The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes the Sabbath as a distinctive sign of loyalty to God (Ex 20:8–11; 31:13–17; Ezek 20:12, 20), the observance of which is pertinent to all human beings in all times and places (Is 56:1–7; Mk 2:27). When God “rested” on the seventh day of creation week, He also “sanctified” and “blessed” that day (Gen 2:2, 3), setting it apart for sacred use and transforming it into a channel of blessing for humanity. Accepting the invitation to put aside their “own interests” during the Sabbath (Is 58:13), God’s children observe this day as an important expression of justification by faith in Christ (Heb 4:4–11).
Sabbath observance is stated in Isaiah 58:13, 14 in the following terms:
“If you turn away your foot from profaning the Sabbath and from looking after your own interests on My holy day; if you call the Sabbath a delightful and holy day of the Lord, worthy of honor, and honor it by not following your own ways, by not seeking to do your own will, nor by speaking vain words, then you will delight in the Lord.” Based on these principles, the South American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church reaffirms in this document its commitment to faithful Sabbath observance.
A life of sanctification
True Sabbath observance is based on a life sanctified by the grace of Christ (Ezekiel 20:12, 20); for, “in order to sanctify the Sabbath, men must be holy” (The Desire of Ages, p. 283).
Spiritual growth
As “a golden link that binds us to God” (Testimonies for the Church, v. 6, p. 352), the Sabbath provides closer contact with God. As such, we must not allow other activities, no matter how noble, to weaken our communion with God on this day.
Preparing for Saturday
Before sundown on Friday (cf. Lev 23:32; Deut 16:6; Neh 13:19), secular activities must be stopped (cf. Neh 13:13–22); the house must be clean and tidy; the clothes washed and ironed; the food provided (cf. Ex 16:22–30); and the family members ready.
Start and end of Saturday
The Sabbath is a day of special communion with God, and should be started and ended with short, attractive sunset services, with the participation of family members. On these occasions, it is appropriate to sing a few hymns, read a Bible passage followed by pertinent comments, and express gratitude to God in prayer. (See Testimonies for the Church, v. 6, p. 356–359.)
People under our influence
The fourth commandment of the Decalogue directs that, on the Sabbath, all those under our influence should be excused from secular activities (Ex 20:10). This implies that the other members of the family, as well as servants and guests, should also be encouraged to observe the Sabbath.
Spirit of communion
As a day par excellence of communion with God (Ezekiel 20:12, 20), the Sabbath should be characterized by a pleasurable and joyful commitment to spiritual priorities, with special moments of Bible reading, prayer and, if possible, contact with nature (cf. Acts 16:13). This commitment should also be maintained in the choice of topics addressed in our informal conversations with family and friends.
Church meetings
We are admonished not to “cease from assembling together, as the manner of some is” (Heb 10:25). Therefore, the church’s regular Saturday programs and activities should take precedence over other personal and social commitments, even if these are pertinent to the Sabbath.
Weddings and parties
The invitation to put aside our “own interests” on the Sabbath (Is 58:13) indicates that weddings and parties, including their proper preparations, should be held outside of this sacred period. Weddings and some more sumptuous parties should not be planned for Saturday night, as their preparations involve expectations and activities that are not in keeping with the spirit of communion with God.
Secular media
Secular media, in all its forms, must be put aside during Sabbath hours, so that the Sabbath, breaking with the routine of life, can be a “delightful and holy” day (Is 58:13).
Sports and leisure
Many sports and leisure activities that are acceptable during the week are not in keeping with Sabbath observance, as they divert the mind from spiritual matters (Isaiah 58:13).
Sleep hours
The Bible defines the Sabbath as a day of “solemn rest” (Ex 31:15), not as a day to catch up on lost sleep from the week. Rich blessings will come from rising early on Sabbath and dedicating the day to the Lord’s service. (See Counsels on the Sabbath School, p. 170.)
Travel
Traveling for work or personal interests is inappropriate on the Sabbath. However, there are exceptional occasions when it becomes necessary to travel on the Sabbath to meet religious commitments or handle emergency situations. Whenever possible, necessary preparations, including purchasing tickets and fueling up, should be done in advance. (See Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 359-360.)
Excursions and Camping
Excursions and camping can promote Christian fellowship (cf. Ps 42:4). However, organizers and participants should arrive at their destination before the Sabbath begins and set up their camp, including tents, so that the holy day can be observed according to the commandment. Additionally, activities during Sabbath hours should be in keeping with the sacred spirit of the day.
Restaurants and Food
The recommendation that food should be provided in advance (Ex 16:4, 5; 22–30) means that it should be purchased outside of Sabbath hours, and that dining at commercial restaurants on this day should be avoided.
Medications
Purchasing medications during the Sabbath is acceptable in emergency situations (cf. Luke 14:5), but it is inappropriate when the person had already needed them and postponed their purchase to this day.
Internships and School Practices
The fourth commandment of the Decalogue (Ex 20:8-11) disapproves of engaging in secular activities on the Sabbath that generate profit or material benefit. This includes planning and preparation for professional life, such as attending classes and participating in internships, symposiums, seminars, professional lectures, public competitions, and selective exams. In the case of confinement for examinations after the Sabbath has ended, the hours of this day should be spent on spiritual activities.
Choice and Exercise of Profession
The structure of society in general does not always favor Sabbath observance and often provides professions and activities that, while respectable, hinder this practice. Seventh-day Adventists should choose and pursue professions compatible with proper Sabbath observance. We are warned that if someone, “for the love of profit, allows their business interests to be attended to on the Sabbath by an unbelieving partner, that person is as guilty as the unbeliever; and they have a duty to dissolve the partnership, even if it results in loss” (Evangelism, p. 245).
Basic Services Institutions
The guidance to perform “no work” on the Sabbath (Ex 20:10) indicates that Sabbath keepers should refrain from working on this day, even in secular institutions providing essential services. Denominational institutions that cannot close on Saturdays (cf. John 5:17), including Adventist boarding schools, should be operated on this day by a reduced and rotating group.
Medical and Health Activities
There are emergency situations that healthcare professionals must address, based on the principle that “it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Luke 14:3). Adventist hospitals require a medical and nursing team, as well as other essential services, to operate during Sabbath hours. However, routine shifts, both medical and nursing, in non-Adventist hospitals are inappropriate for Sabbath hours. (See Ellen G. White Estate, “Counsels on Sabbath Work in Adventist and Non-Adventist Medical Institutions,” at www.centrowhite.org.br.)
Charitable Projects
Christ said that “it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath” (Matt 12:12). This means that “all secular activities should be suspended, but works of mercy and benevolence are in harmony with the Lord’s purpose. They should not be limited by time or place. Easing the suffering, comforting the sad, is a work of love that honors God’s day” (Social Service, p. 77). Therefore, it is appropriate to visit the sick, widows, orphans, and prisoners, and to share a meal during the sacred hours of the Sabbath. Social actions that can be carried out on other days should not take up the sacred hours of the Sabbath.
Missionary Activities
The apostle Paul used the Sabbath to persuade “both Jews and Greeks” about the gospel (Acts 18:4, 11; cf. 17:2), demonstrating the importance of reserving special time on this day for missionary activities. Whenever possible, family members should participate together in these activities to enjoy Christian fellowship and develop a passion for fulfilling the evangelistic mission.
As Seventh-day Adventists, we are invited to follow God’s example by resting on the seventh day of the creation week (Gen 2:2-3; Ex 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Heb 4:4-11), so that the Sabbath becomes, for each of us, an outward sign of God’s grace and a channel of His countless blessings.