Our Readers' Opinions
November 11, 2005

Seven is the number of completion or perfection

Editor: It is a widely known biblical fact, especially by persons who search the scriptures, that seven (7) is the number of perfection or completion.

Many relevant examples can be given in support of this truth, for example, the seven churches in the book of Revelation (not only historic, but symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era), the seven candle sticks, the walls of Jericho falling flat after the city was compassed seven days – seven times on the seventh day… and there are many more examples of the number seven (7) indicating completeness. {{more}}

However, the aim of this article is to concisely share some insights on the biblical 7th Day Sabbath with the intention of enlightening the sincere heart of God’s Word concerning the issue of the 7th day that He set aside from creation.

Over the centuries, the matter of the Seventh Day Sabbath has engendered many heated theological discussions. This is the case because there is a remnant who believe that this day must be observed as instituted by the Creator, and that without having the Sabbath experience, one cannot enter the paradise of God( just like no thief, murderer, sorcerer, liar…will enter). Conversely, there is the majority who hold that the 7th Day Sabbath was abolished at Christ’s death and has been replaced by Sunday. Yet still, there are those persons who acknowledge, in theory, that there is no biblical evidence that the Sabbath has changed from the seventh to the first day. However, the latter group of persons claims that they have the authority to make this change: “Sunday is our mark of authority…the church is above the bible and this transference of Sabbath observance is proof of the fact.” The Catholic Records, London, Ontario, Canada, September, 1923.

What does the scripture say about the seventh day- the Sabbath? Well, let us start at the beginning. Genesis 2: 1, 2, 3 tell us, “thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And blessed the seventh day and sanctified it…” The seventh day of the week therefore serves as a reminder of God’s creative work of bringing into existence all creation. It is therefore a special day to reflect upon the Creator and His work. In fact, we are commanded to “remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy…the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God…if thou turn away thy foot…from doing thy pleasure on my holy day…then shall thou delight thyself in the Lord…” Ex. 20:8-11; Isa. 58:13, 14.

Just in case you are wondering how is this topic relevant to you or how serious is this issue, be awakened to the sobering reality that it is a matter of obedience by Faith and therefore, salvation. In Revelation 22:14 we are told, ” blessed are they that do His commandments (including the 4th) that they may have right to the try of life…”

This is big, factual salvific news. All who believe in keeping only nine commandments and abolishing one (namely the Sabbath), I adjure by the living God to be complete in your obedience/faithfulness toward God. To keep the seventh day Sabbath is very important. Nothing can be compared to it … not even the use of the number seven (7) mentioned in the announcement made on the 7th of this month for the national event to be held on the 7th of next month!

Ann-Marie John