FAP Sunday Service: "Abraham: Example of Justifying Faith" | Dec. 20, 2025

Sagot sa tanong ng mga Sabadista kung inutos ba ni Cristo ang Linggong pagsamba!

The "Promoted" Jesus: Why This Quote is Problematic

You see this quote from Story of Redemption, and it sounds dramatic, right? It sounds like a scene from a movie. However, when we examine this using the Bible, we discover a subtle yet dangerous error in Ellen G. White’s theology regarding the true nature of Jesus.

The "Elevation" Problem

The narrative that Lucifer became jealous because Jesus was exalted or "honored" above him implies that there was a time when Jesus’ position wasn’t obvious. In early Adventist theology (which was semi-Arian), Jesus was viewed as being "elevated" to the level of God, which triggered Lucifer’s envy.

However, the Bible teaches Orthodox Trinitarianism, which holds that Jesus is eternally God (Yahweh). He wasn't promoted; He is the I AM. An angel (a created being) getting jealous of the Creator makes no sense if you understand the infinite gap between them. It’s like a clay pot getting jealous of the Potter.

Milton, not Moses

This specific scene, where God gathers the angels to declare Jesus as equal, sparking Lucifer’s jealousy, is not found in Isaiah 14 or Ezekiel 28. It is actually heavily borrowed from John Milton’s poem Paradise Lost. Ellen G. White took fictional poetry and presented it as a divine vision of history.

Lowering Christ

By making it a competition between Lucifer and Jesus, this doctrine lowers Christ. It brings Jesus down to a level where an angel thought he had a fighting chance to take His spot.

Biblical Reality:

"For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him." — Colossians 1:16

Lucifer was created by Jesus. There is no rivalry. There is only the Creator and the creature.

The Verdict:

We don't need the dramatic, extra-biblical "backstory" of Ellen White to understand sin. 

Stick to Scripture: Jesus is the Eternal God, and Satan is a defeated foe, not a jealous rival for the throne.

Prayer Meeting: "The Call to Constant Readiness" Mateo 24:42- 44 Ptr. Zaldy Ybanez

Question: Pastor Ronald, is speaking in tongues the necessary evidence of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling according to Acts 2:38?

It is good that you are asking this because this is a very heavy burden to carry. I can feel the pressure you are describing, that feeling of being "shaken" because they insist that you must perform a specific sign to prove you are saved.

Let us look at this pastorally and scripturally. As a pastor, my heart breaks when believers are made to doubt their salvation because they do not fit into a specific denominational box.

Here is a breakdown using the Scriptures, proper interpretation, and a simple illustration to help you find peace.

1. The Analogy of Breathing and the Singing

Imagine you go to a hospital to check if a newborn baby is alive. What is the evidence of life? It is breath.

Now, imagine if the doctor said, "This baby is breathing, his heart is beating, and he is crying, but because he is not singing an Opera song, he is not alive." That is absurd. Breathing is like the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It brings life (regeneration). Singing Opera is like the gift of Tongues. It is a special ability given to some for a purpose, but not to everyone.

The Oneness theology you mentioned confuses the Life (The Indwelling Spirit) with the Special Manifestation (The Gift of Tongues). You can be alive in Christ without being an opera singer.

2. What is Acts 2 actually saying?

When we read Acts, we must understand the difference between Descriptive (describing what happened then) and Prescriptive (commanding what must happen always). In Acts, tongues happened at key "transitions" to show that the Gospel was moving to new groups:

• Acts 2: Jews
• Acts 10: Gentiles
• Acts 19: Disciples of John

But look at other conversions in Acts. When the Ethiopian Eunuch was saved (Acts 8) or the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16), the Bible never mentions that they spoke in tongues. Yet, they were definitely saved and had the Holy Spirit. If tongues were the absolute requirement, Luke (the author) would have recorded it every single time. He did not.

3. Greek Exegesis of Acts 2:38

Let us look closely at the text you asked about:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38, KJV)

The Greek word used here for "gift" is vital.

The Greek Word: dōrea

Meaning: This refers to a free gift, a gratuity, or the bounty itself.

In Greek grammar, this dōrea refers to the Holy Spirit Himself as the gift. It does not say you will receive the charismata (manifestations) of the Spirit immediately; it says you receive the Person of the Spirit.

Contrast this with 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul talks about spiritual gifts. He uses a different concept there. In 1 Corinthians 12:30, Paul asks a rhetorical question in Greek:

Greek: Mē pantes glōssais lalousin?

Translation: "Do all speak with tongues?"

The grammatical structure of this question demands a negative answer. NO. Not all speak with tongues. Paul explicitly teaches that the Spirit divides gifts to every man severally as He wills (1 Cor 12:11). If the Spirit wills for you to be a teacher, or a helper, or an encourager, He is just as present in you as He is in the tongue-speaker.

4. The Danger of "Manufactured" Experiences

You mentioned, "You will be shaken/pressured when they want you to receive it."

This is dangerous. When people are pressured to speak in tongues to prove they are saved, they often resort to emotional hysteria or mimicking sounds just to get the leaders off their backs. This is not the fruit of the Spirit; this is the pressure of man.

The True Evidence of the Holy Spirit:

The Bible gives us clear evidence of the Spirit's indwelling, and it is not tongues.

Romans 8:16: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." (Internal Assurance)

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering..." (Character Transformation)

1 Corinthians 12:3: "...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost." (Confession of Christ's Lordship)

Pastoral Conclusion

My friend, do not let anyone shake your faith based on a misinterpretation of Scripture. If you have repented of your sins and placed your full trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, you have the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9).

The Holy Spirit is not a prize you win at a carnival by shouting loud enough. He is the seal of God on your heart the moment you believe (Ephesians 1:13).

Rest in the finished work of Christ. You are complete in Him, with or without tongues.

Greek difference between "baptized in the Spirit" and "filled with the Spirit"?

1. Spirit Baptism: The One-Time Union (Positional)

This is what happens the moment you are saved. It is about your position in Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:13: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body..."

The Greek Exegesis:

The Greek word used here is ebaptisthēmen.

Tense: Aorist. In Greek grammar, the Aorist tense usually refers to a specific, punctiliar action in the past. It is a "done deal." It is not something that is repeating.

Voice: Passive. This means you did not do it. The Holy Spirit did it to you.

The Meaning:

You were placed into the Body of Christ once and for all. You do not get "re-baptized" in the Spirit effectively again and again. If you are a believer, you are already in. You don't need to speak in tongues to prove you are in the room; the fact that you trust Jesus shows the Spirit has already brought you inside.

2. Spirit Filling: The Ongoing Lifestyle (Relational)

This is what happens throughout your Christian life. It is about your power and intimacy.

Ephesians 5:18 "...but be filled with the Spirit."

The Greek Exegesis:

The Greek word here is plērousthe.

Tense: Present. In Greek, the present tense implies continuous, ongoing action.

Mood: Imperative. It is a command.

Translation: A better translation would be, "Be being kept filled with the Spirit" or "Go on being filled."

The Meaning:

While Baptism is a one-time status, Filling is a daily maintenance. We leak. We sin. We get tired. We need to be "refilled" for boldness and service.

• In Acts 2, they were filled.
• In Acts 4:8, Peter was filled again.
• In Acts 4:31, the place shook, and they were filled again.

You see? They didn't speak in tongues every single time they were filled, but they received boldness to preach.

3. The Analogy: The Wedding vs. The Marriage

To make this super clear: 

Spirit Baptism is like your Wedding Day. It happens once.

The moment the officiating minister says, "I pronounce you husband and wife," the status changes. You don't need to get married to your wife again every morning. You are already married.

Application: You don't need tongues to prove you are married to Christ. Your faith is the marriage certificate.

Spirit Filling is like the Romance in a marriage.

Even though you are married (Baptism), sometimes you are "cold" to each other. You need to hug, talk, and date again to "refill" the love tank.

Application: We need to pray and walk in obedience to be "filled" with the Spirit's influence. But just because you had a bad day (not filled), it doesn't mean you are divorced (not baptized)!

Pastoral Conclusion

The truth: The group pressuring you is acting like you aren't "married" to Jesus just because you aren't singing a specific love song (tongues) right now. That is spiritual abuse.

Baptism (Salvation): Done. You have the Spirit. (Romans 8:9).
Filling (Sanctification): Daily. Seek His guidance, not a weird sensation.

You are secure. Do not let them invalidate your salvation.

Question: "Pastor Ronald, ano ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ng Marcos 2:27–28, at bakit binanggit ito ni Jesus sa harap ng mga Pariseo?"

Answer:

Ang Tunay na Kahulugan ng Mark 2:27-28

Kapatid, napakaganda at napakahalaga ng tanong na ito. Madalas kasing nagagamit ang verses na ito sa maling paraan yung iba ginagamit ito para maging maluwag (license to sin), at yung iba naman ay para lalong maghigpit (legalism).

Pero para maintindihan natin ang puso ni Hesus dito, kailangan nating tingnan ang konteksto: Pinupuna ng mga Pariseo ang mga alagad ni Hesus dahil pumipitas sila ng uhay ng trigo dahil sila ay gutom. Para sa mga relihiyosong lider noon, "work" o trabaho na iyon at bawal sa Sabado.

Dito pumasok ang sagot ni Hesus sa Mark 2:27-28. Hatiin natin sa dalawang punto gamit ang mga simpleng halimbawa.

1. Ang Sabbath ay Ginawa para sa Tao (Verse 27)

"Ang Sabbath ay ginawa para sa tao, at hindi ang tao para sa Sabado."

Analogy: Ang Sapatos at ang Paa

Isipin mo ito, kapatid: Bumili ka ng sapatos para protektahan ang iyong paa at para makalakad ka nang maayos. Ang sapatos (Sabbath) ay ginawa para sa paa (Tao).

Pero paano kung ang sapatos ay sobrang sikip at sinusugatan na ang paa mo? Sasabihin mo ba, "Hayaan mong magsugat ang paa ko, basta maisuot ko lang itong sapatos?" Hindi, 'di ba? Ang ginawa ng mga Pariseo noon, mas mahalaga sa kanila ang "sapatos" (yung ritwal) kahit na nagdurugo na ang "paa" (ang pangangailangan ng tao, tulad ng gutom).

Sa New Covenant perspective, ipinapakita dito ni Hesus na ang mga batas ng Diyos ay hindi "Trip wire" para madapa tayo, kundi gabay. Ang Sabbath sa Lumang Tipan ay dinisenyo para sa mga Israelita bilang regalo ng pahinga (ginhawa) para sa mga alipin at hayop, hindi para maging pabigat na parang kadena. Kapag ang relihiyon ay nagiging masakit na at nakakasakal kaysa nakakatulong sa relasyon sa Diyos at kapwa, baliktad na ang nangyayari.

2. Ang Anak ng Tao ay Panginoon ng Sabbath (Verse 28)

"Kaya't ang Anak ng Tao ay Panginoon din ng Sabbath."

Analogy: Ang Arkitekto at ang Bahay

Isipin mo ang isang Arkitekto na nagdisenyo ng isang napakagandang bahay. May mga rules sa bahay: "Bawal pumasok dito," "Dito ang daan."

Pero kapag dumating na ang mismong Arkitekto at May-ari, may karapatan Siyang baguhin ang ayos o sabihin kung ano ang tamang gamit ng bawat kwarto. Hindi Siya sakop ng rules ng bahay dahil Siya ang gumawa nito.

Ganito ang claim ni Hesus: Siya ang Panginoon ng Sabbath. Hindi Siya under sa Mosaic Law; Siya ang Author nito. Bilang Panginoon, Siya ang may karapatang mag-interpret at magbigay ng tunay na kahulugan nito. Dito rin ipinapahiwatig na ang Sabado ay isang "anino" (shadow) lamang. Nang dumating si Hesus, dumating na ang Tunay na Pahinga. Hindi na tayo nakabase sa araw (day), kundi sa Tao (Person).

Ang Real Talk Reflection

Sa kulturang Pilipino, minsan nagiging "legalista" tayo. Masyado tayong focus sa pamahiin o tradisyon "Bawal magwalis sa gabi," "Bawal kumain nito," "Dapat ganito ang suot." Nakakalimutan natin na ang puso ng Diyos ay habag (mercy) at pagmamahal.

Ang ibig sabihin ni Hesus: Wag ninyong sambahin ang "Araw," sambahin ninyo ang "Panginoon."

Sa Bagong Tipan, hindi na tayo alipin ng ritwal ng Sabbath. Kay Kristo, mayroon tayong perpetual Sabbath. Araw-araw, tayo ay nagpapahinga sa Kanyang tinapos na gawa sa Krus. Ang kaligtasan at kabanalan natin ay wala sa pagsunod sa "bawal at pwede" ng mga Pariseo, kundi nasa relasyon natin kay Hesus na Siyang ating tunay na Kapahingahan (Mat. 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9-10).

Would you like me to prepare a short outline comparing the "Shadow of the Sabbath" vs. the "Substance of Christ" for your next preaching or article?

 Anino o Ang Tunay?

Isipin mo na ikaw ay isang OFW o may kamag-anak sa abroad. Habang wala sila, yakap-yakap mo ang kanilang litrato. Kinakausap mo ang picture, nilalagay sa wallet, at iniingatan.

Pero kapag dumating na sila sa airport at nasa harap mo na, yayakapin mo pa rin ba ang litrato? Hahalikan mo pa rin ba ang papel?

Ang Punto: Hindi! Bibitawan mo na ang litrato para yakapin ang tunay na tao. Ang litrato ay "shadow" lang; ang tao ang "substance."

Transition: Ganyan ang ginagawa ng marami ngayon. Niyayakap pa rin ang "litrato" (Ang Sabado/Mosaic Law) kahit na nandito na ang "Tao" (Si Hesus).

The Shadow: The Old Covenant Sabbath (Ang Anino)

• The purpose of the Law was temporary and distinct to Israel.

• It was a Sign, Not the Destination.

Ang Weekly Sabbath ay isang "sign" ng Covenant sa pagitan ng Diyos at Israel (Exodus 31:13). Para itong "Trailer" ng pelikula. Pinapakita lang nito ang patikim ng pahinga na ibibigay ng Diyos, pero hindi ito ang buong pelikula. It was Physical Rest. Bawal magtrabaho ang katawan, bawal magbuhat, bawal magluto. Ito ay external.Sa New Covenant perspective, ito ay "Guardian" o "Tutor" (Galatians 3:24) na nagtuturo sa tao na hindi nila kayang iligtas ang sarili nila sa pamamagitan ng trabaho.

The Substance: Christ is Our Sabbath (Ang Tunay)

• Fulfillment in the New Covenant)

• Christ is the Reality (Colossians 2:17).

Ang salitang "Substance" o "Body" ay tumutukoy sa mismong katawan na lumilikha ng anino. Nung dumating si Hesus, sinabi Niya: "Lumapit kayo sa akin... at kayo'y bibigyan ko ng kapahingahan" (Matthew 11:28). Ang pahinga ay lumipat mula sa TIME (Tuwing Sabado) papunta sa PERSON (Kay Hesus). Hindi na lang ito basta pahinga ng katawan, kundi pahinga ng kaluluwa mula sa pagtatangka na iligtas ang sarili (works-based righteousness). Tayo ay "Ceased from works" hindi ibig sabihin tamad na, kundi hindi na tayo nagtatrabaho para maligtas. We work because we are saved.

Comparison Table

The Shadow (Old Covenant Sabbath)	The Substance (New Covenant / Christ)
Litrato (Picture): Isang araw sa isang linggo.	Tao (Person): Araw-araw na relasyon kay Hesus.
Physical Rest: Pahinga ng katawan.	Spiritual Rest: Kapayapaan ng konsensya at kaluluwa.
Fear of Punishment: Papatayin ka pag lumabag.	Assurance of Grace: Pinatawad ka na kaya ka sumusunod.
Exclusive to Israel: Para sa mga Hudyo lamang.	Universal Invitation: "Come to Me, all of you..."

Conclusion: Wag Bumalik sa Anino

Bakit may mga grupong pilit tayong pinababalik sa anino? Sabi ni Paul sa Galatians 4:9-11, bakit kayo bumabalik sa "weak and miserable principles"? Bakit kayo nangingilin ng mga araw?

"Datapuwa't ngayon yamang nakikilala na ninyo ang Dios, o ang lalong mabuting sabihin , kayo'y nangakikilala ng Dios, bakit muling nangagbabalik kayo doon sa mahihina at walang bisang mga pasimulang aral, na sa mga yao'y ninanasa ninyong magbalik sa pagkaalipin? Ipinangingilin ninyo ang mga araw, at mga buwan, at mga panahon, at mga taon. Ako'y natatakot tungkol sa inyo, baka sa anomang paraan ay nagpagal ako sa inyo ng walang kabuluhan." Galacia 4:9-11 Ang Biblia)

Kapatid, hindi mo kailangan ng legalismo para mapalapit sa Diyos. Ang tunay na Sabbath keeper ay ang taong nagtitiwala ng buong puso kay Hesus para sa kanyang kaligtasan, hindi sa kanyang sariling pagsunod sa kautusan.

Enjoy your rest in Christ. Live holy lives not out of obligation to a calendar, but out of love for the Savior.

---

Former Adventists Philippines

“Freed by the Gospel. Firm in the Word.”

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Daniel 8:14: The 2300 Days Fulfilled in Jerusalem, Not Heaven!

For many, Hanukkah is simply a Jewish holiday associated with dreidels and menorahs. But if we look closer at history and Scripture, we discover that its original meaning is deeply prophetic. In fact, it is directly tied to Daniel’s vision of the 2,300 evenings and mornings.

One of the clearest examples of how Daniel 8:14 was fulfilled is found in history, not in some invisible event in heaven. It is the story of Hanukkah.

What Really Happened? The Temple Desecrated

In the 2nd century BC, a Syrian king named Antiochus IV Epiphanes rose to power under the Seleucid Empire. He fits the description of the “little horn” mentioned in Daniel 8 perfectly, neither the Antichrist nor the Pope, and definitely not a symbolic future power.

Antiochus despised Jewish customs. He wanted everyone under his rule to adopt Greek culture and religion. Consequently, he outlawed Jewish worship, banned circumcision, cancelled the Sabbath, and committed the ultimate act of disrespect: he desecrated the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.

Antiochus sacrificed a pig (an unclean animal) on the altar, set up a statue of Zeus, and forced the people to worship it. This horrific act was exactly what Daniel foresaw in his vision:

“And the host was given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it threw truth to the ground, and it acted and prospered.” (Daniel 8:12)

This desecration began in 167 BC. Daniel predicted it would last for 2,300 “evenings and mornings.”

The Calculation: 2,300 Days or 1,150 Days?

Many scholars agree that the phrase "evenings and mornings" refers to the daily sacrifices (offered twice a day, morning and evening). Therefore, 2,300 sacrifices equal 1,150 actual days.

1,150 days is roughly 3 years and 2 months.

This timeline fits exactly with the historical duration of the temple's desecration under Antiochus until its restoration.

The Maccabees Take a Stand

A Jewish priest named Mattathias and his five sons, including Judah Maccabee, refused to bow to Antiochus’ decrees. They launched a grassroots resistance movement. Against all odds, they defeated the powerful Seleucid army.

By December 164 BC, the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem. On the 25th day of Kislev, exactly three years after the defilement began, they cleansed the temple and restored proper worship. This event became the first Hanukkah, which literally means “Dedication.”

The Jewish historian Josephus describes the fulfillment explicitly:

“The desolation of the Temple came about in accordance with the prophecy of Daniel… for he had revealed that the Macedonians would destroy it.” (Antiquities 12.7.6–7)

Why Hanukkah Matters for Christians

Jesus Himself observed Hanukkah. In John 10:22, it is written:

“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts…”

Jesus was not treating this as a mere cultural holiday. He was standing in the very temple that had been defiled and restored, commemorating a prophetic, historical event that fulfilled Daniel 8:14.

If Daniel 8:14 was about 1844, why did Jesus participate in the celebration of its fulfillment in the first century? The answer is simple: The prophecy was already fulfilled.

Addressing the SDA Objection: The "Math" of 1844

Seventh-day Adventists often reject this clear historical fulfillment. A common objection goes like this:

"Daniel 8:14 is connected with Daniel 9:1. You must subtract the 490 years (70 weeks) from the 2,300 days (interpreted as years) to get to 1844."

This logic is manufactured. Here is a breakdown of why this interpretation fails when we use sound biblical hermeneutics:

1. Daniel 8 and 9 Are Separate Visions

• Daniel 8 concerns the Greek kingdom and the "little horn" (Antiochus).

• Daniel 9 concerns the 70 weeks decreed for the Jewish people and the Messiah.

Nowhere does the text say, "Subtract the 490 years from the 2300." That is a calculation invented in the 19th century to justify a disappointment.

2. "Evenings and Mornings" Are Not Years

The Hebrew phrase ereb boker (evening morning) is specific to the sanctuary sacrifices. It points to literal days. The 2,300 evenings and mornings constitute 1,150 literal days, the exact time of the Antiochus persecution. There is no biblical warrant to apply a "year-day principle" here.

3. The "Cleansing" Was Physical, Not Heavenly

The Hebrew word nitsdaq (cleansed/justified/restored) in this context refers to putting the sanctuary right after it was physically defiled. This happened in 164 BC when Judas Maccabeus removed the idols. It did not happen in 1844 in a heavenly court.

The Irony: Early Adventists Knew the History

Surprisingly, early Adventist pioneers and even Ellen White's publications were aware of the history of Antiochus. They quoted the very books of the Maccabees that disprove the 1844 theory, yet they chose to ignore the connection to Daniel 8.

In the December 1, 1841 issue of Signs of the Times, published by James White, they recounted the atrocities of Antiochus by quoting 1 Maccabees:

“Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness… the sanctuary… was trodden down… aliens kept the strong hold… joy was taken from Jacob… pipe with the harp ceased.” Signs of the Times, Vol. 2, p. 134.15 (Quoting 1 Maccabees 3:45)

Summary of Early SDA Knowledge:

Publication Context Significance: Signs of the Times (1841): Directly quotes 1 Maccabees describing Jerusalem under Antiochus. Shows that they accepted the Maccabees as historically accurate regarding the desolation of the sanctuary.

Handbook for Bible Students: Describes Antiochus placing an idol on the altar and stopping sacrifices. Confirms they knew the specific historical events that match Daniel 8 details.

Despite knowing this history, they chose to spiritualise the "cleansing" into a future 1844 event, completely bypassing the literal fulfillment they had just quoted.

Questions for SDAs

If you are holding onto the 1844 doctrine, I invite you to honestly consider these three questions:

1. Where in the Bible are we told to subtract?
2. Where in Daniel 8 or 9 does the text explicitly instruct us to subtract the 490 years from the 2,300 days? If the text does not say it, why do you do it?
3. Why ignore the context?
4. If Daniel 8:14 is about a heavenly judgment in 1844, why does the entire chapter discuss the Greek empire, the ram, the goat, and an earthly temple being trampled? Why would God give a vision about Greece and Antiochus, but have the "punchline" be about 19th-century America
5. Why redefine "Cleanse"?
6. How can you say the sanctuary in Daniel 8:14 is in heaven, when the Hebrew word for "cleansed" (nitsdaq) is used for restoring rights or vindication historically associated with the physical temple's restoration?
   
   

The Bottom Line

• Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled exactly as he said in real time, in real history. The Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the temple were the literal cleansing of the sanctuary.

• There is no need to perform complex math or fabricate an "Investigative Judgment" to explain a prophecy that was finished centuries ago. God’s Word is precise.

• Let Daniel speak for Daniel. Let history confirm prophecy. And let us place our faith not in a date on a calendar, but in the finished work of Christ.

"Debating My Former Self: Why Seventh-day Adventist Isn't the True Church?

Former Adventists Philippines Sunday Service December 14, 2025

“Pastor Ronald, paano kung sa Sunday Law ay kasama tayo sa umuusig sa mga nag-iingat ng Sabado, hindi ba’t ibig sabihin noon ay wala tayo sa Panginoong Jesus?”

Answer:

The Analogy: The "Invented Traffic Law"

I can feel the anxiety in your question, and I want to hug you right now because that fear is heavy. Pero pag-usapan natin ito nang masinsinan.

Isipin mo ito: Suppose may isang grupo ng tao na nag-claim na may "Secret Law" ang gobyerno. Sabi nila, "Kapag nag-drive ka ng kotse tuwing Tuesday, huhulihin ka at ikukulong dahil illegal 'yun." Pero nung chineck mo ang Constitution at Land Transportation Code, wala namang nakasulat na bawal mag-drive pag Tuesday.

Ngayon, kung ikaw ay nag-drive ng Tuesday dahil kailangan mong pumasok sa trabaho, naging kriminal ka ba? Naging kaaway ka ba ng gobyerno? Hindi. Bakit? Kasi human invention lang yung takot na 'yun. Walang basis sa batas.

Ganyan na ganyan ang Sunday Law. It is a heavy burden created by human interpretation (specifically by Ellen G. White), pero kapag binuklat mo ang Bible from Genesis to Revelation, wala kang makikitang verse na nagsasabing "Thou shalt not worship on Sunday" or "The Mark of the Beast is Sunday worship."

Rhetorical Questions to Ponder

Kapatid, I want you to ask yourself these honest questions using your God-given logic:

1.) Nasaan ang connection? Kung ang Mark of the Beast ay tungkol sa loyalty kay Satan, paano naging evil ang pag-alala sa Resurrection ni Jesus tuwing Sunday? Does celebrating the day Jesus defeated death make you an enemy of God?

2) Character or Calendar? Sa New Covenant, ang basehan ba ng pagiging anak ng Diyos ay ang araw ng pagsamba, o ang dugo ni Jesus? Kung mahal mo si Lord, tinanggap mo Siya bilang Savior, at namumuhay ka sa Holy Spirit, magiging "anak ka ba ni Satanas" bigla dahil lang nag-church ka ng Linggo?

3) Sino ang totoong umuusig? Sa history, sino ba ang madalas na judgmental at exclusive? Hindi ba't kadalasan ay yung mga groups na nagki-claim na "sila lang ang ligtas" at umuusig kay Jesus at mha apostle dahil sa observance nila ng Sabado gaya ng mga Pariseo at mga Sadduceo?

The Biblical Truth

Ang takot na magiging "taga-usig" o persecutor ka ay walang biblical basis. Under the New Covenant, the law is written in our hearts (Hebrews 8:10), not on stone tablets or weekly schedules.

Ang tinatawag na "Mark of the Beast" sa Revelation ay hindi tungkol sa araw ng pagsamba sa future. Sa historical context, ito ay simbolo ng allegiance sa Roman Empire noong first century na lumaban sa Diyos. It is finished. Wala itong kinalaman sa Sunday worship natin ngayon.

We worship on Sunday (or any day) not to persecute Sabbath keepers, but to celebrate the New Creation in Christ. Hindi tayo kaaway. We love our SDA friends, but we refuse to be enslaved by their man-made fears.

You are safe in Jesus. Your salvation is secured by His grace, not threatened by a calendar.

That is the spirit, kapatid! Let’s liberate your mind from fear using history and Scripture. Handa ka na bang makita kung ano talaga ang ibig sabihin ni Apostle John?

The Mark Was About Nero Caesar, Not Sunday

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants things which must shortly take place..." Revelation 1:1 (NKJV)

Kapatid, the biggest key to understanding Revelation is the timeframe. John explicitly said these things must happen shortly (sa madaling panahon) for the seven churches in Asia Minor. Kung para sa kanila 'yun, bakit natin ipipilit sa panahon natin ngayon?

Here is the historical truth that destroys the Sunday Law theory:

1. The Beast was Rome, not the Papacy

Noong panahon ni John, ang Christians ay pinapatay. Sino ang pumatay sa kanila? Hindi naman Pope (wala pang Pope noon), kundi ang Roman Empire. In biblical prophecy (like in Daniel), a "Beast" represents a kingdom or an empire. Sa context ng Revelation, ang "First Beast" ay ang Roman Empire na nagpe-persecute sa church.

2. The Number 666 = Nero Caesar

The ancient Jews and Greeks used letters as numbers (Gematria). Parang code.

• The Bible says count the number of the "man" (Rev 13:18).
• If you write the name "Neron Caesar" (the Emperor alive during that time) in Hebrew letters, the total numerical value is exactly 666.

John was writing in code kasi kung isusulat niya nang diretso na "Si Nero ang kalaban," huhulihin siya agad at papatayin ang sinumang may hawak ng sulat. It was a warning to the early Christians about their current dictator, hindi tungkol sa Sunday worship 2,000 years later.

3. The "Mark" on the Hand and Forehead

Sabi ng SDA, forehead means "belief", at hand means "action" (work on Sabbath). Pero balikan natin ang Old Testament.

Jewish Context: Sanay ang mga Jews sa language na ito. Sa Deuteronomy 6:8, sabi ni Lord tungkol sa Kanyang utos: "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes."

• Literal ba na may tattoo si Moses? Wala. Ibig sabihin nito, ang loyalty nila ay kay Yahweh.
• The Counterfeit: Satan always copies God. Kung may "Seal of God" ang believers (loyalty to Christ), ang "Mark of the Beast" ay loyalty to Caesar.

4. "No Buying or Selling."

Sabi sa Revelation 13:17, hindi ka makakabili o makakabenta kung wala kang mark.

• Historical Fact: Under Emperor Domitian and Nero, tradesmen and merchants belonged to "guilds" (parang labor unions). Before you could trade, you often had to offer incense to the Emperor and say, "Caesar is Lord."
  
  
• Kung Christian ka, hindi mo gagawin 'yun. Sasabihin mo, "Jesus is Lord."
  
  
• The result? Tatanggalin ka sa guild. Mawawalan ka ng negosyo. Hindi ka makakabili sa palengke. Gutom ang aabutin mo. Yan ang persecution noon. It was an economic sanction against those who refused to worship the Emperor. Walang kinalaman sa Araw ng Linggo.
  
  

The "New Covenant" Conclusion

Kapatid, the Mark of the Beast, was a symbol of allegiance to the Roman State religion in the 1st Century.

• To have the Mark meant you compromised and worshipped Caesar to save your life.
• To refuse the Mark meant you stood firm that Jesus is King, kahit na maghirap ka o mamatay ka (martyrdom).

Ang SDA teaching na ang "Mark" ay Sunday Worship ay isang human invention na lumabas lang noong 19th century. Hindi ito itinuro ng mga Apostles, ng Church Fathers, o ng mga Reformers.

So, when you worship on Sunday to celebrate Jesus' resurrection, you are not receiving a mark of the beast. You are actually proclaiming that Jesus is alive and He is Lord!

Here is the biblical assurance you need to sleep soundly tonight. Let’s replace that fear with the certainty of God’s promise.

The Seal is a Person, Not a Day

"In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." Ephesians 1:13 (NKJV)

Kapatid, huminga ka nang malalim. This verse is the "silver bullet" against the SDA doctrine of the Sabbath Seal.

Si Ellen G. White at ang SDA theology ay nagtuturo na ang "Seal of God" ay ang pangingilin ng Sabado (Sabbath keeping). But look at the verse above. Sino o ano ang "Seal" ayon kay Apostle Paul?

Is it a day? No.

Is it Saturday? No.

It is the Holy Spirit.

The Analogy: The "Official Dry Seal" vs. The "Schedule"

Imagine you graduated from a prestigious university and you received your diploma.

• The Seal: Para maging valid 'yung document, kailangan may "Official Dry Seal" ng university. Kapag nakita 'yun ng employer, alam nilang authentic ka.
  
  
• The Schedule: Imagine kung sasabihin ng employer, "Fake 'yang diploma mo kasi nakuha mo 'yan ng Tuesday, hindi Saturday."

Matatawa ka, 'di ba? Because the validity of the diploma depends on the Seal (Authority), not on the day (Calendar) you received it, or the day you look at it.

In the New Covenant:

• The SDA focuses on the "schedule" (Saturday).
• The Bible focuses on the "Seal" (The Holy Spirit dwelling in you).

Ang tunay na tanda na anak ka ng Diyos ay hindi dahil nasa loob ka ng building tuwing Sabado. Ang tanda ay dahil binago ka na ng Holy Spirit mula sa loob (internal) palabas. You have a new heart, you love Jesus, and you walk in His grace.

Rhetorical Questions for Peace of Mind

1.  Sino ang mas powerful? If you have the Holy Spirit inside you God Himself dwelling in your heart can a missed Saturday cancel God’s presence? Mas makapangyarihan ba ang kalendaryo kaysa sa Espiritu Santo?

2.  External vs. Internal: The Pharisees kept the Sabbath perfectly, but they crucified Jesus. Does keeping a day make you holy? Or does having the Spirit of Christ make you holy?

3.  The "Down Payment": The next verse (Ephesians 1:14) calls the Spirit the "guarantee" (Greek: arrabon). Parang "down payment" o "security deposit." If God gave you His Spirit as a down payment, do you think He will refund it just because you worship Him on a Sunday?

The Biblical Truth (New Covenant)

Under the Old Covenant, the Sabbath was indeed a "sign" (Exodus 31:13) between God and Israel. It was a shadow.

But under the New Covenant, the reality has come.

• We are not sealed by keeping a shadow.
• We are sealed by faith in Christ.

When you accepted the Gospel, God stamped you with His Spirit. Sabi Niya, "Akin to." That transaction happened by grace through faith, not by works of the law. Therefore, leaving the SDA church and worshiping on Sunday does not break the seal. In fact, relying on Jesus alone strengthens your hold on the true Seal!

You are marked by God as His own. No pastor, no prophet, and no Sunday Law threat can scrub that Seal off your heart.