Saturday is the Sabbath of the Old Testament because, according to the biblical account and as explained in Ellen White's writings, God established the seventh day as a day of rest at creation. The commandment given at Sinai specifically points back to God's example in creation: “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” (Exodus 20:8-11). Key points from the sources: - The Sabbath was instituted at creation, not as a new commandment at Sinai, but as a memorial of God's creative work (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 111.2; Christian Education, p. 190.2; Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 86.1). - The seventh day (Saturday) was set apart because God rested on that day after creating the world in six literal days (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 111.2; Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3, p. 90.2). - The Sabbath distinguishes the true God from all false gods and is a sign of allegiance to the Creator (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307.2). - The command to keep the seventh day holy was reiterated to Israel as a perpetual covenant and a sign between God and His people (Exodus 31:13-17; Prophets and Kings, p. 179.3). - The Sabbath is as old as the world itself, established by God and not by human tradition (The Great Controversy, p. 454.3; Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4, p. 288.1). In summary, Saturday is the Sabbath of the Old Testament because it commemorates God's rest after creation, was commanded in the Ten Commandments, and was observed as a sign of loyalty to the Creator. References: - White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets. - White, E. G. (1893). Christian Education. - White, E. G. (1870). Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1. - White, E. G. (1864). Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3. - White, E. G. (1917). Prophets and Kings. - White, E. G. (1888). The Great Controversy. - White, E. G. (1884). Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4.

Ellen White’s writings present a nuanced view on the causes of sickness. She does not teach that all sickness is caused by the direct personal sin of the one who is sick, nor does she say that all sickness is directly caused by Satan. Instead, she explains that: 1. **All suffering and disease ultimately result from sin**—that is, from the entrance of sin into the world (DA 471.1; MH 113.1). This is a general principle, not a statement that every individual sickness is the result of a specific sin by the sufferer. 2. **Many diseases are caused by violating natural or health laws**—such as improper eating, drinking, overwork, or other unhealthy habits (MH 234.2; HL 24.3; HL 60.3). In these cases, the person’s own choices contribute to their illness, but this is not always a direct moral sin, but rather a disregard for the laws of health. 3. **Satan is the originator of disease and suffering**—he is the destroyer, while God is the restorer (MH 113.1; 5T 443.4). In some cases, as with Job, Satan is permitted to afflict people directly (Ed 155.5; DA 471.3). 4. **Not all sickness is a punishment for personal sin**—Ellen White specifically addresses the error of the Jews who believed every affliction was a penalty for wrongdoing by the sufferer or their parents. She clarifies that while suffering results from sin in a general sense, it is not always a direct punishment for personal sin (DA 471.1, DA 471.3). 5. **Christ’s example**—Jesus taught that disease is often the result of violating God’s laws, but He also healed many without attributing their sickness to personal sin, and in some cases, He warned, “Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (DA 824.2). **In summary:** Both situations are true in their context. Sickness can result from personal choices (violating health laws), from the general presence of sin in the world, or from Satan’s direct action (as in Job’s case). Ellen White does not teach that all sickness is always the result of the individual’s personal sin. References: - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, p. 471.1, p. 471.3, p. 824.2. - White, E. G. (1905). The Ministry of Healing, p. 113.1, p. 234.2. - White, E. G. (1890). Healthful Living, p. 60. - White, E. G. (1882). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 443.4.