THST/CHIS 581 History and Doctrine of the Sabbath

About the Course

A biblical and historical understanding of the history of the seventh-day Sabbath is integral to Seventh-day Adventist theology and identity. As part of preparing future church leaders, it is essential to understand the Biblical basis for worshiping the Creator God on the seventh-day Sabbath. Similarly, a firm grasp of the history of the seventh day, including attempts to change the day of worship to Sunday, is important to understanding the history of Christianity. Finally, the seventh-day Sabbath has significant eschatological implications for the Great Controversy, and specifically, God’s end-time remnant church. Seventh-day Adventists believe they are God’s remnant church and that the Sabbath is included in one of the two identifying characteristics of that church (Rev 12:17). Thus a theological and historical study is essential to preparing future Adventist thought leaders.

Who Needs This Course?

1. Graduate students:
   • MDiv, MMin
2. This course may also be taken by:
   • Pastors for continuing education
   • Professionals as a non-degree course for professional development
   • Graduate students of other schools as transfer credits

Time Investment

At least 3 to 5 hour a day/week for two months

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the students will be able to:

1. Explain the foundation of the biblical-theology for Sabbath Doctrine
2. Describe the history of the Sabbath and Sunday
3. Discuss the reasons for the change from Sabbath to Sunday
4. Discuss the significance of Sabbath at the end-time and its relation to the Great Controversy theme.

Topics to Cover

Week 1 – Sabbath in the Old Testament

Week 2 – Sabbath in the New Testament

Week 3 – Sunday in the New Testament

Week 4 – Theology of Sabbath

Week 5 – Sabbath in the Early Church

Week 6 – Sabbath in the medieval era

Week 7 – Sabbath in the Reformation period and among the Puritan

Week 8 – Sabbath in Seventh-day Adventist History

Week 9 – Final Exam