Ten Commandments: The Sabbath Day, a Perpetual Covenant Forever!

20 January 2022

The Commandments_The Sabbath Day

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“If ye love me, Keep my commandments” – 1 John 4:5

The Lord admonishes his people throughout the standard works to keep His commandments. A thorough scriptural study reveals why the Lord repeats this admonition. The Lord’s people value what he has declared sacred, and they honor what he has given them.

Crucifying Christ was the greatest sin, this very act set the apostasy in motion and the deterioration of the Doctrine of Christ. In the Last days most of the “believers” will reject Christ for a false Messiah. Great power and protection are received by obeying the commandments, to the extent that one will eventually accept or rejecting the Savior, himself.

Paul was quick to declare “that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Act 20:29) and that anyone who did not adhere strictly to the scriptures fall prey to Satan’s deceptions (2 Tim 3:14-17). Today, many assume they are different, and those follies and weaknesses identified in the scriptures do not pertain to them. Considering the fact that the world is already in a state of apostasy and that men are just as corrupt and flawed as those who’ve gone before (because of our flesh), we can ascertain that men today are actually worse off than those during Christ’s time. Recall Alma’s declaration…

“And now behold, I tell you by the spirit of prophecy, that if ye transgress the commandments of God, behold, these things which are sacred shall be taken away from you by the power of God, and ye shall be delivered up unto Satan, that he may sift you as chaff before the wind. 16But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you… 17For he will fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers.” – Alma 37: 15 -17

Throughout scripture we are constantly reminded that men worship in vain (2 Nephi 28:9, etc) and stumble because of unbelief (Heb 3:19, 1 Nephi 12:23, 13:35, 2 Nephi 1:10, etc). The most damming, being man’s inability to give up false traditions, “which are not correct” (Mosiah 1:5). Traditions cause men to “reject the commandment[s] of God” to “hold the traditions of men” (Mark 7:7-9, See also Alma 9:16).

Joseph Smith bemoaned the Saints inability to step away from their Christian “traditions” when he stated:

“There has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation. It has been like splitting hemlock knots with a corn-dodger [a piece of corn bread] for a wedge, and a pumpkin for a beetle [a wooden mallet]. Even the Saints are slow to understand.” – History of the Church 6:184-85

And then the Lord declared through latter day revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants (DC):

“And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.” – DC 93:39

Joseph explains his struggles with some of those who have suffered for the work of God; they too, risk falling apart when the things of God contradict their traditions.

"I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions." – History of the Church, 6:184-85, 1844. See also, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: JS, p. 520.

Speaking to the Brethren (those who should have been able to adequately accept sound doctrine), Joseph said:

“If I revealed all that has been made known to me, scarcely a man on this stand would stay with me.' and 'Brethren, if I were to tell you all I know of the kingdom of God, I do know that you would rise up and kill me.” – Joseph Smith Jr.

Are Saints today, willing to give up these false traditions and “all that we possess” as King Lamoni did, to know God? In other words, will saints forsake their “kingdom” (Alma 22:15); giving up currently held religious beliefs, styles of worship, cultural traditions, etc. to know God? Or will Saints be like those in the early church who after 14 years with Joseph, still couldn’t even pass the preparation stage.

Before continuing, there is a basic premise that must be understood. Our Fathers (referencing Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) were given certain promises, covenants, and commandments which are the same promises, covenants, and commandments given to us. This is all part of the everlasting covenant God made with His people from the foundations of the Earth. It is imperative to understand that these 3 key words or pillars, work symbiotically and cannot be utilized for salvation individually. In other word you cannot receive the promised blessings of Abraham without entering into the same covenants, nor can you receive these covenants or promises without keeping the same commandments, as given to Abraham.

Even Nephi desired room on the brass plates to be used only for the things of God. With a single intent and purpose to which we too must “come unto”.

“For the fullness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.” – Nephi 6:3-4

Nephi knew the gentiles in the latter days would be reading his words, so he endeavored to connect us to the importance of coming to the God of “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Meaning, we seek out those same commandments, promises and covenants given to them. Only being in a humbled state and recognizing our fallen nature (as King Lamoni), we are then better positioned to receive correction and truth. This is why Christ states; only those who are like a little child “Submissive and teachable” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Viewing the commandments in a humble and teachable state, allows a better comprehension of the scriptures.

If men are to come unto the “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” they need to know how the “God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” is worshiped. For, even Christ patterned his worship after the Fathers.

What exactly is the Sabbath Day Commandment and how did the Fathers observe it?

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: 10But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: 11For 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: 9-11

The seventh day, the Sabbath, is the only day of the week that has been blessed and hallowed. To underline the importance of verse 10 the Hebrew word for Sabbath is Shabbat, which literally means to “rest.” When replacing the word Sabbath with rest, the verse reads, “the seventh day is the [Rest] of the Lord thy God.”

Now ask, is there any other day that has received such a blessing? Why is this, and what can be understood from God’s servant Moses? A quick point: Moses’ calling has implications in parallel future events. This will be briefly discussed later.

First, a discussion on Ezekiel’s prophecies concerning the Sabbath day.

“Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols.” – Ezekiel 20:24

“Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my Sabbaths. “ – Ezekiel 22:8

“They have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my Sabbaths.” – Ezekiel 23:38

“Thou art the land that is not cleansed, nor rained upon in the day of indignation. 25There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof … 26Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.” – Ezekiel 22: 24-26

It is clear that Ezekiel is an end time prophet. Hence, the people in the ‘end times’ or last days, will not keep the Sabbath.

Next, an observation of Abinadi’s teaching when speaking to King Noah and his priest. Recall King Noah believed he had the truth, after all he was the son of Zeniff (Mosiah 11:1). Zeniff was taught in all the language of the Nephites and had a knowledge of the fathers’ first inheritance (Mosiah 9:1).

“Wo be unto you for perverting the ways of the Lord! For if ye understand these things ye have not taught them; therefore, ye have perverted the ways of the Lord. Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding; therefore, ye have not been wise.” – Mosiah 12:26-27

Abinadi continues to teach the missing portions from King Noah’s worship and religion.

“Abinadi said unto them: I know if ye keep the commandments of God ye shall be saved; yea, if ye keep the commandments which the Lord delivered unto Moses.” – Mosiah 12:33

Abinadi elaborates on the Ten Commandments as given to Moses. Speaking “with power and authority from God,” Abinadi starts with idol worship and runs through all the Commandments specifically mentioning the Sabbath days in parallel with the way Moses received it.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 17Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; 18But the seventh day, the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; 19For in a six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it.” – Mosiah 13:16-19

This is key! Abinadi offered himself as a martyr, so he could teach the Ten Commandments. If the remaining commandments like, “Sabbath Day worship” on “the seventh day,” were not important, then King Noah would have slayed Abinidi early on. However, Abinidi’s calling wasn’t complete; therefore, God protected him until the entirety of the Commandments were taught.

This powerful account was placed specifically in the Book of Mormon by God through Moroni and Mormon who saw the evil traditions that would cause men to change God’s commandments. Hence, they give these commandments of the Fathers to modern Saints in their purity, to a gentile nation, some 1,820 years after Christ’s death.

Another example is Alma’s observation of the Zoramites: Another Nephite group who believed they were God’s people. Alma is quick to help us identify the cause of their fall, “But they had fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God (Alma 31:9-10). Alma continue his observation of how the Zoramites observed their weekly worship.

“The Zoramites had built synagogues, and that they did gather themselves together on one day of the week, which day they did call the day of the Lord;” – Alma 31:12

It is clear that Alma explains what commandment they were not keeping, by immediately explaining that they went on “one day of the week”. He doesn’t say “Sabbath” because they did not gather on the Sabbath, which is quite shocking to him. Instead they picked “a day of the week” and claimed that that day was holy. Today one can witness what Ezekiel prophesied regarding profaning that which the Lord has declared to be sacred and hallowed. We have replaced the Sabbath with a day some call the “Lord’s Day.”

Additional incite of this folly can be gathered by a quick study of the Pagan God Mithra, worship of Mithra pre-dates Christ’s birth by hundreds of years. Mithra was worshipped on Sunday and this sacred day was termed “the Lord’s Day.” Further, Mithra’s religion had a Eucharist or “Lord’s Supper,” was born on December 25th of a virgin Anahita, along with other parallels of traditional Christians worship (https://stellarhousepublishing.com/mithra/).

To prevent the true worship of Christ from being distorted Paul warns us to continue in the things which we have learned from the scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation (2 Tim 3:14-17). Jeremiah, an end-times prophet, also teaches how to worship and not error in the Latter Days;

“Hallow ye the Sabbath day, as I commanded your fathers” – Jeremiah 17:22

Clearly speaking, the Lord hallowed only one day. Saints must observe this day as our fathers were commanded. The latter half of that scripture cannot be overlooked. Additionally, the Lord knew Abinadi and Alma’s records would be saved and brought to light in the last days aids in the restoration of that which was lost during the apostasy. An apostasy that would blind the men of the world through the traditions of their fathers.

Ezekiel clarifies an important distinction in the Lord’s people from others.

“Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them.” – Ezekiel 20:6:12

“Hallow my Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between men and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God.” – Ezekiel 20:6:20

To reiterate, these prophets were all speaking in ‘Last days’ context. “After the fall of Jerusalem, Ezekiel no longer spoke of God’s judgments on his contemporaries but of Israel’s redemption in the latter days” (LDS.org). Ezekiel also compares the sins of the current people with those of the Last days as explained from Ezekiel 34-39. Ezekiel is warning us of committing the same sin: breaking the Sabbath commandment.

Clearly put, Saints must observe the Sabbath as instructed and also hallow the Sabbaths as the righteous fathers did (Ex 20:9-11). If done correctly, the worship will be a sign between men and God. Because worshipping on Sunday or the First day of the week is such a deeply rooted tradition (~1,800 years) Saints must search, ponder and pray with pure intent to understand this commandment and see that God never changed it.

“For I am the Lord, I change not” – Malachi 3:6

“I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever” – 2 Nephi 27:23

The Lord not only created the Sabbath for man (Mark 2:27) it was created and “hallowed” (Ex 20:11) as an everlasting covenant forever that would perpetuate the duration of this Earth’s existence. In other words, the Lord declared the Sabbath Day will never change, and the command to observe it will never be done away with. Yet, his people all throughout existence fall into error because of false traditions.

Many who claim this commandment has been changed cannot show with the same veracity that the Lord has commanded and blessed another day. There is no: “Thus saith the Lord, I have blessed a new day and sanctified it and set it apart from the foundation of the world.” If one is to set aside a command that has been reinstituted clearly for six thousand years, in the Bible, BOM, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, then that person must show where God has declared such.

They cannot because it has never happened. Only men’s traditions and doctrines of men mingled with scripture are their basis for reasoning. They read between the lines, trying to make assumptions based off of curtailing the scriptures to conform to their traditions. Distorting doctrine to meet their wicked father’s false worship.

“Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death [Spiritual and eventual physical death]. 16Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.” – Exodus 31: 15-17

“Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.” – Leviticus 24:8

The scriptures are clear and only false traditions or lack of seeking can convolute this commandment. We must come as a little child, humble and meek. Even a child when reading these scriptures would easily ascertain the particular day that must be hallowed. For “He [God] doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men”(2 Nephi 26:33, 1 Nephi 14:23, 16:29).

“For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” – Matthew 5:18

1,830 years after Christ’s resurrection, God sees it necessary for us to have the commandment again in its purity, in the Book of Moses. Again, it is stated the “Seventh Day”:

“And on the seventh day I, God, ended my work, and all things which I had made; and I rested on the seventh day from all my work, and all things which I had made were finished, and I, God, saw that they were good; 3And I, God, blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it I had rested from all my work which I, God, had created and made.” – Moses 3:2-3

If this day of rest had changed to the first day, wouldn’t God have reiterated such here? Instead, he gives great emphasis on the original commandment in a post restoration timeframe.

Consider the implications here:

“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19

The Sabbath has been declared as a “Holy Day” to the House of Israel.

“Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the Lord: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.” – Exodus 35:2

“If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord,” – Isiah 58:13

Recall this Holy Day, the Sabbath, is a perpetual covenant to be everlasting and is the same for us. In the scriptures we see the first references to the phrase “Holy Day” and “day of rest” in the Old Testament. This is important when taking in context with modern day revelation; we find the same phrases used by Joseph Smith when discussing the Sabbath Day in the Doctrine and Covenants.

“Thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; 10For verily this is a day appointed unto you torest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;” – DC 59:9-10

In full context of scripture we can determine the holy day and the day of rest as given to our fathers is the seventh day, the Sabbath as mentioned previously (Ex 35:2). When Paul is speaking to the Ephesians he makes this remark to ensure all worship in a similar manner from the begging to the end;

“There is…One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and a Father of all.”– Ephesians 4:5-6

More support to ensure all worship in like manner is found in the Book of Abraham:

“On the seventh time we will end our work, which we have counseled; and we will rest on the seventh time from all our work…on the seventh time they would rest from all their works which they (the Gods) counseled among themselves to form; and sanctified it.” – Abraham 5:2-3

God saw it fit to reiterate this commandment twice in the Pearl of Great Price. Abraham reiterates the importance of resting on the 7th day, the Father we are supposed to look too to understand the commandments, covenants and promises.

In Doctrine and Covenants 59 Joseph Smith connects the isolated use of the phrase the “Lord’s Day” by John in Revelation 1:10 with the Sabbath Day. Taking the scriptures in full context increases our knowledge of what the Lord has declared to be His “holy day” or “the Lord’s day.”

“And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; 10For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;…; 12but remember that on this, the Lord’s day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.” – DC 59:9-12

The use of the term “holy day” in verse 9 connects to the Sabbath Day as Moses points out in Exodus 35:2. Then to ensure no confusion verse 10 explains that the day being discussed is not only a ‘holy day’ but a day “appointed unto [us] to rest.” All four standard works: Bible, BOM, D&C, PofGP clearly show what the “day of rest” is, the seventh day. It is clear now when continuing in verse 12 that “on this, the lord’s day” is referring to the previous mentioned Sabbath day; that has already been explained as a day of rest and the Lord’s holy day, or in other words the seventh day Sabbath.

With the evidence given in full scriptural context, we see clearly John being in the spirit on the Lord’s Day as a reference to the Sabbath. Joseph Smith makes it clear that those that will be “unspotted from the world” will not worship as the world does but rather will offer their prayer and sacraments on the day appointed by the Lord to rest, His Holy Day.

Historical examination of Joseph Smith’s remarks and the early saints condemnation, provides evidence they were not ready to forsake this false tradition. Reexamining Mark 7:7-9 and Joseph’s remarks about tradition we find support for this reasoning. Testifying to this point include the end result of Joseph Smith being removed from their midst along with “the Holy Priesthood” (DC 84:25).

The Latter Days:

Let us transition to the importance of the work of the lord today and keeping the commandments.

“The inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy” – DC 68:29

In other words the inhabitants of Zion “shall also,” “as I commanded your fathers” (Jem 17:22) observe the Sabbath day. Showing that outside of Zion, the majority of Christianity will not keep this commandment. Now ask; if, current observation of the Sabbath was in line with proper obedience to the commandment, why make a point to reiterate that which is already being observed? Why the distinguishing of groups; the inhabitants of Zion and all others?

Let us consider Moses role in establishing the Law among the children of God.

“Thou [Moses] camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments: 14And madest known unto them thy holy Sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant.” – Nehemiah 9:13-14

The importance of Moses today is understood best when considering that a Moses will be raised up likewise in the latter days. He will not only establishing the covenants and commandments of old in our day but act as the key figure in the redemption of Zion.

Before the time of bondage in Egypt; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob kept the sacred Law of Sabbath day worship. Yet, after being consumed by the society and traditions of paganism in Egypt for 430 years, Israel had lost the true commandment. Moses had to restore it. He was a restorationist.

[OT - Moses speaking] “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” – Deuteronomy 18:15

“For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” – Acts 3:22

Thinking the Moses that will be raised up in our day to free us from the same pagan worship and bondage will establish commandments that differ from the commandments of old is confusing, goes against sound doctrine and against the plainness of God’s word. But rather, the doctrine of a parallel deliverance perfectly aligns providing “a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived” (DC 52:14); this doctrine further places us in conformity with God’s word and builds upon a rocky foundation.

“Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power; 16Therefore, I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall a lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel. 17For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with stretched-out arm. 18And as your fathers were led at the first, even so shall the redemption of Zion be.” – DC 103:15-18

“Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old…10 Art thou not he which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?” – Isaiah 51:9-10 / 2 Nephi 8:9-10

Recall “at first” Moses had to remove Israel from a wicked society that kept them in bondage and from their God. In other words the Moses of our day, like in times of old, will bring us out of bondage not only physically but spiritually by removing our false traditions, idol worship, and profane observance of the commandments.

Can it be concluded that Zion must be founded on these principles and laws, as mention in DC 68:29. And God knew the wicked traditions His people would be under. Those who truly searched the scriptures with the spirit of prophecy and revelation, will receive great truths, often hidden in plain sight.

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” – Daniel 7:25

Satan is said to change times and laws. The Sabbath worship is the only commandment that is both a “time” and “law”. By false traditions, Satan changes the Law and time of Sabbath worship.

Defining the Sabbath:

Sabbath or “Shabbat”: the very definition means to end and to rest and refers specifically to the “7th day” and applies to the end time period of creation. It must be recognized that the bible is written by Hebrews, in their language and culture. An average reader will overlook this fact and ignorantly strive to fit the bible’s narrative to their own language, culture, and traditions. This change of language confuses the original context of the bible.

“Sabbath” is the English translation of “Shabbat,” whose definition in Hebrew is “rest.” Hence the “day of Rest.” This is the literal name of this day. One cannot take the literal name of this seventh day: “Rest,” and claim that it now defines the first day of the week. The first day of the week already has a name, which is the “first day.” Readers must stay in Hebrew context when discussing names and ideas given in Hebrew context. We cannot interchange Roman days and Hebrew days. It doesn’t work.

For example saying “Sabbath” for any other day than the “7th” day is like saying “spoon” for all the forks and knives in the drawer, because we are told to only use spoons. Just because we stopped saying “forks,” “knives,” etc…, doesn’t mean we can change the definition of what “forks,” “knives” and “spoons” are, to allow us to use whatever utensils we want and avoid the commandment to only use spoons. A fork is still a fork and a spoon is still a spoon. Calling a fork a spoon doesn’t make us obedient to the command to only use spoons.

In scripture we learn what the Lord named each day; “Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, etc…” there was no other name for them other than a number that followed the pattern of creation. Except for the 7th day, named: “Shabbat”, which was called “rest” and it was LITERALLY the name of the seventh day.

To try to claim the sacred name of Shabbat (or Sabbath) can be used in place of the 1st day or “Sunday”, is profane (as Ezekiel explained) or an abomination and a severe distortion of the Hebrew language and Holy Scriptures. One can see why the people are constantly condemned for doing this and it is prophesied we will continue to do it until Christs return.

Teachings of Paul and Isaiah:

The Sabbath Day commandment is supported by Paul’s discourse to the Hebrews.

In a powerful discourse Paul links the Sabbath Day Commandments to the promise given to Abraham in his letter to the Hebrews. Therefore, when rest is used in Paul’s writings to the Hebrews, in this context, we can replace rest with Sabbath. Thus, linking our obedience to the Sabbath day commandment to the lord’s covenant made with Abraham. Again, showing these pillars work symbiotically.

“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest [Sabbath], any of you should seem to come short of it. 2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them [our Fathers] 3For we which have believed do enter into rest [the Sabbath], as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest [Sabbath]: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4For he [Christ] spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest [Sabbath]. 6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8For if Jesus had given them rest[the Sabbath day], then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

9There remaineth therefore a rest [Sabbath] to the people of God. 10For he that is entered into his rest [Sabbath], he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest [fullness of His glory (DC 84:24)], lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” – Hebrews 4:1-11

Paul finishes his remarks to the Hebrews by reminding them,

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

Isaiah does a similar thing as Paul does. They both describing the path of ascension with the admonition to keep the Lord’s Sabbath Day. The path of ascension into the “high mountain” or entering back into the “Rest” of the Lord is in fact talking about coming into the presence of the Lord and the fullness of His glory. By keeping the physical law of “rest” (keeping the Sabbath holy) one can then enter into the spiritual “rest”, which is salvation and exaltation.

“For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; 5Even unto them will I give in mine a house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. 6Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; 7Even them will I bring to my holy a mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. 8The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.” – Isaiah 56: 4-8

This is END time context. Current traditions cause Saints to think they do not fall under the same sins that ancient Israel did and that certain scriptures of disobedience to the commandments do not apply to modern times. Escaping from this error of pride and unbelief is pivotal. Saints must press forward repenting of these follies, calling upon the Lord that he will receive them at His coming.

Recall, Alma’s warning to the Saints after speaking about preserving the “plates of brass:” let us not risk being “delivered up unto Satan” and be sifted “as chaff before the wind.” Recall Paul’s admonition that the holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation and are given for our correction and instruction, that we may be perfect (2 Tim 3:14-17). He also warns us “grievous wolves” will enter into the church and men will arise speaking perverse things to draw the Lord’s disciples away (Acts 20:28-31).

“Look unto Abraham (2 Nephi 8),” understanding the intent of the BOM in “persuad[ing] men to come unto the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and be saved,” and come unto Zion. Keeping with all of the Commandments and true traditions and promises given to our Fathers, that we may enter into the rest of the Lord, even the fullness of His glory (DC 84:23-25). Understand that “same priesthood which was in the beginning shall be in the end of the world also” (Moses 6:7).

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19-20