September - October 2000 The Sabbath Sentinel

Editoral . . .

It seems more often than not that some of the best ideas for articles come to us from our readers. In this case, I received a letter from Ernest Davis, Sr. of Indiana. In it he states as follows: "Reading the article 'Sunday Roots' in the May-June 2000 Sabbath Sentinel reminded me of the Bible Sabbath Association's policy regarding the admittance of Jews into the organization. For as the emperor Constantine wrote, so has the Bible Sabbath Association decided that 'it is our duty not to have anything in common with the murderers of our Lord.'" "...Yes, just as the emperor Constantine wrote, so the Bible Sabbath Association agrees. 'We desire, dearest brethren, to separate ourselves from the detestable company of the Jews.'"

In between the first and last paragraph were statements that Christ did not fit the Messianic prophecies. There was also an accusation that the Roman Catholic Church concocted a myth of a "Second Coming."

I was initially surprised and elated that some of the Jewish faith was reading The Sabbath Sentinel. But, I worried over how to respond to this letter. After all, is it right to hate another made in God's image? And, had we somehow given the impression that we do not value association with these fellow children?

The BSA has a mission statement that includes two points. First, it is to preach Jesus Christ. Second, it is to promote the Sabbath, and cooperation among Sabbath Keepers. As our Jewish friends keep the Sabbath, they fit the description of the second part of our mission. However, for the most part, practitioners of the Jewish faith deny that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. This directly conflicts with the first part of the BSA mission.

It is clear from scripture that there is no room for hatred in a follower of Jesus Christ. Matthew 5:43-45, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven;" (NAS). It is clear here that our Savior felt strongly about how we deal with others, even to those who would appear to be our enemies.

Jesus also said, in Luke 17:1-5, "Then said he unto the disciples, 'It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.' And the apostles said unto the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'" (KJV). The statement by the apostles is enlightening.

We must be forgiving of those who sin against us. Even Christ, as He hung on the instrument of His death, cried out to God, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." Moreover, we must also be doing our best not to cause offense. We are told that if we are bringing a gift to our King, and remember that our brother has something against us, that we are to go and be reconciled with our brother. Then we may come and present our gift to our Father in heaven.

The question arises, "Why would anyone who practices Judaism, and denies Christ as the Messiah, wish to fellowship with us?" What is it that we are doing that brought this gentleman to read our magazine? I have to admit that my background knowledge is too limited to answer these questions. I only know that the One who purchased my life also purchased Mr. Davis' life. It doesn't matter if he believes it or not. In time all will be revealed to mankind.

Between now and that Great Day, we have a commission. We are to teach others about the great salvation that we have received. We are to be ready to give an answer of the joy that lies within us. We must practice what our Master taught us.

Therefore, to Mr. Davis and all the others out there who may feel as you do, please accept the apology of us here at the BSA if we have offended you in any way. It was not our intention to do so. We value all human beings as fellow children of God and it is certainly no different with you. However, please understand that we must be about our Father's business. From time to time that will come into conflict with what you believe. Nevertheless, we can not stop teaching what we believe to be true; just as you do not accept what we believe about the Messiah.

If, with those conditions in mind, you desire to be associated with us, we accept your company as well. We are united in our belief in the Sabbath of the LORD God as well as the rest of His Commandments. Can't we work from there? Praise God! I believe we can!

TSS

September - October 2000 The Sabbath Sentinel