April 14th, 2011 3:07 pm ET .
Adam Hendron
As to whether Jesus was really in the grave for three days, columnist Daniel Burke quoted a scholar from the SDA Biblical Research Institute, yesterday. “Ancient Jews,” said Clinton Wahlen, “used what scholars call ‘inclusive reckoning,’ meaning any part of a day is counted as a whole day.” It’s that simple, according to the Church.
The article goes on to cite others, however, complicating the matter considerably. Indeed it seems this may have been the author’s purpose, making a general mockery of the matter. Especially in the comments section, Jesus is crucified as before.
At issue is the consistency of Scripture, which if found untrustworthy, would give men a license to sin. Carnal minds are only too eager for such an excuse, and no amount of reasoning, it seems, will persuade them. Because the Bible indicates that Jesus died Friday afternoon and arose early Sunday morning, some argue that it was not technically the “three days” that Jesus predicted in Matthew 12:40. But in chapter 17 and verse 23 of that same book, Jesus says “the third day he shall be raised.” This allows that the Lord could arise at any time during that last day, coming short of a full 72 hours. There now, are we happy?
Passion weekend is a favorite theme for Seventh-day Adventists, as it affirms their day of assembly. Scripture says of Christ’s followers, “in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulcher,” Mark 16:2. Since Sunday is held to be the first day of the week, it shows Saturday to be the true day of rest and worship. “The seventh day is the Sabbath” Exodus 20:10.
Notwithstanding the gainsaying of others, Seventh-day Adventists believe the Bible is clear enough on this subject. Moreover, they believe God supplied the prophet Ellen White—a “lesser light”—to underscore the greater light of Scripture. In vision, White beheld Christ's Passion. Not from historical writings, but as an eyewitness, she confirms what we call "crucifixion Friday" on the sixth day of the week, Saturday on the seventh, and "resurrection Sunday" the first.* …For what it’s worth.
*Ellen White references: In Heavenly Places, p. 151. The Story of Jesus, p.157. Counsels to Editors and Teachers, p. 85. Fourth Manuscripts Release, p. 288. Fifth Biographical Sketches, p. 330. Gospel Workers, p. 391. Last Day Events, pp. 127, 133 & 256. Maranatha, p. 178.
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