The significance of the Sabbath and the world’s embrace of lawlessness at the end of this age ties directly into the prophetic fulfillment of biblical events such as the return to the times of the Book of Acts and the prophesied Second Exodus. These events mark the closing chapters of history before the return of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) and the establishment of Yahuah’s (God’s) Kingdom on earth. As we enter into the end times, the Sabbath, obedience to Yahuah’s commandments, and the battle against lawlessness become more critical, setting the stage for the final redemptive acts of Yahuah.
1. The Significance of the Sabbath and Obedience in the End of the Age
As we approach the end of the age, the Sabbath emerges as a vital symbol of obedience to Yahuah. It represents a return to holiness, a sign of covenant faithfulness, and a mark of distinction between those who follow Yahuah’s laws and those who align with the lawlessness of the world. The increasing rebellion against Yahuah’s commandments—particularly the rejection of the Sabbath—is a reflection of the end-time lawlessness prophesied in Scripture.
a. The Role of the Sabbath in the Final Test of Loyalty
In the Book of Revelation, the saints are described as those who "keep the commandments of Yahuah and have the testimony of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach" (Revelation 12:17; 14:12). The Sabbath is a key part of these commandments, and in the end times, it may serve as a test of allegiance to Yahuah. Those who observe the Sabbath as a sign of obedience will be distinguished from those who align themselves with the lawless one and the system of the beast.
Isaiah 66:22-23 prophesies that the Sabbath will continue to be observed in the New Heavens and New Earth, indicating its eternal significance:
"For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me, says Yahuah, so shall your descendants and your name remain. And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, says Yahuah."
This end-time restoration of Sabbath observance signals the restoration of Yahuah’s people to holiness and obedience, marking them as His remnant in a lawless world.
b. The Rise of Lawlessness and the Final Apostasy
Y’shu’ah warned in Matthew 24:12 that "because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." This lawlessness is not just about moral decay but is specifically related to the rejection of Yahuah’s commandments. The Sabbath, as one of the central commandments, is often rejected or ignored in favor of a self-centered, lawless existence.
Paul describes the rise of the lawless one (the antichrist) in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 as part of a great apostasy (falling away) in the last days. The lawless one will exalt himself above Yahuah and lead people into deeper rebellion against Yahuah’s laws. Those who reject the Sabbath and other commandments will be drawn into this spiritual deception, while the Sabbath-keeping remnant will stand firm as a witness to Yahuah’s truth.
2. Returning to the "Book of Acts": Revival, Persecution, and Power
The return to the times of the Book of Acts refers to a prophetic end-time revival where the early church’s power, purity, and boldness will be restored. This revival will be characterized by a return to Spirit-filled living, supernatural signs and wonders, and bold preaching of the Gospel amidst persecution—similar to what the early believers experienced in the Book of Acts.
a. The Acts Church as a Model for End-Time Believers
The early church in the Book of Acts was marked by its obedience to Yahuah’s commandments, including the Sabbath. The believers in Acts were filled with the Holy Spirit, performed miracles, and proclaimed the message of Y’shu’ah with boldness, despite intense opposition from both religious and political authorities.
In the same way, the end-time church will experience a restoration of the Holy Spirit’s power to equip them for the final harvest before Y’shu’ah’s return. Just as the early church operated under intense persecution, the end-time church will face global opposition as lawlessness increases and the man of sin rises to power.
Acts 2:42-47 describes the early believers as being devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. This model of obedience and community will be replicated in the end-time assembly, as believers unite to stand against the lawless world system.
b. Persecution and the Faithfulness of the Saints
The early believers in Acts were persecuted for their faithfulness to Y’shu’ah and for preaching His name. Likewise, in the end times, those who hold fast to Yahuah’s commandments (including the Sabbath) and the testimony of Y’shu’ah will face increasing persecution.
Matthew 24:9-10 warns that believers will be "hated by all nations" for Y’shu’ah’s name’s sake. The Book of Acts provides a blueprint for how end-time believers should respond to persecution—with boldness, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
c. Supernatural Power and the Final Harvest
Just as the early church saw signs and wonders accompanying their ministry, the end-time assembly will witness a supernatural outpouring of the Holy Spirit to confirm the Gospel message and empower the final harvest before Yahuah’s judgment.
Joel 2:28-29 prophesies about an end-time outpouring of the Spirit:
"And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions."
This outpouring will enable the end-time church to operate with the same miraculous power seen in the Book of Acts, leading to a great revival even amidst the darkness of lawlessness.
3. The Second Exodus: A Prophetic Regathering of Yahuah’s People
The concept of the Second Exodus refers to a prophetic regathering of Yahuah’s people from the nations, similar to the original Exodus, but on a much grander scale. This event is prophesied in several places in Scripture and is often linked to the end times, when Yahuah will bring His scattered people back to Himself as part of the fulfillment of His covenant promises.
a. The Second Exodus in Prophecy
The Second Exodus is described in Jeremiah 16:14-15 as a time when Yahuah will regather His people from all nations:
"Therefore, behold, the days are coming, says Yahuah, that it shall no more be said, 'Yahuah lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,' but, 'Yahuah lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.' For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers."
This prophecy indicates that the Second Exodus will be even greater than the first Exodus from Egypt. Yahuah will gather Israel from the four corners of the earth, bringing them back to their promised inheritance.
Ezekiel 36:24-28 also speaks of this regathering:
"For I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean… I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them."
This spiritual restoration will involve a return to obedience to Yahuah’s commandments, including the Sabbath.
b. The Sabbath and the Second Exodus
The Sabbath will play a significant role in the Second Exodus as a sign of the restoration of Yahuah’s people to His covenant. Just as Yahuah commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath after delivering them from Egypt (Exodus 16, 20), the regathered Israel will again be called to Sabbath observance as a mark of their covenant faithfulness.
Isaiah 58:13-14 emphasizes the blessing of honoring the Sabbath:
"If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of Yahuah honorable, and shall honor Him… Then you shall delight yourself in Yahuah, and I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth."
The Second Exodus will involve a return to Yahuah’s ways, where the Sabbath is once again upheld as a covenant sign.
c. The Connection Between the Exodus and the End Times
Just as the original Exodus foreshadowed Yahuah’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt, the Second Exodus symbolizes Yahuah’s deliverance of His people from the slavery of sin and lawlessness in the last days. The Sabbath, as a symbol of rest and liberation, will be an integral part of this restorative process.
Conclusion: The Sabbath, the End of the Age, and the Return to Obedience
As we approach the end of this age, the Sabbath becomes an increasingly significant marker of obedience to Yahuah’s commandments. In contrast, the world’s embrace of lawlessness and rejection of Yahuah’s laws reflects the influence of the lawless one (the antichrist) and the rising spirit of rebellion. However, Yahuah’s faithful remnant, those who keep His Sabbath and commandments, will be empowered for the end-time revival, reminiscent of the Book of Acts, where miracles, boldness, and persecution coexist as the Gospel goes forth with power.
Simultaneously, the Second Exodus will bring about the regathering of Yahuah’s people, calling them back to obedience and covenant faithfulness, marked by the restoration of the Sabbath. In this context, the Sabbath not only serves as a day of rest but also as a prophetic sign pointing to the coming Kingdom of Yahuah, where His people will find eternal rest and peace under the rule of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach.
As lawlessness increases and the world grows more hostile to Yahuah’s truth, the Sabbath-keeping remnant will stand as a testimony to Yahuah’s unchanging law and the hope of His Kingdom that is soon to come.
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