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WHEN DISCUSSING the Fourth Commandment, especially with a Sunday-keeper, one frequently encounters the claim: "The (Sabbath) Commandment really only requires one day in seven, so one day is as good as any other." Such an idea is, of course, nowhere supported in Scripture. Indeed, this idea is usually used defensively by innocent people, reared in (false) tradition, who have never investigated the matter. Some may simply reject Scripture - the Word of Truth - as the controlling authority on all matters of doctrine and morals.

But exactly what is wrong with such a claim? Why must the seventh day of the week be observed exclusively as the Sabbath instead of merely any one day in seven?

Answer 1: Whom do you obey? The Commandments are from the Sovereign of all the heavens and the earth, and all that is in them. Nowhere in His Word of Truth does the Creator ever give man the authority to alter or abolish any of His Commandments, or to observe them as man sees fit. Hence, the 4th Commandment, and each of the others as well, is not subject to change by man's decree, tradition, or whim. Indeed, to knowingly obey man's tradition over the Creator's Truth is rebellion. As the Creator is unchanging - the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow - His Commandments are both unchangeable and unchanging (see Matthew 5:17-20).

Answer 2: By definition and Nature, the Creator is the Author of Order, not chaos. If He allowed each individual an option for Sabbath there would be great confusion in worship of Him among men. Surely it would be the antithesis to His orderly nature.

Thus, it comes as no surprise that we find the Creator's Sabbath commandment contains the Hebrew definite article. In English the definite article is "the," whereas in Hebrew it is "ha." Please note that the 4th Commandment in Exodus 20:8 reads: Remember the Sabbath day (Hebrew, ha-Shabbat) ..." not "Remember a Sabbath." The definite article in the Hebrew precludes one day in seven, and specifies the Sabbath, not a Sabbath. Nowadays, you could probably pass college English without understanding what a definite article is. Nevertheless, it is pivotal that in both English and Hebrew, the definite article with a noun makes that noun specific, not general. Hence, the "any day in seven" (general) interpretation of the 4th Commandment is conclusively shown to be false.

We should rest assured of the Word of Truth, and be encouraged in our efforts to grow in its grace and knowledge. Yahweh does not change. Yahweh's Sabbath does not change. Sabbath was created on the 7th day of creation and Sabbath is still the 7th day.

"The Sabbath was made for man," Mark 2:27. The Creator in His wisdom knew that all men desperately need a regular time of rest and renewal each week. Observing of the Sabbath - especially with others in fellowship - provides great spiritual and moral strength to enable one to remain in the proper relationship with the Heavenly Father the other 6 days of the week. Just as necessary as regular sleep at night, the Sabbath is a natural law without which man spiritually deteriorates.