We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: Sabbath Day

Sabbath Day

682. We are to keep the Sabbath holy as a sacred day.

683. Sabbath day observance is a distinguishing characteristic of God's chosen people.

684. Observance of the weekly Sabbath (generally on Sunday, the first day of the week) is commanded by the Lord.

685. The Sabbath is a day for us to rest; we are not to work at our temporal labors.

686. We are not to permit our children, our guests, servants, or our animals to labor on the Sabbath.

687. On the Sabbath we are to worship God in church.

688. The Sabbath day is set apart for partaking of the sacrament (for renewing sacred covenants).

689. Observing the Sabbath can help a person keep unspotted from worldly enticements.

690. We are to do good deeds on the Sabbath day.

691. On the Sabbath food is to be prepared with "singleness of heart."

692. We are not to do business or work at our jobs on the Sabbath.

693. We should refrain from shopping on the Sabbath day, and from participating in commercial activities.

694. The Sabbath is not a day for seeking pleasure and recreation.

682. We are to keep the Sabbath holy as a sacred day.

President David O. Mckay
Moses
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
Mormon
Recorded in Exodus
Robert D. Hales
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Mark E. Petersen
Moses
Jarom

President David O. Mckay

Keeping holy the Sabbath day is a law of God, resounding through the ages from Mt. Sinai. You cannot transgress the law of God without circumscribing your spirit. . . .[O]ur Sabbath, the first day of the week, commemorates the greatest event in all history: Christ's resurrection and his visit as a resurrected being to his assembled Apostles. His birth, of course, was necessary, and just as great, so I say this is one of the greatest events in all history. CR1956Oct:90

Moses

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it. (The Lord reveals the fourth of the Ten Commandments to Moses ) Exodus 20:8-11

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The commandment to keep holy the Sabbath day is just as binding upon the people of the earth today as it ever was. While it is true that man was not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man, we should not misinterpret this saying and ignore this great commandment, for that would incur the displeasure of the Lord. The inhabitants of Zion were instructed that they were to be faithful in the observance of this day. They were to go to the house of prayer, with contrite spirits, and broken hearts, bearing testimony of the goodness of God to them. CHMR1:218

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
10. For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
11. Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
12. But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.
13. And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full. (Revelation, Aug. 7, 1831) D&C 59:9-13

Joseph Smith

And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy. (Revelation received at the request of several elders, Nov. 1831) D&C 68:29

Bruce R. McConkie

The law of the Sabbath is so basic, so fundamental, that the Lord Jehovah named it as number four in the Ten Commandments themselves. The first three commandments call upon men to worship the Lord and reverence his great and holy name. The fourth gives us the Sabbath day as the weekly occasion on which we perfect our worship and put ourselves in tune to the full with Him by whom all things are. It is in no sense an exaggeration nor does it overstate the fact one whit to say that any person who keeps the Sabbath, according to the revealed pattern, will be saved in the celestial kingdom. The Sabbath is a day of worship; the requirement to rest from our labors, to do no servile work therein, is simply an incident to the real purpose of the day. Vital as it is to refrain from toil and to turn away from temporalities, these requirements are for the purpose of putting men in a position to do what should be done on the Sabbath, that is, to worship the Father in the name of the Son, to worship him in Spirit and in truth. True worship includes keeping the commandments, and those who devote their Sabbaths to true and proper worship obtain the encouragement that leads to full obedience. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 390-91) TLDP:577-78

Mormon

And he commanded them that they should observe the sabbath day, and keep it holy, and also every day they should give thanks to the Lord their God. (Alma organizes the Church of Christ and ordains priests, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 18:23

Recorded in Exodus

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
13. Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.
14. Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.
15. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. (The Lord instructs Moses about keeping the Sabbath, for a blessing to present and future generations of Israel) Exodus 31:12-15

Robert D. Hales

By choosing to be in His kingdom, we separate—not isolate—ourselves from the world. Our dress will be modest, our thoughts pure, our language clean. The movies and television we watch, the music we listen to, the books, magazines, and newspapers we read will be uplifting. We will choose friends who encourage our eternal goals, and we will treat others with kindness. We will shun the vices of immorality, gambling, tobacco, liquor, and illicit drugs. Our Sunday activities will reflect the commandment of God to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. We will follow the example of Jesus Christ in the way we treat others. We will live to be worthy to enter the house of the Lord. (CR 2000Oct; The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom, Ensign, November 2000, p.6)

Related Witnesses:

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

To many, Sabbath breaking is a matter of little moment, but to our Heavenly Father it is one of the principal commandments. It is a test to "see if we will do all things" commanded. . . . (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 217) DGSM:73

Mark E. Petersen

No law in all scripture has been more clearly defined than that of the Sabbath. From the time of Genesis to our own day, there has been no subject spoken of more directly or repeatedly than the Sabbath.
It is one of the laws most dear to the heart of God. Yet it is noted far more in its desecration than in its acceptance and proper observance. CR1975Apr:70

Moses

And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Revelation to Moses with respect to the Creation) Genesis 2:3

Jarom ,
quoted by Mormon

And now, behold, two hundred years had passed away, and the people of Nephi had waxed strong in the land. They observed to keep the law of Moses and the sabbath day holy unto the Lord. And they profaned not; neither did they blaspheme. And the laws of the land were exceedingly strict. (The Nephites keep the law of Moses and look forward to the coming of Christ, 420 B.C.) Jarom 1:5

683. Sabbath day observance is a distinguishing characteristic of God's chosen people.

Bruce R. McConkie
Moses
President Brigham Young
Ezekiel
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Elder George Albert Smith

Bruce R. McConkie

Sabbath worship, that system which singles out one day in seven to be used exclusively for spiritual things, is a sign which identifies the Lord's people. Whatever the world may do, day in and day out, without cessation, in the way of toil and revelry, the saints of God rest from their labors and pay their devotions to the Most High on his holy Sabbath. True religion always has and always will call for a Sabbath on which men rest from their temporal labors and work exclusively on spiritual matters. True religion requires—it is not optional; it is mandatory—that one day in seven be devoted exclusively to worshipping the Father in Spirit and in truth. Without a Sabbath of rest and worship, men's hearts will never be centered on the things of the Spirit sufficiently to assure them of salvation. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 390-91) TLDP:577-78

Moses

Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. . . .
16. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.
17. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. (The Lord instructs Moses about keeping the Sabbath, for a blessing to present and future generations of Israel) Exodus 31:13,16-17

President Brigham Young

This people called Latter-day Saints are required by the revelations that the Lord has given, to assemble themselves together on this day. . . . In this commandment we are required to come together and repent of our sins and confess our sins and partake of the bread and of the wine, or water, in commemoration of the death and sufferings of our Lord and Savior. (At Paris, Idaho, Aug. 31, 1873, JD16:168) TLDP:582

Ezekiel

Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them. (The Lord through Ezekiel points out that Israel has rebelled and failed to keep the commandments and has polluted the Sabbath) Ezekiel 20:12

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The Sabbath day is given throughout the generations of man for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between the Lord and his children forever. ("The Fourth Commandment," M Man-Gleaner Manual for 1963-64, p. 265) DGSM:73-74

Related Witnesses:

Elder George Albert Smith

This very day upon which we meet here to worship, viz, the Sabbath, has become the play-day of this great nation—the day set apart by thousands to violate the commandment that God gave long, long ago, and I am persuaded that much of the sorrow and distress that is afflicting and will continue to afflict mankind is traceable to the fact that they have ignored his admonition to keep the Sabbath day holy. CR1935Oct:120

684. Observance of the weekly Sabbath (generally on Sunday, the first day of the week) is commanded by the Lord.

James E. Talmage
James E. Talmage
President David O. McKay
President Brigham Young
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
John
Joseph Smith
Howard W. Hunter
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Recorded in Acts

James E. Talmage

The Church accepts Sunday as the Christian Sabbath and proclaims the sanctity of the day. We admit without argument that under the Mosaic law the seventh day of the week, Saturday, was designated and observed as the holy day, and that the change from Saturday to Sunday was a feature of the apostolic administration following the personal ministry of Jesus Christ. Greater than the question of this day or that in the week is the actuality of the weekly Sabbath, to be observed as a day of special and particular devotion to the service of the Lord. AF:407

James E. Talmage

The Church of Jesus Christ teaches that Sunday is the acceptable day for Sabbath observance, on the authority of direct revelation specifying the Lord's Day as such. In this, a new dispensation, and verily the last—the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times—the law of the Sabbath has been reaffirmed unto the Church. It is to be noted that the revelation [D&C 59th Section] . . . was given to the Church on a Sunday—August 7, 1831. AF:409

President David O. McKay

There is a third reason. Keeping holy the Sabbath Day is a law of God, resounding through the ages from Mt. Sinai. You cannot transgress the law of God without circumscribing your spirit. Finally, our Sabbath, the first day of the week, commemorates the greatest event in all history: Christ's resurrection and his visit as a resurrected being to his assembled Apostles. CR1956Oct:90

President Brigham Young,
quoted by John A. Widtsoe

You take this book (the book of Doctrine and Covenants) and you will read here that the Saints are to meet together on the Sabbath day. It is what we call the first day of the week. No matter whether it is the Jewish Sabbath or not, I do not think there is anybody who can bring facts to prove which is the seventh day, or when Adam was put in the garden, or the day about which the Lord spoke to Moses . This matter is not very well known, so we call the day on which we rest and worship God the first day of the week. This people called Latter-day Saints, are required by the revelations that the Lord has given, to assemble themselves together on this day. In this commandment we are required to come together and repent of our sins and confess our sins and partake of the bread and of the wine, or water, in commemoration of the death and sufferings of our Lord and Savior. (At Paris, Idaho, Aug. 31, 1873, JD16:168) DBY:164

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

My beloved brethren and sisters, I want to talk to you briefly on our responsibilities in regard to the Sabbath day. In the beginning the Lord chose the last day after the creation as the Sabbath, and that continued until the resurrection of Christ. After the resurrection of our Savior, the Sabbath day was transferred to the Lord's day or the first day of the week, contrary to the ideas of some professed Christians. CR1963Apr:21

Related Witnesses:

John

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (The risen Jesus appears to his assembled disciples) John 20:19

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Howard W. Hunter

"But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates. . . ." [See Exodus 20:8-11.] CR1965Apr:56-57

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Now, we have some people professing Christianity who are very intense upon the idea that the old Sabbath day should be maintained. The Lord himself changed the day. The Saints in olden times, that is, after the resurrection of Christ, accepted the date of the resurrection as their Sabbath, and they called it the Lord's day. It was on that day that John, in prayer before the Lord, received the great revelation known to us as the "apocalypse." CR1963Apr:21

Recorded in Acts

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Paul preaches at the seacoast town of Troas, a Roman colony) Acts 20:7

Author's Note: In some areas of the world the Church endorses holding the Sabbath day on a day other than the first day of the week, such as the sixth day (as in Islamic countries) and the seventh day (in Israel).

685. The Sabbath is a day for us to rest; we are not to work at our temporal labors.

Moses
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Moses
Joseph Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
President Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Moses

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. (The Lord instructs Moses about keeping the Sabbath, for a blessing to present and future generations of Israel) Exodus 31:15

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

This is a day in which we should rest from all our manual labors, and from all secular duties that require our attention on the six other days of the week. By obedience to this law we are to have power over evil and more fully be able to keep the commandments of the Lord and be unspotted from the sins of the world. The purpose for this day of Sabbath rest many members of the Church, apparently, fail to see, and they make excuses for not observing it as the Lord has directed in this revelation. In his abundant wisdom, the Lord has granted to us six days out of seven in which we may perform any legitimate labor for our temporal needs, but he asks that we spend the seventh day in each week, laying aside all other duties, to serve him, and spend time in reflection and study of the things which pertain to our eternal salvation. This is not an inconsistent demand. It was not made for the purpose of giving pleasure to the Lord, but for our own spiritual uplift and preparation for the things which are to come. The spiritual side of man needs attention, to be fed the things of spiritual life, to be mellowed by thought, humility and prayer, and instructed in the things of the Kingdom of God. Moreover, we need that fellowship which contact with our fellow members in the Church brings to us. This Sabbath day has been set apart that mankind may spend their time in worship and have their minds centered on the things of God, free from the influences and distractions of the business and work-a-day world. A little reflection will reveal to us the reasonableness of this demand made on us and our time by our Father in heaven, and that it is given for our own good. CHMR1:218

Moses

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. (To Moses the Lord reveals his laws for ancient Israel) Leviticus 23:3

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High; . . . (Revelation, Aug. 7, 1831, with respect to the keeping of the Sabbath holy) D&C 59:10

Bruce R. McConkie

Whatever the world may do, day in and day out, without cessation, in the way of toil and revelry, the saints of God rest from their labors and pay their devotions to the Most High on his holy Sabbath. True religion always has and always will call for a Sabbath on which men rest from their temporal labors and work exclusively on spiritual matters. True religion requires—it is not optional; it is mandatory—that one day in seven be devoted exclusively to worshipping the Father in Spirit and in truth. Without a Sabbath of rest and worship, men's hearts will never be centered on the things of the Spirit sufficiently to assure them of salvation. (The Promised Messiah, pp. 390-91) TLDP:577-78

President Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley

(First Presidency)
Let all unnecessary labor be suspended and let no encouragement be given by the attendance of members of the Church at places of amusement and recreation on the Sabbath day. If Sunday is spent in our meetings and in our homes great blessings will come to our families and communities. (Liahona, the Elder's Journal, Oct. 8, 1940, pp. 195-96) MOFP5:260

Related Witnesses:

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

In Hebrew the term Sabbath means "rest". It contemplates quiet tranquillity, peace of mind and spirit. It is a day to get rid of selfish interests and absorbing activities.
The Sabbath day is given throughout the generations of man for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between the Lord and his children forever. It is a day in which to worship and to express our gratitude and appreciation to the Lord. It is a day on which to surrender every worldly interest and to praise the Lord humbly, for humility is the beginning of exaltation. It is a day not for affliction and burden but for rest and righteous enjoyment. . . .
The Sabbath is a day on which to take inventory—to analyze our weaknesses, to confess our sins to our associates and our Lord. It is a day on which to fast in "sackcloth and ashes." It is a day on which to read good books, a day to contemplate and ponder, a day to study lessons for priesthood and auxiliary organizations, a day to study the scriptures and to prepare sermons, a day to nap and rest and relax, a day to visit the sick, a day to preach the gospel, a day to proselyte, a day to visit quietly with the family and get acquainted with our children, a day for proper courting, a day to do good, a day to drink at the fountain of knowledge and of instruction, a day to seek forgiveness of our sins, a day for the enrichment of our spirit and our soul, a day to restore us to our spiritual stature, a day to partake of the emblems of his sacrifice and atonement, a day to contemplate the glories of the gospel and of the eternal realms, a day to climb high on the upward path toward our Heavenly Father. . . .
. . . . It seems the Lord's idea of a full and abundant Sabbath is the worship and the learning of him and partaking of his sacrament. He would have us fill the day with useful and spiritual activities. He would have us do these things with thanksgiving and cheerful hearts and countenances. . . . When one shall have taken care of his religious duties in spirit as well as by the letter and shall have filled in the interims with these constructive activities, there will be little temptation to falter.
People frequently wonder where to draw the line: what is worthy and what is unworthy to do upon the Sabbath. But if one loves the Lord with all his heart, might, mind, and strength; if one can put away selfishness and curb desire; if one can measure each Sabbath activity by the yardstick of worshipfulness; if one is honest with his Lord and with himself; if one offers a "broken heart and a contrite spirit," it is quite unlikely that there will be Sabbath breaking in that person's life. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 215-16, 218-19) DGSM:73-74; TLDP:580

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

[The Sabbath day] is a day not for lavish banqueting, but a day of simple meals and spiritual feasting; not a day of abstinence from food, except fast day, but a day when maid and mistress might be relieved from the preparation. . . . It is a day when animals may be turned out to graze and rest; when the plow may be stored in the barn and other machinery cooled down; a day when employer and employee, master and servant may be free from plowing, digging, toiling. It is a day when the office may be locked and business postponed, and troubles forgotten; a day when man may be temporarily released from that first injunction, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground." (Genesis 3:19) It is a day when bodies may rest, minds relax and spirits grow. It is a day when songs may be sung, prayers offered, sermons preached, and testimonies borne, and when man may climb high, almost annihilating time, space, and distance between himself and his Creator. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, pp. 215-16) DGSM:73-74

686. We are not to permit our children, our guests, servants, or our animals to labor on the Sabbath.

Moses
Moses
Abinadi
James E. Faust

Moses

Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work: 14. But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. (Moses reviews the Ten Commandments before Israel) Deuteronomy 5:13-14

Moses

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: . . . (The Lord reveals the fourth of the Ten Commandments to Moses ) Exodus 20:10

Abinadi,
quoted by Mormon

Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; 18. But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; (Abinadi teaches the Ten Commandments to the people of the wicked King Noah, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 13:17-18

James E. Faust

I confess that as a young boy, Sunday was not my favorite day. Grandfather shut down the action. We didn’t have any transportation. We couldn’t drive the car. He wouldn’t even let us start the motor. We couldn’t ride the horses, or the steers, or the sheep. It was the Sabbath, and by commandment, the animals also needed rest. We walked to Church and everywhere else we wanted to go. I can honestly say that we observed both the spirit and the letter of Sabbath worship. (CR 1991Oct; The Lord’s Day, Ensign, November 1991, p.33)

687. On the Sabbath we are to worship God in church.

Joseph Smith
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President Joseph F. Smith
Elder John Taylor
Elder Harold B. Lee
Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

A man of my acquaintance remained home each Sabbath and justified himself by saying that he could benefit more by reading a good book at home than by attending the sacrament meeting and listening to a poor sermon. But the home, sacred as it should be, is not the house of prayer. In it no sacrament is administered; in it is not found the fellowship with members, nor the confession of sins to the brethren. The mountains may be termed the temples of God and the forests and streams his handiwork, but only in the meeting house, or house of prayer, can be fulfilled all the requirements of the Lord. And so he has impressed upon us that: "It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus." (D&C 20:75) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 220) DGSM:73

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The spiritual side of man needs attention, to be fed the things of spiritual life, to be mellowed by thought, humility and prayer, and instructed in the things of the Kingdom of God. Moreover, we need that fellowship which contact with our fellow members in the Church brings to us. This Sabbath day has been set apart that mankind may spend their time in worship and have their minds centered on the things of God free from the influences and distractions of the business and work-a-day world. A little reflection will reveal to us the reasonableness of this demand made on us and our time by our Father in heaven, and that it is given for our own good. CHMR1:218

President Joseph F. Smith

The Sabbath is a day when, with your brethren and sisters, you should attend the meetings of the Saints, prepared to partake of the sacrament of the Lord's supper; having first confessed your sins before the Lord and your brethren and sisters, and forgiven your fellows as you expect the Lord to forgive you. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 245) TLDP:578

Elder John Taylor

In meeting together on Sabbath days we assemble generally for the purpose of renewing our spiritual strength by partaking of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, communing with our own hearts and reflecting upon things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and of speaking and listening to those things that have a tendency to enlighten our minds and establish us in the faith, to increase and confirm our hopes, and to enable us to press onward with avidity, confidence, and renewed determination in the path which the Lord has marked out for us to travel in. (In new Tabernacle, Nov. 5, 1876, JD18:278) TLDP:582

Related Witnesses:

Elder Harold B. Lee

For Latter-day Saints, to offer up "sacraments" in the house of prayer as the Lord commands means for you to present your devotions before the Lord in the form of songs of praise, prayers and thanksgiving, testimonies, and the partaking of the sacrament and the study of the word of God. In its most widely accepted usage it means for you to stand for any sacred right or ceremony whereby you affirm your allegiance to your Heavenly Father and His Son. (Radio Address in 1960) (Ye Are the Light of the World, p. 72) DGSM:73

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Now, what about those activities that do not fit the spirit or purpose of the Sabbath? It seems to me that the following should be avoided on the Sabbath:
—Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next day.
—Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling. ("Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy," EN1971May:6-7) TLDP:581-82

688. The Sabbath day is set apart for partaking of the sacrament (for renewing sacred covenants).

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President Joseph F. Smith
Elder David O. McKay
Elder David O. McKay
President Spencer W. Kimball
Dallin H. Oaks
Elder George Albert Smith
Joseph Smith
Elder Harold B. Lee
Moroni, son of Mormon
Jesus

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

In the present dispensation, at the time of the organization of the Church, the Lord said: "It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus." . . .
To meet together often for this purpose is a requirement made of members of the Church, which is just as binding upon them in its observance as the requirement in relation to any other principle or ordinance of the gospel. No member of the Church who refuses to observe this sacred ordinance can retain the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:338) DGSM:54; TLDP:588

President Joseph F. Smith

Elder David O. McKay

My brethren and sisters, do we always stop to think, on that sacred Sabbath day when we meet together to partake of the sacrament, that we witness, promise, obligate ourselves, in the presence of one another, and in the presence of God, that we will do certain things? . . .
. . . . It is good to meet together and especially to renew our covenants with God in that holy sacrament. CR1929Oct:14-15

Elder David O. McKay

I desire to say this morning that I feel impressed to emphasize what the Lord has designated as the most important meeting in the Church, and that is the sacrament meeting. In this very text which I have read [D&C 20:75], given to Joseph Smith by revelation, the Lord refers to that special meeting. "It is expedient that the church meet together often." Not for these general purposes to which I have made brief reference, but for the specific purpose of partaking of the sacrament. He has designated a particular prayer to be offered on that occasion. He has prescribed for us only a few set prayers, one of which is the blessing on the bread and water.
Let us first consider the importance of this sacrament. It is not the only sacrament in the Church. It is particularly designated "The Lord's Supper." But if you will recall the occasion on which that was given or instituted you will agree with me that the Lord himself, the Savior, attached great importance to it. He had met with his twelve disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem. . . . He had partaken of the passover with them in accordance with the Jewish practice, and then he took bread and brake it and said, "Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you." He took the cup and blessed it, and said, "Drink ye all of it in remembrance of the blood which is shed for you, and this do in remembrance of me till I come; till we eat and drink in the kingdom of the Father." That was given just a few hours before his crucifixion. That alone establishes its importance. . . . [W]e learn further that the Lord himself revealed the significance of the sacrament to Paul, and Paul gave specific instruction to the Church at Corinth, in regard to the partaking of these important and sacred emblems. Again in this dispensation the Lord revealed specifically how this part of the worship should be conducted. All God's ordinances and ceremonies are sacred but it seems to me that there is more importance attached to this than perhaps to any other sacrament or ceremony in the Church of Christ. CR1929Oct:11

President Spencer W. Kimball

But we do not go to Sabbath meetings to be entertained or even solely to be instructed. We go to worship the Lord. It is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel. If the service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord. ("The Sabbath—A Delight," EN1978Jan:4-5) TLDP:579-80

Dallin H. Oaks

The need to keep our personal temple clean in order to have the companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost explains the importance of the commandment to partake of the sacrament on the Sabbath. (CR 1996Oct; “Always Have His Spirit”, Ensign, November 1996, p.59)

Elder George Albert Smith

In order that we may be properly taught the Lord set apart the Sabbath, on which day he has advised his people to attend divine service, to partake of the sacrament and receive instructions. (CR 1933Apr; Second Day—Morning Meeting, p.69)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus; (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:75

Elder Harold B. Lee

For Latter-day Saints, to offer up "sacraments" in the house of prayer as the Lord commands means for you to present your devotions before the Lord in the form of songs of praise, prayers and thanksgiving, testimonies, and the partaking of the sacrament. . . . (Radio Address, 1960) (Ye Are the Light of the World, p. 72) DGSM:73

Moroni, son of Mormon

And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.
6. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. (Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites, A.D. 400-421) Moroni 6:5-6

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And it came to pass that Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine unto him.
2. And while they were gone for bread and wine, he commanded the multitude that they should sit themselves down upon the earth.
3. And when the disciples had come with bread and wine, he took of the bread and brake and blessed it; and he gave unto the disciples and commanded that they should eat.
4. And when they had eaten and were filled, he commanded that they should give unto the multitude.
5. And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
6. And this shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you.
7. And this shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me. And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you.
8. And it came to pass that when he said these words, he commanded his disciples that they should take of the wine of the cup and drink of it, and that they should also give unto the multitude that they might drink of it.
9. And it came to pass that they did so, and did drink of it and were filled; and they gave unto the multitude, and they did drink, and they were filled.
10. And when the disciples had done this, Jesus said unto them: Blessed are ye for this thing which ye have done, for this is fulfilling my commandments, and this doth witness unto the Father that ye are willing to do that which I have commanded you. (The resurrected Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 18:1-10

689. Observing the Sabbath can help a person keep unspotted from worldly enticements.

Joseph Smith
Mark E. Petersen
President David O. McKay
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Harold B. Lee
Russell M. Nelson
James

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day; (Revelation, Aug. 7, 1831, with respect to the keeping of the Sabbath holy) D&C 59:9

Mark E. Petersen

We constantly talk about the worldliness of the present day and speak of the fact that our young people face more serious temptations than did those of a generation ago, and this is probably true. Also, more parents seem to be caught up in the worldliness of today than was the case a generation ago.
What can we do to protect ourselves under these hazardous circumstances? How can we better help our young people to remain unspotted from the world?
The Lord gives us the answer, and says that it can be done by sincerely observing the Sabbath day. Most people have never thought of it in this way, but note the words of the Lord in this regard: "That thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world"—note these words—"that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day." (D&C 59:9)
Think about that for a moment. Do we really believe in God—sincerely? Are we convinced that he knows what he is talking about? If we are, then will we take him and his word seriously? Or will we further trifle with divine revelation?
The Lord knows what he is talking about. Sabbath observance will help us to more fully remain unspotted from the world. CR1975Apr:70

President David O. McKay

A second purpose for keeping holy the Sabbath Day is: "That thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world." Contemplation during that sacred hour, self-communion, and higher than that, communion in thought and feeling with the Lord—the realization that He is near enough to be aware of what you are thinking. What you think about—is really what you are. . . . CR1956Oct:90

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

By obedience to this law we are to have power over evil and more fully be able to keep the commandments of the Lord and be unspotted from the sins of the world. The purpose for this day of Sabbath rest many members of the Church, apparently, fail to see, and they make excuses for not observing it as the Lord has directed in this revelation. . . . It was not made for the purpose of giving pleasure to the Lord, but for our own spiritual uplift and preparation for the things which are to come. The spiritual side of man needs attention, to be fed the things of spiritual life, to be mellowed by thought, humility and prayer, and instructed in the things of the Kingdom of God. Moreover, we need that fellowship which contact with our fellow members in the Church brings to us. This Sabbath day has been set apart that mankind may spend their time in worship and have their minds centered on the things of God free from the influences and distractions of the business and work-a-day world. A little reflection will reveal to us the reasonableness of this demand made on us and our time by our Father in heaven, and that it is given for our own good. CHMR1:218

Elder Harold B. Lee

May we not hope that in addition to our worshipful activities on the Lord's Day we might also on that day reduce the drudgery of the home to a minimum, and that outside the home only essential chores will be performed. Make this a day of prayerful, thoughtful study of the scriptures and other good books. While filled with the joy of the Sabbath, write a letter to your sweetheart or an absent loved one or a friend who may need your spiritual strength. Make your homes the places for the singing and playing of beautiful music in harmony with the spirit of the day. At evening's close as you gather at your fireside with the family alone or with friends, discuss the precious truths of the gospel and close with the benediction of family prayer. My experience has taught me that the prompting of the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day. (Decisions for Successful Living, p. 148) TLDP:579

Russell M. Nelson

We learn from experience borne of gospel living that prayer, honoring the Sabbath day, and partaking of the sacrament protect us from the bondage of sin. (CR 2004Apr; Roots and Branches, Ensign, May 2004, p.27)

Related Witnesses:

James

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (Letter to his brethren in the Church) James 1:27

690. We are to do good deeds on the Sabbath day.

President Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
President Joseph F. Smith

President Spencer W. Kimball

The Sabbath is a holy day in which to do worthy and holy things. Abstinence from work and recreation is important, but insufficient. The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer, preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and distressed, writing letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day at which he is expected. ("The Sabbath—A Delight," EN1978Jan:4-5) TLDP:579-80

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

[The Sabbath is] a day to visit the sick, a day to preach the gospel, a day to proselyte, a day to visit quietly with the family and get acquainted with our children, a day for proper courting, a day to do good. . . . ("The Fourth Commandment," M Man-Gleaner Manual for 1963-64, p. 265; The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 216) DGSM:74

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. (Jesus answers the Pharisees, who maintained a tradition against healing on the Sabbath, by healing a man's withered hand) Matthew 12:12

Jesus,
recorded in Luke

And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.
2. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?
3. And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
4. How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
5. And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
6. And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.
7. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.
8. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.
9. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?
10. And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
11. And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. (Jesus heals on the Sabbath) Luke 6:1-11

Jesus,
recorded in Luke

And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.
12. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.
13. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.
14. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
15. The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
16. And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
17. And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him. (Jesus heals a woman on the Sabbath) Luke 13:11-17

President Joseph F. Smith

God made or designated the Sabbath day for a day of rest, a day of worship, a day for goodly deeds, and for humility and penitence, and the worship of the Almighty in spirit and in truth. CR1915Apr:10

691. On the Sabbath food is to be prepared with "singleness of heart."

Joseph Smith
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
President Joseph F. Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
Elder Harold B. Lee

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full. (Revelation, Aug. 7, 1831, with respect to the keeping of the Sabbath holy) D&C 59:13

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

President Joseph F. Smith

On the Sabbath day you are to do no other thing than to prepare your food with singleness of heart, that your fasting may be perfect, and your joy may be full. This is what the Lord calls fasting and prayer.
The reason for this required course upon the Sabbath day is also plainly stated in the revelations. It is that one may more fully keep himself unspotted from the world; and to this end, also, the Saints are required to go to the house of prayer and offer up their sacraments on the Sabbath day. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 245) TLDP:578

Bruce R. McConkie

Except for the preparation of modest meals, or the pulling of the ox from the mire, as it were, on this the Lord's day, we do no other things except to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. (The Mortal Messiah, 1:203) TLDP:580-81

Related Witnesses:

Elder Harold B. Lee

692. We are not to do business or work at our jobs on the Sabbath.

Bruce R. McConkie
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Dallin H. Oaks
President Spencer W. Kimball
Nehemiah
President Joseph F. Smith
President Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Bruce R. McConkie

In the very nature of things, true Sabbath worship precludes worldly activities. Hence on that day we rest from all servile work; we lay our temporal pursuits aside for the moment; we refrain from recreational activities; we let our crops and our herds fend for themselves and our shops and our factories remain closed and idle; we leave the fish in the streams and the golf clubs in the locker room. Except for the preparation of modest meals, or the pulling of the ox from the mire, as it were, on this the Lord's day, we do no other things except to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth. (The Mortal Messiah, 1:203) TLDP:580-81

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The Savior repeatedly insists upon the hallowing of the Sabbath day. He recognized the fact that livestock must be loosed from the stall and taken to water and fed and that other chores must be done. He recognized also that the ox might get into the mire or the ass fall into the pit; but neither in the letter nor in the spirit did he ever approve the use of the Sabbath for ordinary and regular work or for amusements and play. . . . (M Man-Gleaner manual for 1963/64; The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 216) TLDP:580

Dallin H. Oaks

[A]n owner who keeps his business open on Sunday prevents his employees from attending worship services and being with their families on the Sabbath. Modern-day prophets have encouraged us not to shop on Sunday. . . . Those of us who shop on the Sabbath cannot escape responsibility for encouraging business to remain open on that day. Essential services must be provided, but most Sabbath transactions could be avoided if merchants and customers were determined to avoid doing business on the Lord's day. CR1986Oct:26

President Spencer W. Kimball

It is true that some people must work on the Sabbath. And, in fact, some of the work that is truly necessary—caring for the sick, for example—may actually serve to hallow the Sabbath. However, in such activities our motives are a most important consideration.
When men and women are willing to work on the Sabbath to increase their wealth, they are breaking the commandments; for money taken in on the Sabbath, if the work is unnecessary, is unclean money. Can you imagine a person laboring on the Sabbath in defiance of the Lord's command, and then bringing a tithe or other portion of the ill-gained fruits of this labor to Him as an offering? Just as in Old Testament times, offerings presented to the Lord must be "without blemish," and unnecessary Sabbath-day earnings can never be such. ("The Sabbath—A Delight," EN1978Jan:5) TLDP:581

Nehemiah

In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
16. There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
17. Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
18. Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. (Nehemiah corrects abuses and re-institutes Sabbath observance) Nehemiah 13:15-18

President Joseph F. Smith

Men are not resting from their labors when they plow, and plant and haul and dig. They are not resting when they linger around the home all day on Sunday, doing odd jobs that they have been too busy to do on other days. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 246) TLDP:581

President Spencer W. Kimball

I again would urge upon all Saints everywhere a more strict observance of the Sabbath day. The Lord’s holy day is fast losing its sacred significance throughout the world, at least our world. More and more, man destroys the Sabbath’s sacred purposes in pursuit of wealth, pleasure, recreation, and the worship of false and material gods. We continue to urge all Saints and God-fearing people everywhere to observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Businesses will not be open on the Sabbath if they are not patronized on that holy day. The same is true of resorts, sporting events, and recreation areas of all kinds. Pursuit of the almighty dollar is winning, it seems, over the Lord’s commandment, “Keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary” (Lev. 19:30). (CR Oct; “Hold Fast to the Iron Rod”, Ensign, November 1978, p.4)

Related Witnesses:

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

693. We should refrain from shopping on the Sabbath day, and from participating in commercial activities.

President Ezra Taft Benson
Dallin H. Oaks
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Joseph F. Smith
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
President Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley

President Ezra Taft Benson,

Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson
(First Presidency)
We should refrain from shopping on the Sabbath and participating in other commercial and sporting activities that now commonly desecrate the Sabbath. (Published letter, Sept. 28, 1992, from First Presidency to all priesthood leaders directed to be read in sacrament meetings throughout the Church)

Dallin H. Oaks

Modern-day prophets have encouraged us not to shop on Sunday. . . . Those of us who shop on the Sabbath cannot escape responsibility for encouraging business to remain open on that day. Essential services must be provided, but most Sabbath transactions could be avoided if merchants and customers were determined to avoid doing business on the Lord's day. CR1986Oct:26

President Spencer W. Kimball

We call attention also to the habit in which many buy their commodities on the Sabbath. Many employed people would be released for rest and worship on the Sabbath if we did not shop on that day. Numerous excuses and rationalizations are presented to justify the Sunday buying. We call upon all of you to keep the Sabbath holy and make no Sunday purchases. CR1974Oct:6

President Spencer W. Kimball

Sabbath-breakers too are those who buy commodities or entertainment on the Sabbath, thus encouraging pleasure palaces and business establishments to remain open—which they otherwise would not do. If we buy, sell, trade, or support such on the Lord's day we are as rebellious as the children of Israel, the dire consequences of whose transgressions against this and other commandments should be a permanent warning to us all. ("The Sabbath—A Delight," EN1978Jan:5) TLDP:581

President Joseph F. Smith

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

Now, what about those activities that do not fit the spirit or purpose of the Sabbath? It seems to me that the following should be avoided on the Sabbath: . . .
—Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other amusements. (See DBY:165.)
—Playing vigorously and going to movies. . . .
—Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and service stations. ("Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy," EN1971May:6-7) TLDP:581-82

Related Witnesses:

President Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley

694. The Sabbath is not a day for seeking pleasure and recreation.

President Joseph F. Smith
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
President Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley
Dallin H. Oaks
President Spencer W. Kimball

President Joseph F. Smith

Men are not showing zeal and ardor in their religious faith and duty when they hustle off early Sunday morning on the cars, in teams, in automobiles, to the canyons, the resorts, and to visit friends or places of amusement with their wives and children. They are not paying their devotions in this way to the Most High.
Not in seeking pleasure and recreation do they offer their time and attention in the worship of the Lord; nor can they thus rejoice in the spirit of forgiveness and worship that comes with partaking of the holy sacrament.
Boys and young men are not fasting with singleness of heart that their joy may be full when they spend the Sabbath day loafing around the village ice-cream stand or restaurant, playing games, or in buggy riding, fishing, shooting, or engaged in physical sports, excursions and outings. Such is not the course that will keep them unspotted from the world, but rather one that will deprive them of the rich promises of the Lord, giving them sorrow instead of joy, and unrest and anxiety instead of the peace that comes with works of righteousness.
Let us play and take recreation to our hearts' content during other days, but on the Sabbath let us rest, worship, go to the house of prayer, partake of the sacrament, eat our food with singleness of heart, and pay our devotions to God, that the fulness of the earth may be ours, and that we may have peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 246) TLDP:581

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The Savior repeatedly insists upon the hallowing of the Sabbath day. He recognized the fact that livestock must be loosed from the stall and taken to water and fed and that other chores must be done. He recognized also that the ox might get into the mire or the ass fall into the pit; but neither in the letter nor in the spirit did he ever approve the use of the Sabbath for ordinary and regular work or for amusements and play. . . . (M Man-Gleaner manual for 1963/64, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 216) TLDP:580

President Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, Charles W. Nibley

(First Presidency)
The Lord's day is a holy day—not a holiday. It has been set apart as a day of rest and worship. A sacred Sabbath begets reverence for God. It is not pleasing in His sight that the day be given over to pleasure seeking in places of amusement or elsewhere.
Sunday Schools and meetings have been so arranged as to meet the convenience of the people and leave a considerable portion of the Sabbath day without Church appointments. We earnestly appeal to the people to keep their meeting appointments faithfully and to utilize that portion of Sunday not appointed for meetings in promoting family association in the home, with the purpose of stimulating and establishing greater home fealty, a closer companionship among parents and children, and more intimate relations among all kindred.
We believe that it is unnecessary for families to go beyond their own homes or those of their kindred for the relaxation and association which are proper for the Sabbath day, and we therefore discourage more traveling than is necessary for this purpose and attendance upon appointed meetings.
Let all unnecessary labor be suspended and let no encouragement be given by the attendance of members of the Church at places of amusement and recreation on the Sabbath day. If Sunday is spent in our meetings and in our homes great blessings will come to our families and communities. (Liahona, the Elders' Journal, Oct. 8, 1940, pp. 195-96) MOFP5:260

Dallin H. Oaks

I am sorry when any Latter-day Saint does not understand the precious blessing that comes to those who keep the commandment to offer up their sacraments upon each Sabbath day. What is there in life—on the lakes or streams, in places of commercial recreation, or at home reading the Sunday paper—that can provide anything comparable to these blessings? No recreational pleasure can equal the cleansing renewal and the spiritual guidance and growth God has promised those who faithfully partake of the sacrament and honor Him each Sabbath day. I give thanks for the fulfillment of those promises in my life and affirm their availability to all. (CR 2002Apr; The Gospel in Our Lives, Ensign, May 2002, p.33)

President Spencer W. Kimball

I again would urge upon all Saints everywhere a more strict observance of the Sabbath day. The Lord’s holy day is fast losing its sacred significance throughout the world, at least our world. More and more, man destroys the Sabbath’s sacred purposes in pursuit of wealth, pleasure, recreation, and the worship of false and material gods. We continue to urge all Saints and God-fearing people everywhere to observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Businesses will not be open on the Sabbath if they are not patronized on that holy day. The same is true of resorts, sporting events, and recreation areas of all kinds. Pursuit of the almighty dollar is winning, it seems, over the Lord’s commandment, “Keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary” (Lev. 19:30). (CR 1978Oct; “Hold Fast to the Iron Rod”, Ensign, November 1978, p.4)

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Monday, December 16, 2013

Sabbath Day

682. We are to keep the Sabbath holy as a sacred day.

Related Witnesses:

683. Sabbath day observance is a distinguishing characteristic of God's chosen people.

Related Witnesses:

684. Observance of the weekly Sabbath (generally on Sunday, the first day of the week) is commanded by the Lord.

Related Witnesses:

685. The Sabbath is a day for us to rest; we are not to work at our temporal labors.

Related Witnesses:

686. We are not to permit our children, our guests, servants, or our animals to labor on the Sabbath.

687. On the Sabbath we are to worship God in church.

Related Witnesses:

688. The Sabbath day is set apart for partaking of the sacrament (for renewing sacred covenants).

Related Witnesses:

689. Observing the Sabbath can help a person keep unspotted from worldly enticements.

Related Witnesses:

690. We are to do good deeds on the Sabbath day.

691. On the Sabbath food is to be prepared with "singleness of heart."

Related Witnesses:

692. We are not to do business or work at our jobs on the Sabbath.

Related Witnesses:

693. We should refrain from shopping on the Sabbath day, and from participating in commercial activities.

Related Witnesses:

694. The Sabbath is not a day for seeking pleasure and recreation.