Sunday vs. Saturday Worship: Understanding the Shift from Sabbath to Sunday
We received a question, asking why Christians don't worship on Saturday, since that is the Sabbath day. Why do we worship on Sunday? This article explores that issue.
Introduction
As you navigate the fascinating journey of understanding Christian religious practices, one question may have caught your attention: "Why worship on Sunday?" The question delves deeper than merely observing religious rites on a particular day. It involves understanding the rationale behind the shift from the Old Testament's Saturday (Sabbath) worship to the predominantly Sunday worship observed by most Christians today.
We worship in Sunday, which we call The Lord's Day, out of a desire to follow the model of the early church and be faithful to the practice found in the New Testament.
History of the Sabbath
In the Old Testament, the concept of Sabbath was instituted as a day of rest. This mandate was established in Exodus 20:8-10 (ESV), which says, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates." The seventh day, Saturday, was set aside for rest and worship, a tradition that was faithfully observed by the Jewish people.
So, why did the early Christians move away from this tradition? "Why not worship on Saturday?" you may ask. The shift wasn't arbitrary, but rather, a recognition of an event that altered the course of history - the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Why Worship on Sunday? Sunday Worship and the Resurrection.
The early Christians began to gather and worship on Sundays as a way of commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurred on the first day of the week, Sunday, according to the Gospels. John 20:1 (ESV) states, "Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb." This monumental event marked a new beginning for the followers of Jesus, giving birth to a new covenant between God and humanity.
In the heart of the New Testament, the book of Acts provides a fascinating glimpse into the early Christian church's worship practices. While rooted in Jewish tradition, a significant shift occurred, transitioning from Sabbath (Saturday) observance to gathering on the first day of the week, Sunday. This transition, though seemingly simple, carries profound theological and practical implications that continue to shape Christian worship today.
While the Bible doesn't explicitly command Sunday worship, several passages strongly suggest it became the norm for early Christians:
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Acts 20:7: "On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight." This passage describes a clear pattern of Christians gathering on Sunday for teaching, fellowship, and the Lord's Supper.
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1 Corinthians 16:2: "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come." This suggests a regular practice of Sunday gathering for financial giving, likely tied to worship.
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Revelation 1:10: "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet..." This verse refers to Sunday as "the Lord's Day," connecting it to the resurrection of Christ and establishing its significance for Christians.
What Day Is the Sabbath?
While the question, "What day is the Sabbath?" may seem straightforward, it’s embedded within a complex theological context. According to Old Testament laws, the Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, Saturday. However, in Christian practice, the term Sabbath has often been applied to Sunday in recognition of the day of Christ's resurrection.
Most Christian traditions observe Sunday as the primary day of corporate worship and personal rest, drawing from the New Testament practices and the significance of the Resurrection.
The debate of "Sunday vs Saturday worship" is deeply rooted in history and theology. We believe that Sunday worship is important, and most closely alligns with the Bible's instruction for the church. That's why we refer to Sunday as "The Lord's Day." That said, it's important to remember that the specific day of worship is less important than the act of worship itself. In Romans 14:5 (ESV), the Apostle Paul writes, "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind."
There are many churches that have grown so large that they have worship services on Saturday night and Sunday morninig. While we are committed to corporate worship on The Lord's Day, we don't think it is a sin to gather for worship on Saturday. Therefore, whether you worship on Saturday or Sunday, the essential part is the devotion and reverence towards God. This is the heart of worship, transcending the bounds of specific days and traditional practices.
The Theological Significance of Sunday
The shift to Sunday worship wasn't arbitrary; it held deep theological meaning for early believers:
- Resurrection Day: Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of Christian faith. Gathering on this day celebrates the triumph over sin and death.
- New Creation: Just as God began creation on the first day, Sunday symbolizes the new creation inaugurated through Christ's work. It's a day of renewal and hope.
- Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples on a Sunday (Pentecost), marking the birth of the church. This event further reinforces Sunday's importance in Christian history.
- Fulfillment of the Sabbath: Some theologians believe the Old Testament Sabbath, as part of the Law of Moses, finds its fulfillment in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 states, "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ." This suggests that while the specific requirements of the Sabbath are no longer binding, the principle of rest and devotion to God remains central to the Christian life.
The Importance of Gathering for Worship
Beyond historical significance, gathering for worship is a vital spiritual practice for believers (Hebrews 10:25: "Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Daydrawing near."):
- Corporate Worship: We are not meant to live the Christian life in isolation. Worshiping together fosters community, encourages one another, and creates a sense of belonging.
- Hearing God's Word: When we gather, we hear the Scriptures proclaimed, receiving instruction, correction, and encouragement.
- Sacraments: Many churches observe the Lord's Supper or other sacraments during corporate worship, reaffirming our faith and unity in Christ.
- Prayer and Fellowship: Corporate prayer lifts up shared concerns and praises, while fellowship builds relationships and provides support.
What Should Happen When the Church Gathers?
While specific practices vary among denominations, some essential elements characterize meaningful Christian worship:
- Proclaiming the Gospel: The message of salvation through Jesus Christ should be central to every gathering.
- Worshiping through Music: Singing praises to God is a powerful expression of faith and joy.
- Prayer: Both corporate and individual prayer are vital for communication with God.
- Teaching and Preaching: Expounding the Scriptures provides guidance and instruction for living a godly life.
- Giving: Generosity is a hallmark of Christian faith, reflecting our gratitude for God's provision.
Conclusion
The shift from Sabbath to Sunday worship in the early church was a significant development, rooted in deep theological symbolism and practical considerations. While the day itself is not the focus, gathering for worship on Sunday provides an opportunity for believers to celebrate Christ's resurrection, receive spiritual nourishment, and strengthen their bonds as a community. As you participate in corporate worship, remember the rich history and spiritual significance behind this practice.
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NOTE FROM WISDOM INTERNATIONAL
Here is the English translation of this content. (We do not agree that Christians are bound to the OT Sabbath laws. ) "The human race has no authority to change the law written by the hand of God. Although it is good to gather together for something else, it is an unforgivable sin to violate the sanctity of the Sabbath."
As much good intentions our early fathers may have had, still, there is no recorded message from God through the apostles to inform us of a change in God's law.
Just like when the Jews had Moses give them a writing of divorce, and Christ told them it was because of their hard hearts, pointing them back to God's original desiire for mankind.
No, there's nothing wrong with worshipping God at any time. The problem comes with the way Christians treat God's true Sabbath. They do not keep it holy.
This: "13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:" Isaiah 58
Did you get the part where God says to honor Him by honoring His Sabbath? it's still part of God's 10 commandments. The idea that just because it wasn't mentioned after the four Gosples, it no longer applies to Christians is a lie. Because there were time when Paul used some of the 10 commandments, but not all of them. And not all of the books of the Bible were written at the same time. So, if just because they aren't mentioned they no longer apply, then there are a few of the other commandments which would no longer apply.
Plus God tells us in Isaiah 66:23 "And it shall come to pass that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me,” saith the Lord." So, why would God tell us to forget what He embedded within His holy law, just to have us keep it once we get to heaven.
As I said, sunday was a day of celebration. Just as we would do for Chrismass. There is no holy significance placed on them by God.
And when you consider what God does to make something, (OR SOMEONE), holy, it should reshape your understanding of the Sabbath.
This can begin by remembering what God said when Moses approached the burning bush. He told Moses to remove his shoes, because the ground Moses was standing on, was holy. And it was because God's prescence was there at that time.
And we are made holy because God's Spirit is within us.
So, when God made the Sabbath holy, it was because He placed His prescence into that block of time.
There is no biblical reason for us to not keep God's Sabbath holy. It is a sin not to do so. And God tells us that the wages of sin is death. So, we need to repent and turn around and begin to remember to keep holy God's Sabbath.
If any disciple had told the people to forget keeping God's Sabbath, they would be contradicting God's Word, and Paul warned them to turn from those who would teach to reject God's Word.