Argument XII
Preaching the Gospel
P art two of A Sabbath Test consists of seven popular arguments advanced by those who claim that God approves of His people dining out on His holy day. One such argument is that it preaches the gospel. Mr. George mocks this point by suggesting that the authors made it up. According to him, no one would advance such an argument. However, he then immediately began to point out that his Sabbath dining experience has been an effective way for God’s people to let their light shine—which is exactly what A Sabbath Test was saying people claim. Mind you the book presents a compelling argument that by going to a restaurant on the Sabbath you are actually casting a dark light on God’s kingdom as opposed to letting its light shine. First, Mr. George.
Mr. George:
I really can't imagine anyone calls eating a meal a preaching experience; but our group actually has had several wait staff on different occasions ask Bible questions or join a discussion on Bible topics when they overheard something that piqued their interest! I wouldn't call it a main thrust of our evangelism, but it is an opportunity to let our light shine in terms of friendly behavior. I fail to see how we're going to impress anyone who never sees us.
Our Response:
Here is what the authors of A Sabbath Test wrote. As you read it ask yourself which argument reflects the wisdom of the God who created the seventh day and made it holy?
One of the newer arguments advanced by people who frequent restaurants on the Sabbath is that by engaging in this practice, God’s people can actually preach the gospel. The thinking here is that restaurant personnel will see how polite and respectful God’s people are. Additionally, if there are children with them, they will also see how well behaved they are. Therefore, going to a restaurant on the Sabbath is an opportunity to “let your light shine” and to show the world there is a better way.
To be sure, the scriptures exhort God’s people to let their light shine (Mt. 5:16). Additionally, it is also true that one of the great commissions to the church is to preach the gospel of the Kingdom as a witness (Mt. 24:14). But what does going to a restaurant on the Sabbath say about these two very important scriptural directives? In reality, this activity says plenty, but none of it is good.
Those who go to restaurants on the Sabbath don’t honor God’s word – they actually defy it. Consider what this behavior is saying – it says: “Don’t take the Bible or God too seriously.” It says, “our children obey us, but we don’t obey our Father in Heaven when it comes to His instruction concerning the Sabbath.” It says, “We believe in God’s millennial Kingdom; we just don’t believe in picturing that Kingdom at this moment.”
To those who have advanced the argument that dining out on the Sabbath in an appropriate activity because “It Preaches the Gospel,” ask yourself the following question:
What is a greater witness to this world,your presence at a restaurant on the Sabbath,or your absence?
As you think about this question, consider what lies ahead for those who work at restaurants on the Sabbath. The day will come when they will know about God and His Great Kingdom. At that time, they will understand God’s purpose for the Sabbath and they, too, will honor this great commandment.
Additionally, when God’s Kingdom is established on earth, its citizens will understand why God’s people today did certain things and refrained from doing others – including purchasing goods and services on His Sabbath. They will know that by refraining from buying and selling on the Sabbath, God’s people were not only honoring the Great Creator, they were also expressing a genuine hope for all mankind – a hope that all people would one day enter into God’s Sabbath rest. This is the true witness God’s people must proclaim. It is one that will be affirmed by the very government of God when His Kingdom returns. The gospel is NOT proclaimed by your presence at a restaurant on the Sabbath. It is, in fact, proclaimed by your absence.
Argument XIII