Based on the writings of Ellen White, observing the Sabbath is a joyful and spiritual experience that strengthens one's relationship with God. It is a sign of allegiance to Him as the Creator. Here are key aspects of proper Sabbath observance: ### The Spirit of the Sabbath The Sabbath is intended to be a delight, a day of joy and connection with God. * "Great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy." (6T 349) * It is a "sign of the relationship existing between God and His people, a sign that they are His obedient subjects, that they keep holy His law." (8T 198.3) ### Preparation During the Week Sabbath observance begins before the sun sets on Friday. * "All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment. We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are to understand its spiritual bearing upon all the transactions of life." (6T 353.4) ### Activities for the Sabbath The day should be dedicated to spiritual rest and benevolent activities. * **Rest and Worship:** "According to the fourth commandment the Sabbath was dedicated to rest and religious worship. All secular employment was to be suspended." (2SP 193) * **Works of Mercy:** "Works of mercy and benevolence were in accordance with the purpose of the Lord. They were not to be limited by time nor place. To relieve the afflicted, to comfort the sorrowing is a labor of love that does honor to God's holy day." (2SP 193) * **Mental Focus:** It is important to guide one's thoughts toward spiritual matters. "To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character." (HS 218.1) ### Practical Considerations * **Food:** Meals on the Sabbath should be simple. "The diet upon that day should be more simple, and partaken of in less quantities, than upon the six laboring days, because we do not have that exercise upon the Sabbath that we have upon the other days of the week." (1SP 226.1) * **Caring for the Sick:** Attending to the needs of the sick is not a violation of the Sabbath. "The sick and suffering require care and attention upon the Sabbath, as well as upon the other six days of the week... In such instances, it is no violation of the fourth commandment to make them as comfortable as possible." (1SP 226.1) ### The Significance of the Sabbath The Sabbath is a memorial of God's creative power and a sign of His authority. * "Pointing to God as the Maker of the heavens and the earth, it distinguishes the true God from all false gods. All who keep the seventh day signify by this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus the Sabbath is the sign of man's allegiance to God." (PP 307.2) * "In order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ." (DA 283.3)