Matthew 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
God is not merely looking for an acknowledgement of Himself by human beings, for while this may be a good starting point, it does not fulfill His will if persons do not follow on in willing obedience. It is worthy of note that acknowledgement is something the devils always did, when in the presence of Christ, and in this regard, they have done much better than men who refused to acknowledge Him for who He is.
Yet, for all of their acknowledgement the devils did not obey, unless forced to, which service God would never accept. Similarly, persons who acknowledge God, must go a step further by obeying His laws and instructions with a willing heart, or else they would have nothing over the devils. A true believer isn’t defined by his or her affiliation with other believers. The test in our day is not even to believe in Christ, for devils also believe.
The true test of a believer in our day will be our willingness to obey all of God’s commandments, including the fourth which is the only one beginning with the word “Remember”. Therefore, The Lord in His mercy is now calling all the inhabitants of earth to choose wisely, based on what has been made so plain in both the old and new testaments. The Sabbath points us to God in His capacity as Creator of heaven and earth, the fact which forms the basis for Him requiring obedience from those whom he has created.
Revelation 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!