What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Meaning of God's Seal in the Law"
Answer
The seal of God in the law is inseparably linked to the fourth commandment, as it alone among the Ten Commandments reveals the name, title, and domain of the Lawgiver. It legitimizes God's authority as Creator of heaven and earth and thereby distinguishes Him from all false gods. By preserving the Sabbath as this seal, believers demonstrate their loyalty to God's realm and His right to enact laws. In prophecy, the sealing of the law means the restoration of the original meaning of the Sabbath, which had previously been distorted by human powers. Ultimately, this seal serves as a distinguishing mark that protects God's people in times of trial.
The Significance of the Seal in the Fourth Commandment
From the preceding argument it is evident that the fourth commandment represents the seal of God's law or God's seal. But the scriptures do not leave us on this point without direct testimony.
The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This alone among all ten brings both the name and the title of the Lawgiver into view. It identifies Him as the Creator of heaven and earth and thus shows His claim to reverence and worship above all others. Apart from this provision, there is nothing in the Decalogue that shows by whose authority the law was given.
God's seal is the part of His law that contains His name or descriptive title and shows who He is, the extent of His dominion, and His right to rule.
The Sabbath is God's sign; it is the seal of His law. ... It is the sign of His authority and power. It is a sign by which we can recognize that He is God, and therefore it is aptly said that it is placed on the forehead. ... The sign or seal of God is His Sabbath, and the seal or mark of the beast stands in direct opposition to it; it is a counterfeit Sabbath on the "day of the sun.
We must not assume that the ordinances and laws of God binding on humans must have a literal seal attached... but we must understand a seal strictly as that which gives ordinances and laws validity and authenticity. This is found... in the name or signature of the legislating power, expressed in terms that show what this power is and what right it has to enact laws and demand obedience.
Bind the testimony together, seal the law among My disciples." This must refer to a work of reviving certain claims of the law in the spirit of the disciples that had been overlooked or distorted in their true meaning, and this is called in prophecy the sealing of the law or the restoration of its seal, which had been taken away.
- Sabbath as God's seal
- Fourth commandment authority
- Restoration of the law
Original Sources (English)
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