Hungary recently passed a new Sunday closing law that will go into effect March 15, 2015. The new law requires large stores of over 200 square meters to remain closed on Sundays while leaving small family owned businesses free to trade. Exceptions to the new law include airports, tourist areas, train stations, hospitals, pharmacies, tobacconists, farmer’s markets, bakeries and petrol stations. There are also restrictions on trading hours.
The change in the law was proposed by the Christian Democrats, a largely Roman Catholic political group. Prime Minister Viktor Orban supported the new ‘Sabbath law’ which “recognizes Sunday as a Christian day of rest…
Germany and Austria have similar restrictions in place, but critics point to the economic impact involved and also the potential loss of jobs. But it appears that no one in the media noted that this new law would lay the foundation for stricter Sunday laws including Sunday worship laws eventually. Recognizing or enforcing one religion or one version of Christianity and its worship day by law is a dangerous precedent that will make it much easier to enforce Sunday worship laws and anti-Sabbath laws later. The Roman Catholic Church urges nations to recognize her alternative day of rest in various ways. It should be no surprise that the Christian Democrats in ultra-conservative Hungary have initiated this move.
“All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him…” Revelation 13:8
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Comments
Warrine Harden
Sunday January 4th, 2015 at 01:15 PMWe can see where this is leading!
Domonic
Wednesday January 7th, 2015 at 11:14 AMthis is really scary, I thought that I would die be for this all happens and i’m only 17. May the Lord GOD be with us all in these dark times and keep us strong in times of trial.
Uncledon
Saturday March 14th, 2015 at 05:03 AMDomonic, greetings from Australia
How sad I have not heard one protest from the SDA Church or any of the so called Independents over these Sunday Laws.
What a contrast to their reaction in 1888! Hundreds went to Court, Goal, and even the Chain Gang in those days, with the full support of EGW.
The real 1888 Message has been lost. Why? Uncledon.
Damian
Monday January 5th, 2015 at 08:54 AMThis is another step leading up to the Mark of the Beast! I pray that my family and I will be receive the Seal of God.
J'eniver
Saturday January 10th, 2015 at 03:26 AMMay we diligently study the Bible – the Word of God – especially the books of Daniel and Revelation as we see prophecy being fulfilled. Christ is soon to return. Let us stay faithful unto the end knowing that God is on our side.
Bonnie Bailey
Monday February 2nd, 2015 at 03:41 AMThe Sunday law has already been enforced in different countries, believe me, it will be coming here too. We must leave the cites and go to the country, where it will be much safer, don’t put off. Please believe!
admin
Monday February 2nd, 2015 at 09:34 PMWhich countries and what Sunday law? A Sunday closing law is not the same as a Sunday worship law. Sunday closing laws are the lowest level of Sunday laws. They lay the foundation for higher levels. Then comes Sunday rest laws, Sunday worship laws, and lastly Anti-Sabbath laws (which are the most severe). Hungary has a Sunday closing law, so has Germany, Belgium and a few other European nations. Perhaps there are others. -Pr. Mayer
Uncledon
Wednesday March 25th, 2015 at 05:34 AMHi Bonnie,
I have been waiting to see your reply to Pr Mayer’s comment. Then again they are very unusual and confusing questions he asks you.
Twice when we attended his meetings here in Australia I disputed his redefining the meaning of Sunday Laws.
Simply put he does not believe that Sunday Laws will be the final test for the true followers of God as stated in the book Great Controversy p.449, and believed by SDA’s in 1888.
He believes as did the Pharisees of old that the Sabbath is the final test and a death decree will be issued for those refusing to work on Saturday! A law such as this could no way be called a Sunday Law. It would be a Saturday Law!
In my opinion Pr Mayer follows the Roman Catholic Catechism version of the Fourth Commandment that only says “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” This ignores the 2nd and larger part which says – “Six days shalt thou labour.” Exodus 20:9. and “ In it (The Sabbath) thou shalt not do any work” V 10
The issue is over work and rest, and this is how we worship the Creator or the Devil and receive the Mark of the Beast in the book of Revelation. When God re-educated the Children of Israel after coming out of Egypt they were not told to go to the Sanctuary and “Worship” on the Sabbath, but rather- “let no man go out of his place on the seventh day” Genesis 16:29.
In the lesson of the manna working six days was just as important to obeying God as resting on the seventh.
Admin
Wednesday March 25th, 2015 at 09:46 PMAs a human being I am not beyond the possibility of mistaking some prophetic issues. Perhaps the most important thing is to be Christlike to those with whom we disagree. I do not believe that it is wrong to work on Sunday. However, I am in agreement with EGW who says we should work in missionary lines. Here are the statements from the inspired pen of EGW, which “uncle don” disputed several years ago. “To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you law-breakers. If they are left to rein up men who fear neither God nor man, the reining up will soon lose its novelty for them, and they will see that it is not consistent nor convenient for them to be strict in regard to the observance of Sunday. Keep right on with your missionary work, with your Bibles in your hands, and the enemy will see that he has worsted his own cause. One does not receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense, doing at the same time a work of the highest importance… Sunday can be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much for the Lord. On this day open-air meetings and cottage meetings can be held. House-to-house work can be done. Those who write can devote this day to writing their articles. Whenever it is possible, let religious services be held on Sunday. Make these meetings intensely interesting. Sing genuine revival hymns, and speak with power and assurance of the Saviour’s love. Speak on temperance and on true religious experience.” Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 232, 233.
There are other statements in this section of Vol. 9 as well. The dispute is apparently over what kind of work should be done on Sunday when Sunday laws are enforced. I don’t think I have changed any definitions. I believe we need to be mindful of all the counsel of the Lord, and live according to it. I don’t see how these statements can be more clear. Pr. Mayer
Uncledon
Friday March 27th, 2015 at 10:40 PMHi Bonnie,my reply to you went by mistake to Pr. Mayer’s post I must have pressed wrong button, you can see it there and also his reply uncledon.
Butcher
Wednesday February 4th, 2015 at 02:14 AMJust to keep things in perspective: for decades stores, businesses and most workplaces in Hungary closed for the weekend midday on Saturday. And while it wasn’t specifically a “Sabbath law” under communism and the years immediately following, it had the same effect. They began staying open on Sundays with the advent of the malls.
The Orbán regime is rolling back the clock in many ways. Sunday closing is already very unpopular due to the inconvenience and job losses it will cause. Not that Orbán et al care.
Roger Brown
Sunday February 15th, 2015 at 07:21 PMWhere do you think the popes visit to the USA will lead to especially when he speaks to the Catholic Congress? And the Obama nation that is leading to self destruction? Where will it end? Obviously we are getting close to the end, if we do not have a ministry of saving souls, Bible studies, colporteur, etc. etc. our own souls will be in danger of hellfire. Take heed to the times we are living in it will not go on forever.
theteacherhasclass
Friday February 20th, 2015 at 05:31 PMPlease pray that me and my daughter will be able to make it out of the metropolitan area we’re living in now. My first initial is C and my daughter’s first initial is V. I am also requesting God’s protection during the early and actual time of trouble. Thanks so much for your prayers!