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.
According to Jesus, the Ten Commandments and all the moral principles in the Old Testament Scriptures are not subject to change; they are to continue to guide His followers:
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-19). Jesus faithfully honored and observed the Sabbath. He is our example in Sabbath-keeping. “He [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day” (Luke 4:16).
Looking to the future, Jesus wanted His disciples to continue experiencing the joys of true Sabbath-keeping. He instructed them to pray that, during the siege, they would not have to flee from Jerusalem on the Sabbath. “Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Matthew 24:20).
While we disagree with you, and your assessment of how we are being led, we're glad you took the time to engage with our content.
Name one Apostle that talked about that change!
whenever you find yourself trying to alienate the Old Testament from the New Testament be quick not to call our God a liar and a hypocrite (this is even absurd to write).
So, here's 5 ways for "Wisdom International" to get some "Scriptural Wisdom" about the Sabbath ;-
1. The Sabbath in Creation: A Day Instituted by God
The foundation of the Sabbath can be traced back to the creation of the world. In Genesis 2:2-3, it is written: "And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made." It is evident that the Sabbath, which falls on the seventh day, is not a human invention but was established by God Himself. He rested, blessed, and sanctified this day, setting it apart as holy. There is no mention of a change in this divine institution throughout the Old or New Testament.
The seventh day was not only a day of rest but also a symbol of the perfect creation. By resting on this day, humanity is invited to recognize God’s sovereignty as Creator. Changing the Sabbath to another day would be an alteration of a divine order that God Himself put in place at the dawn of time. God sanctified the seventh day (Sabbath/Saturday), not the first day (Sunday) of the week, as the day of rest and worship.
2. The Ten Commandments: A Perpetual Covenant
The Sabbath is more than just a tradition; it is embedded in the heart of the moral law — the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 20:8-11, the Fourth Commandment explicitly states:
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it." The wording here is clear: the seventh day is the Sabbath, not the first. Furthermore, this commandment is tied to creation, reaffirming the divine origin of the Sabbath as established in Genesis. The use of the word “remember” suggests that this was a practice that was already known and had been followed since the time of creation. God commands His people to remember and observe the seventh day as holy. The Ten Commandments represent God's unchanging moral law, a law that remains binding upon humanity. Psalm 111:7-8 states:
"The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, plus they are done in truth and uprightness."
God’s commandments are eternal, and there is no biblical evidence to suggest that the Sabbath commandment was abolished or transferred to another day. Observing the seventh-day Sabbath is a direct acknowledgment of God’s authority and His eternal covenant with His people.
3. The Example of Jesus: Faithful Sabbath Observer
Jesus Christ, during His earthly ministry, consistently observed the Sabbath. In Luke 4:16, it says:
"So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read."
Jesus’ example is significant because it shows that even the Son of God kept the Sabbath. Despite being accused of breaking the Sabbath by the religious leaders (mostly due to misunderstandings of Sabbath laws), Jesus never broke the commandment itself. Instead, He clarified its proper observance by declaring, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). This statement highlights that the Sabbath was created for the benefit of humanity — for rest, restoration, and fellowship with God — and was not intended to be a burden. Jesus also declared Himself as “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28), reaffirming the sanctity of this day. Nowhere in the Gospels is there any indication that Jesus instructed His disciples to transfer the observance of the Sabbath to the first day of the week. His entire life on earth was a model of Sabbath observance on the seventh day.
4. The Apostles and Early Church: Continuing Sabbath Observance
The apostles and the early church also continued to observe the Sabbath after Jesus' resurrection. In Acts 17:2, it is written:
"Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures."
Paul’s custom was to worship and teach in the synagogue on the Sabbath. Similarly, Acts 18:4 states that Paul “reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.” The Sabbath was not only a day for Jews but also for Gentiles, as evidenced by the growing number of non-Jewish believers who attended these meetings. The apostles did not institute Sunday as a replacement for the Sabbath; instead, they continued the biblical tradition of seventh-day Sabbath observance. It wasn’t until later centuries, particularly under the influence of Roman Emperor Constantine and the Roman Catholic Church, that Sunday was elevated as a day of worship in place of the Sabbath. However, this change was not based on biblical instruction but on human tradition.
5. The Sabbath as a Sign of Covenant and Future Rest
The Sabbath is described as a sign between God and His people. In Exodus 31:13, God tells Moses:
"Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.’"
The Sabbath is a perpetual covenant, a sign that God sanctifies His people. It sets apart those who honor God’s commandments from those who follow human traditions.
Additionally, the Sabbath foreshadows the ultimate rest that believers will experience in the Kingdom of God. Hebrews 4:9-10 states:
"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His." This passage emphasizes that the Sabbath rest is not only a memorial of creation but also a foretaste of the eternal rest in God’s presence. Observing the Sabbath, therefore, is an act of faith in God’s promise of future redemption and eternal rest.
Therefore, it is without a doubt biblically clear that the seventh day (Saturday) is the Sabbath, instituted by God at creation, enshrined in the Ten Commandments, observed by Jesus, and continued by the apostles. There is no biblical basis for replacing the Sabbath with Sunday. Keeping the Sabbath holy is a recognition of God’s creative power, His moral law, and His eternal covenant with humanity. By observing the Sabbath on the seventh day, believers honor God’s unchanging Word and look forward to the eternal rest that He has promised
So stop misleading people you could easily be who Paul foretold when writes to the Romans saying; -
" I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." (Romans 16:17-18 ESV)