The Shift from Sabbath to Sunday

Title: The Shift from Sabbath to Sunday: Understanding the Christian Day of Worship

For centuries, the debate has raged among Christians regarding which day should be observed as the day of worship – Saturday, the traditional Sabbath day of the Old Testament, or Sunday, the day of the Resurrection in the New Testament. While both viewpoints have their merits, a closer examination of biblical, historical, and theological evidence suggests that Sunday, not the Old Testament Sabbath day, should be the day of Christian worship.

### The Significance of Sunday in the New Testament

Central to the Christian faith is the belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The New Testament accounts unanimously affirm that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is Sunday (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1). This event transformed the disciples' understanding of the Sabbath and led them to gather for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Furthermore, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, another significant event in Christian history, also occurred on a Sunday (Acts 2:1). This further solidifies the theological significance of Sunday as a day of celebration and worship for Christians.

### Early Christian Practices and Traditions

The earliest Christian communities, guided by the teachings of the apostles, established the practice of gathering for worship on the first day of the week. Historical records indicate that by the end of the first century, Sunday had become the primary day for Christian gatherings and worship services.

The Didache, an early Christian document from the late first or early second century, instructs believers to gather on the Lord's Day (Sunday) for worship, emphasizing its distinction from the Jewish Sabbath. Similarly, the writings of Ignatius of Antioch and Justin Martyr, both early Church fathers, affirm the observance of Sunday as the Christian day of worship.

### Theological Shift and Symbolism

The transition from Sabbath observance to Sunday worship reflects the theological shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The Sabbath, with its focus on rest and remembrance of creation, foreshadowed the rest and salvation found in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). However, the resurrection of Jesus brought about a new creation and a new day of worship.

Sunday, often referred to as the "Lord's Day," carries profound symbolism as the day of Christ's victory over sin and death. It symbolizes the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the dawn of a new era in salvation history. By gathering on Sunday, Christians commemorate not only the resurrection but also anticipate the future consummation of God's kingdom.

While the Sabbath holds a significant place in Jewish tradition and history, the New Testament presents Sunday as the day uniquely associated with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the birth of the Christian Church. Early Christian practices and theological considerations further support the observance of Sunday as the Christian day of worship.

Ultimately, the choice of Sunday as the day of worship is not merely a matter of tradition or convenience but is deeply rooted in the foundational events and teachings of the Christian faith. As believers gather on the first day of the week, they proclaim their allegiance to the risen Lord and participate in the ongoing celebration of God's saving work in Jesus Christ.

### Is the Sabbath for Christians?

If recent emails I have received are any true indication, Sabbath worship among those who claim to be Christians is becoming more and more popular. Recently, I have heard that the Sabbath was never changed by God; that we are still under obligation to keep it; that refusal to keep it is the mark of the beast; that it was invented by Roman Catholics in order to worship the Sun god. We will go to the Bible and a little history to get at the truth.

The Heresy of Sabbath-Keeping

The New Testament teachings of Paul, far from teaching the necessity of the Sabbath, show that such a teaching is pure heresy. First, consider this passage:

Colossians 2:16 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:“ 17 “Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

In this passage, Paul says that the keeping of Sabbath days was only a shadow of things to come. He told the Colossians not to let anyone judge them concerning the keeping of the Sabbath days (and other Jewish holy days). Since the Colossians were saved Gentiles who would not have originally kept the Sabbath, Paul is referring to those who would judge them for not keeping the Sabbath. In other words, Paul is clearly saying that the keeping of the Sabbath is no longer necessary. Those who would judge anyone else for not keeping the Sabbath are the ones who are wrong. Here is another important passage:

Galatians 4:9 “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?” 10 "Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years." 11 "I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."

In Galatians, Paul refers to the observing of days (which would include the keeping of the Sabbath) as one of the "weak and beggarly elements" which put men in "bondage." He is fearful (as he says in many ways throughout the book of Galatians) that they are ready to return to the bondage of Judaism after Jesus Christ has made them free.

The Sabbath as a Sign for Israel

The Bible clearly teaches that the Sabbath was given as a gift to the people of Israel. It was a special sign of God’s covenant between Himself and Israel. Exodus 31:12-18 teaches this special relationship between Israel and the keeping of the Sabbath. Note especially verses sixteen and seventeen:

Exodus 31:16 “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.”

To require Gentiles to keep the Sabbath is to attempt to make Jews out of them. It is true that in Old Testament times Gentiles went to the Jew to find the way of salvation. However, in this age of grace, the Bible is just as clear that Jews must come to the Gentiles to find the way to God. Peter, in referring to the salvation of the Gentile Cornelius and his household, said, “But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.” (Acts 15:11). In other words, Jews (like Peter) must be saved according to the pattern of Gentiles (like Cornelius).

New Testament Worship on the First Day

These modern Sabbath-keepers teach that worshipping on the first day of the week was an invention of the Roman Catholics when they assimilated many pagan practices. First of all, Roman Catholicism was not really established as such until the fourth century after Christ. Up until that time, there were some minor moves toward giving an elevated place to the church at Rome, but there was nothing approaching Catholicism. In fact, it took several centuries after this time for them to consolidate their power into one head at Rome.

At any rate, worshipping on the first day of the week began immediately after the resurrection of Christ and continued from that time. 

Consider the following points: 

Jesus Christ Rose From The Dead On The First Day Of The Week (Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:2, 9; Luke 24:1; John 20:1).

The Day Of Pentecost, When The Holy Ghost Came Down In Power, Was On The First Day Of The Week (Acts 2:1; Leviticus 23:15-16).

The Early Church Habitually Met On The First Day Of The Week (John 20:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

The First Day Of Every Week We Remember The Resurrection Of Our Lord As The Beginning Of A New Dispensation In Which We Are No Longer Under The Law But Under Grace (Romans 6:14-15; Galatians 4:21; Galatians 5:18).

CONCLUSION: The Roman Catholic Church Was Not Established Until About Three Centuries After Christ. Christians Meeting On The First Day Of The Week Began Immediately After The Resurrection Of Christ.

Historical Support for First Day Worship

Finally, consider how early Christians began to worship on the first day of the week according to the historical records. It was mentioned as the day of worship by the following men or in the following writings:

Ignatius in his Ad Magnesios written about 115AD. 

An unknown author in The Epistle of Barnabas probably written between 107 and 120AD.

Justin Martyr who lived from about 100 to 165AD.

Tertullian who lived from about 160 to 220AD.

These are just some of the earliest examples. The evidence to the contrary just does not match up. Before the completion of the New Testament and immediately afterwards, the Christian day of worship was the first day of the week. On that special day every week we come together to worship God and to remember that we serve a risen Saviour. Those who teach otherwise try to bring Christians back under the bondage of the law. Their false doctrine should be rejected. Let us worship our Saviour truly on the day of His resurrection.

Sabbath Keepers EXPOSED!

Keeping the Sabbath is evidence of salvation?

There is not the slightest hint in the New Testament that the Sabbath was changed or abolished?

WRONG! Colossians 2:14,16-17 state quite the contrary... "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross... Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." The Old Testament SABBATH was a CEREMONIAL LAW, which pictured Jesus Christ, in whom we rest for the salvation of our souls. This is evidenced by Hebrews 4:2-4, which state...

"For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works."

This passage of Scripture clearly evidences the fact that the Sabbath Day was only symbolic of a person's faith (i.e., solely resting) in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Mankind attempted to work his way to Heaven through self-righteousness, but he utterly failed (Romans 3:19; James 2:10). This is represented by man working 6-days prior to the Sabbath Day. Today, Jesus is our Sabbath, i.e., He is the fulfillment of what the Sabbath Day symbolized. In Christ we solely and completely rest for salvation. Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He was buried, and He resurrected from the dead three days later according to 1st Corinthians 15:1-4. This is the gospel (good news) message that brings salvation to them that believe (Romans 1:16). Colossians 2:16,17 state, "...or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come..." A shadow is only cast when the sun is afar off in the distance. Once the sun rises overhead, the shadow vanishes away. Hence, when Jesus Christ fulfilled His earthly mission, He took the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14). There is NO Sabbath Day today. It was nailed to the cross. Jesus has become our Sabbath, and in Him alone we rest for our salvation. As you'll learn from the following passage of Scripture, the Sabbath was indeed a picture of Jesus Christ, Who is our Sabbath today in Whom we completely rest for salvation. Hebrews 4:10, “For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” Anyone who adds observing or honoring the Sabbath Day as a requirement to get to Heaven is putting forth a FALSE plan of salvation. Adding human effort to the gospel horribly corrupts the plan of salvation. You cannot experience the new birth unless you acknowledge that you are a guilty sinner in God's eyes (Romans 3:19), and receive the gospel (good news) of Christ's death on the cross for your sins, His burial, and His bodily resurrection from the dead three days later (1st Corinthians 15:1-4). Thus, Seventh Day Adventism is a satanic religion, rooted in the New World Order (NWO), and will take you to the Lake of Fire if you adhere to their errant teachings concerning salvation. SDA's are sneaky, showing superficially that they are Christians, while at the same time corrupting the meaning of faith by teaching that a person must fulfil all the obligations [as they understand it] of being a Christian in order to be saved (tithing, Sabbath Keeping, good works, et cetera). SDA's also teach that blatant heresy that Michael became Jesus, as do the Jehovah's Witnesses. Beware of NWO religions.

Sabbath Keepers Pervert the Scriptures and Worship the Sabbath

Erwin Gane further states...

When we have true faith in Christ, we will not argue about whether it is convenient to keep holy His Sabbath day. We will do it because Jesus asks us to. Our Sabbath keeping will be the result and the evidence of our faith in Him. We will observe the Sabbath day as a memorial of creation ad a sign of Christ's work of sanctification in our hearts. Sabbath keeping will be not only a sign of Christ's work for us, but also an observance that strengthens our relationship with Him. It will be a vital part of our Christian walk and a tremendous blessing to us as we prepare for the seal of God and an eternity with our Lord.

Sabbath Keepers are idolaters, worshipping the creature more than the Creator. You'd think nothing else mattered in life except the Sabbath Day from listening to these heretics. What did God say in Colossians 2:16, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days..." God said not to become misguided by false prophets would try to lead us away from Christ. Carefully read Colossians 2:18,19... "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God." The Scriptures are very clear--only Jesus Christ is to be worshipped! Catholics worship Mary. Charismatics worship speaking-in-tongues. Sabbath-Keepers worship the Sabbath. Televangelists worship money. Christians are commanded to worship the Lord! Sabbath Keepers are "vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head..." (Colossians 2:18,19).