The Christian Sabbath
Last Saturday night our youth met together again (as we do), this time to discuss a matter which I’d never given any proper thought or study before;
“Why do we meet together on Sunday, rather than Saturday?”
Like last time, here are just my notes, I ’said’ much more. You’ll have to look up all the references yourself. There were also questions concerning the keeping of the day [holy], but I’ll be dealing with that on Saturday week.
Why have Sunday as our Sabbath, not Saturday?
Firstly, we must recognise that the switch from Sunday to Saturday is not a direct command from scripture, nor is it explicitly stated. However, neither is the Trinity, but we know it’s clearly implied and taught in scripture.
So it is with the Christian Sabbath. There is sufficient biblical warrant to meet together on a Sunday in the New Testament dispensation.
1. It’s the day of Christ’s Resurrection
Matt 28:9; Luke 24:15-31, 36; John 20:19, 26.
This is not an accident. It’s clearly noted for a purpose. This is the day when the Lord Jesus’ victory over the power of death, was clearly proved. As the Sabbath in the O.T. economy reminded the people of God’s work in creation, so the resurrection reminds us of Christ doing that which is necessary to create new life in us. We are “new creatures in Christ”, and because He lives, we shall live also.
2. Practice of New Testament Church
They met together on the day of the resurrection, and the Sunday after; John 20:19-26
Pentecost Sunday in Acts 2:1, they were all together. However, particularly note Acts 20:7. Those who advocate a Saturday Sabbath, tell us the people came together to say goodbye to Paul, before he left the next day. Look at what it says though; it tells us why them came together, to break bread.
1 Cor 16:1-2 - Why did they collect money on the first day? The argument that it would be breaking the Sabbath to collect money for the poor, so they gave in their money the following day, cannot be sustained from scripture.
3. Why call it the ‘Lord’s Day’?
Revelation 1:10 - Some think any/every day could be the “Lord’s Day”.
If that is so, it doesn’t make sense. It is clearly John’s intention to tell us when this took place. It had to be a unique day, identifiable to the people by that name.
The only other place in the Bible where you find the same Greek word used for ‘the Lord’s’ (as an adjective), is in 1 Cor 11:20. Here Paul is speaking of the Lord’s Supper, which, although it could have been taken at any time the people met together (Acts 2:46), the Bible and Christian history records that is was generally observed on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
So, doesn’t it make sense, that ‘the Lord’s Supper’, which took place on the first day of the week, might bring the church to call that day, ‘the Lord’s Day’?
Conclusion
One could go into greater detail, especially when it comes to the extra-biblical recorded practice of early Christian’s, and although it’s not the most clear teaching in the scriptures, I feel there is enough above to give an understanding which would heighten the confidence of those who practice collective worship on Sunday.
What do you know of Sunday worship? Have you ever given it much thought?
Very interesting and worth looking into.
The keeping of the Sabbath day is obviously very, very important, because not to would obviously be sin! So I always thought it made sense that if God worked mighty revivals in the past through great men like spurgeon, Nicholson and such like, who obviously kept the Lords day on the Sunday, then how can the Sabbath be on a Saturday, unless God used these men whilst they were in direct disobediance to Gods law?
I have thought about this Armen,
Good points BTW David!
I have wondered if it is more about keeping one day in seven holy unto God?
Is it likely that with the passage of time, and the changing of various calendars, even down to the number of days in a year etc…is it likely that we are still on a precise cycle of seven days…since the first day of creation?
I think if one day in seven is kept holy unto the Lord, and this is done with the right intentions and motives…god would know the heart.
Romans ch 14
“Let every man be persuaded in his own heart”
Just my thoughts
Sorry…If I could I would edit that “g” to make it “G”
This is a very interesting point as many arguments has arisen from it.
I believe Jesus was not strict about it not because he did not care but because religous fanactism ruined the whole meaning and point of having the Sabbath.
In regards to Davids comment - God healed etc on the Sabbath, so while its important its not a cause to be religous about it (ie walking on grass counts as work as your cutting it).
In regards to Armens post, I have a few more points:
I remember reading something that a lot of the earlier Christians were slaves and Sunday was their only day off and hence met that day.
Also Sunday is the first day of the week and so worshiping God on the first day of the week is important as is giving your first fruits.
David - I see where you’re coming from, but the argument doesn’t really hold when you consider the fact that God has used both Arminian men and Calvinistic men mightily in the past. The difference between these two doctrinal paths is probably greater than what day the Sabbath is to be observed. Again, it’s just further proof that Christian living is more about the heart than the head.
Glenn - Now there’s a few things to ponder.
Interestingly, I’ve thought about both these questions.
The first one doesn’t seem to apply in the scriptures at all, but what if someone always had to legitimately work every Sunday. They’d never get any rest, or any time to give more particular devotion to God. Knowing that the Sabbath was made for man (his benefit), it seems plausible that it may be dependant on personal circumstances. Anyone else with any thoughts on this?
The second is a very interesting one. What if the days have been jumbled? Although calanders have changed since the days of Christ, history seems to indicate that the days have never changed. Some countries were in different times of the month, but all of them were living in Wednesday when it was Wednesday: just the date may have been different. Even when they changed the dates, the rotation of the days stayed the same. However, we’re relying on recorded history here.
I think it’s also interesting to note, that the Sabbath day isn’t a 24 hour period, technically speaking. It’s from sunset to sunset, according to the scriptures. That means, your Saturday night is the Sabbath, and your Sunday night is not. Right?
I think we need to be very careful in this area. Like you said Glenn, let us be persuaded by conscience.
I’m a bit late on this one (but, I almost never comment, now, do I).
I’ve noticed the recurrence of the number seven throughout the Bible and the church. I have never connected it to the calendar, though.
“I have wondered if it is more about keeping one day in seven holy unto God?”
There is something to be said for convention. There are those who would say that its against man’s nature to prefer order, but there is so much evidence chronicled in front of our faces.
And, as I always do when I am presented with a biblical reference, I don’t restrict my reading to the verses quoted, as I need a context, which means I read 10 times as much as I’ve been asked to. Thanks, Armen. Its been too long since I’ve cracked open the NKJV.
Lets look at it from a practical pov. Have you every tried working solid for seven days? Its hard work, we need our REST, I leave my computer turned off on Sundays and that one day off actually makes me more productive….
Also it is now a proven fact that for farmers to ‘rest’ a field for a year will also provide greater results. I came from a farming town.
God knows what he is doing….
Do all Arminians celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday? Wasnt really my intention to just list the ‘calvinists’, sorry if i caused offence to anyone! ; )
Armen- When you say ‘dependant on personal circumstances’ could this view lead to, e.g. if someone could not keep Saturday/Sunday holy because of a personal circumstance that arose, could this person then say ‘i could definately keep this…Tuesday holy, as long as its 1 out of 7.’ Could this be justifiable or just too extreme?!
ps. Armen- I havent left many comments for a while…now you probably wish it stayed that way! lol
Also there is the possibility that it may depend on your upbringing. I was brought up, as you may have figured from my first comment, to believe that the Lords Day was on the Sunday, therefore it could be said that I should endevour at all times to keep that day aside from all the rest to be a day Holy wholey unto God. And of course the same may be said of those who hold the Sabbath as the Saturday.
Really enjoying reading all your thoughts folks.
Jermayn - What makes you say Jesus wasn’t strict on this? I know He taught the Pharisees that acts of necessity and mercy are permitted (eating or rescuing an animal), but I don’t know if we could conclude that He wasn’t strict.
Also, I admire the fact you keep your computer switched off on a Sunday. I don’t do this entirely. I mean, I’m away from the house from first thing in the morning until well into the evening, but when I come home I’ll always check email. I don’t think I’ve ever posted on this blog on a Sunday. I make a conscious and deliberate effort not to ‘blog’. Without a doubt, there are many unrealised benefits in keeping a day of rest.
Corey - Hey man, thanks for throwing in your thoughts too.
“I’ve noticed the recurrence of the number seven throughout the Bible and the church. I have never connected it to the calendar, though.”
The interesting thing about the 7 day week, is that there is no ‘reason’ for it. By that I mean, we have universal scientific, and practical reasons why we have a ‘day’ (the rotation of the earth on its axis), a ‘month’ (the lunar cycle), and a ‘year’ (earth’s orbit around the sun). But, there is no ‘reason’ for a seven day week. It’s not a strong argument, but it seems to point further to the reality that God created the world, and gave us the seven day week therein.
In regards to the fact you lift a Bible to read a given text in context…man, I wish ‘preachers’ would learn to do this!!!
David - “Do all Arminians celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday?”
Sorry David, that’s not what I meant. I just meant, Arminians (for one example) believe the erroneous idea that man can bring himself to God. That’s way off base, but God still blesses many who hold that idea.
In regards to “personal circumstances”, I know some may consider this dangerous ground. However, these things must be searched diligently and honestly. I do think we need to be careful with this train of thought, so firstly, let me state that I believe anyone who is frequently avoiding collective worship with other Christians, isn’t a Christian themselves. I believe strongly that we must make every effort to be in God’s house at those designated times when they meet. I may write about this in the future.
But, what if one was a policeman/nurse, and was required to work three out of four Sundays? How are they to get the benefit of a day of rest, fellowship, and edification under the preached Word?
a) Is it wrong for them to work these hours? Someone has to do it, so why not them?
b) Is it wrong for them to take another day in the week, and as much as is possible, treat it like they would if they weren’t working on a Sunday?
These are real questions to a real issue.
As for your upbringing, maybe. It seems there may have been Jews converted, who continued to meet on a Saturday, but I’m not 100% sure. I’m reading up on it
I suppose you could argue the fact that basing your belief on your upbringing may not be a true conviction of the heart but rather…its just what you do.
In regards to working on the Lords Day, we need to distinguish between-
Circumstances, (e.g. Theres gona be huge surf this Sunday and it not to last till Monday!)
Unavoidable circumstances, (e.g. The boss says i have to work on Sunday or I’ll lose my job!)
Works of neccessity, (e.g. Nurse, police, ect.)
Jesus did say ‘works of neccessity and mercy’, so when does neccessity become neccessity?
I think thats all i’ll comment on this in the mean time and let you ‘read up on it’, Ill look forward to hearing your answers, all the best!
@Armen - I say that Jesus was not ’strict’ not because he did not give a stuff about the day, he did go to church on sats, he participated in feasts etc BUT he did eat, do things and allowed his disciples to as well (eat grains from harvest etc). He kept the sabbath but he was not strict like the Jews in that he could not do anything.
@David M - In the case of a good surf, do what my old man does and have a surf before church and if its still good, one after church as well.
In the case of work, I do believe that you should NOT work on Sunday, most bosses will work around that day especially when there are others who will work it (and get paid extra for it). And if you do have to work it, work the shift around church, not all churches consist of the WHOLE day.
You should want to go to church/ sabbath etc, it should be something you want to do, spend time with God and Gods people in fellowship. So if your wanting to be at church, nothing will stop you, including football, the surf and even work.
Is it ever acceptable for a church to buy oil on the Sabbath if they run out?
Just to clarify… I’m talking about heating oil.
David - Yeah, background doesn’t hold much weight as an argument.
Your divisions are fairly appropriate. There’s definitely some things we can and can’t do. Technically, Jesus didn’t say “acts of necessity and mercy” in those words, but that’s what is taught, and so it has been worded like that by the Westminster Confession of Faith. Some areas may be determined grey, and up to conscience. However, I don’t think there’s any argument to support playing sport, or opening up the corner shop just to sell a few more pints of milk and loaves of bread.
Jermayn - I’d argue that Jesus did give a stuff about the day. The fact of the matter was, the Pharisees had developed their own interpretation of how to keep the Sabbath, and to them it was all about being seen of men, rather than doing it in heart worship and love for God.
Kyle - I wouldn’t think so. Maybe if it was absolutely baltic, and there was no other way to heat the building.
I’d be very reluctant though, because it would be basically sanctioning the business owners desire to make money on the Lord’s Day.
Armen - Im not saying that Jesus didnt give a stuff about the Sabbath! Thats not right, he did! He went to it, participated, read scriptures etc.
What he however did was show and demonstrated that ‘just’ going to the sabbath makes you saved…
@Kyle - think thats a bit religous asking those types of questions.
opps just re-read my above post!
should be:
What he however did was show and demonstrate that ‘just’ going to the sabbath DOES NOT make you saved….
It is like just going to church today does not make you saved.
He was curcified in the middle of the week Wed. Simple math… wed. night, thurs. day (day 1) thurs night, fri. day, (day 2) fri. night sat. day, (day 3.) He did not rise on sun. he rose Sat. evening at twilight. Otherwise scripture would be untrue giving him 3 days four nights in the grave.
Bryan - Welcome!
Before I give an answer, I’d like you to maybe give some scriptural references? In particular, please give reference to why you think Christ was crucified on a Wednesday? According to my Bible, it’s nothing short of an impossibility.
Thank you, I will try to give an answer without being too long winded and still make sense.
First of all we know that Jesus was in the grave for three days and three nights, He himself testifies to this concerning the sign of Jonah (Mt.12:38-40) and also other places talks about the “72″ hour event. Jn 2:18-21, Mt. 16:21, Mt. 27:63-64. Now, we also know that Jesus was the “first fruits” of the saints. (1cor. 15:20-23) and a couple other places. Jesus fullfilled the feast of Passover by becomming our passover lamb and by his ressurection fulfilled the “festival of first fruits” by the first fruit harvest of the saints. Now passover is on the 14 of Nissan and is not a Sabbath however the first day of Unlevened bread is a Sabbath and that is on the 15 of Nissan and of course the 21st of Nissan is also a Sabbath (Lev. 23:7-8) In between those two Sabbaths of unleavend bread falls the the Feast of First Fruits of the harvest. (Lev.23:10-15) First Fuits is not a Sabbath, but follows the weekly seventh day Sabbath. (we know it follows the weekly Sabbath and not the “15″ Sabbath because Jesus rose on the beginning of First Fruits in order to “Be” the fulfillment of the First Fruits), and it had to be or He certainly would not have been in the grave long enough if He rose on the 16th. Another side note here the Biblical “Day” starts in the evening and goes till the next evening. (Gen. 1:5) Interestingly enough there is a time between sunset and complete darkness (some would call it twilight) kind-of fades into the next.(my own term “fades”). So, as I see it, there is only one possible scenerio that could have Jesus being the passover lamb and the First Fruits of the harvest and have him in the grave for 72 hours. Wed. at 3:00 (or shortly thereafter) he dies and gets put into the grave at the end of the 14.(Mk15:33(the 3pm part) - Sat. He rises at the end of the 17th, becomming our First Fruits!!
Blessings
yes I agree that if you must work on sun then Godknow the heart and yes I think it acceptable that one could worshp and treat another day as a sunday. Also on the same matter that if one was required to work 3 out of 4 sundays then I should make it a matter of prayer. God can bring about changes in our work of duties too. I know.