate for fasting. Every weekly Sabbath, except for the one during which Christ lay in the tomb, is traditionally exempted from fastingTFTC 16.4.

The Sabbath as a Feast, Not a Fast

The Sabbath is a sacred memorial of God's completed creation and His goodness Genesis 2:2-3SITI May 26, 1890, page 155.90. It was designed to be a "delight" and the "holy of the LORD," a time when we lay aside worldly cares to study His word and let Him speak to our souls Isaiah 58:13CIS 57.3+1. Historically, the practice of turning the Sabbath into a fast was an act initiated by the church of Rome to discourage the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath and to create an opposition to Jewish customsTFTC 101.1+2.

• A Time for Rejoicing: When the Majesty of heaven was with His disciples, He explained that it was not a time for them to mourn or fast, but to receive the light of His gloryDA 277.2.

• A Festive Table: Traditionally, the Sabbath house was adorned, the lamp was lighted, and the table was provided with the best food the family could afford to meet the day like a bride or queenLTJMB3 177.1.

• Western Church Innovation: The custom of fasting on Saturday began in the Western churches around the third century specifically to show opposition to Judaism and to stigmatize the observance of the seventh dayARSH April 1, 1862, page 138.15+2.

When Fasting is Appropriate

While the weekly Sabbath is a day of spiritual feasting, the scriptures and history do recognize specific times for fasting 🥣:

• Annual Ceremonial Sabbaths: In the ancient Hebrew system, the tenth day of the seventh month (the Day of Atonement) was a specific annual "Sabbath of rest" where the people were commanded to afflict their souls through fasting Leviticus 23:27-32SOSL 205.2+1.

• Times of Peril or Seeking God: United fasting and prayer are vital when seeking God’s intervention during crises, as seen when King Jehoshaphat and all Judah besought the Lord for protection 2 Chronicles 20:3-13PK 200.1.

• Seeking Spiritual Understanding: Ministers and believers are encouraged to seek the Lord with fasting and prayer for skill and understanding in the word of GodARSH April 4, 1854, page 83.17.

• Health and Self-Denial: Fasting is also a tool for those who have overtaxed their systems, as nature sometimes requires a period of self-denial and hunger to build up energy2MCP 512.1.

Caution Against Pharisaical Fasting

The act of fasting should never be done out of pride or self-righteousness. The Pharisees were rebuked for fasting for "strife and debate" and to appear holy while their hearts were full of wickedness Matthew 23:23-28ST June 23, 1898, par. 6. True fasting is a sincere individual work, much like how the apostle Paul was in "fastings often" as part of his dedicated life of service 2 Corinthians 11:27SITI June 18, 1896, page 371.4.

In summary, while you may choose to fast during the week as a personal spiritual discipline or during times of special need, the weekly Sabbath remains a day to "go forth to your bread with giving of thanks"TFTC 101.1+1.

Fasting is a sacred duty approved by Jesus, but it should be performed according to spiritual and physical necessity rather than as a rigid, weekly requirement Matthew 6:16-18BIC 103.1. While there is no specific command to fast exactly once per week, regular self-denial and seeking God through prayer and fasting are essential for spiritual growth and health13MR 339.2+1.

The Purpose and Frequency of Fasting

Fasting is a tool for spiritual and physical restoration, and its frequency should be determined by individual needs and the guidance of the Holy SpiritARSH October 20, 1896, page 662.6+1.

• A Duty for All: Fasting is not peculiar to any one dispensation but is common to all who seek God's face, much like faith, repentance, and keeping the commandmentsBIC 103.1.

• Special Occasions: God's people should set aside days for fasting and prayer, especially as we near the final crisis of the world's history13MR 330.2+1.

• A Personal Decision: Each individual must decide for themselves when and how long to fast, as it is senseless for external authorities to prescribe these specific rulesARSH October 20, 1896, page 662.6+1.

• Avoid Externalism: Fasting twice a week, as the Pharisee did to boast of his own righteousness, is a form of self-deception and is an abomination to God if the heart is not rightCSA 17.1+1.

True Fasting and Health Reform

A significant part of the message given to modern believers involves a "true fast," which is often a lifestyle of temperance rather than a total weekly abstinence from food20MR 106.1.

• Healthful Living: The true fasting recommended to all is the habitual abstinence from every kind of stimulating and injurious food, and the proper use of wholesome, simple food20MR 106.1.

• A Covenant by Sacrifice: Those who follow the principles of health reform practice a form of daily self-denial by dispensing with flesh meats, tea, coffee, and rich, unhealthful food preparationsCCh 233.5+1.

• Physical Benefits: For those who have overindulged, a "spare diet" or even a short period of total abstinence can act as a "salvation" for the body, preventing diseases like paralysis12MR 170.1+1.

• Practical Self-Denial: Instead of a ritualistic weekly fast, God calls for a fast that involves sharing bread with the hungry and caring for the suffering Isaiah 58:6-7PUR July 21, 1904, par. 1+1.

Spiritual Power through Fasting

Fasting is deeply connected to receiving power for service and understanding the truths of GodBIC 103.1+1.

• Clearing the Mind: Denial of appetite strengthens the moral powers and makes the mind clearer to discern between right and wrongCH 573.2+1.

• Preparation for Responsibility: Those who bear heavy responsibilities or labor in the ministry should unite in fasting and prayer to receive the wisdom that God has promised to supply James 1:5Pr 49.2+1.

• Vulnerability to Temptation: As Christ overcame the fiercest temptations in the wilderness through prayer and a long fast, we too are encouraged to use these means to resist the enemy Matthew 4:1-44T 293.3+1.

• Spiritual Vigilance: In this solemn period of history, we should humble ourselves before the Lord with fasting and prayer to avoid being overtaken by the lurking foeDD 39.1.