The Sabbath and Sunday: Understanding the Change
Introduction:
Today, we delve into a topic of great significance in our Christian faith—the transition from Sabbath observance to Sunday worship. This change has theological and historical implications that impact our understanding of worship and rest. Let us explore this transformation through the lens of Scripture and history.
Point 1: The Significance of the Sabbath in Scripture
Exodus 20:8-11 (NLT): "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God."
In this foundational commandment, God establishes the Sabbath as a day of rest and holiness. It commemorates God's own rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and reflects His desire for His people to set aside one day each week for worship and rejuvenation.
The Sabbath, established in the Ten Commandments, holds deep spiritual and practical significance. It commemorates God's rest after creation and serves as a day of rest and worship for God's people.
Exodus 31:16-17 (NLT): "The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’"
In these verses, God reiterates the importance of observing the Sabbath day as a holy day of rest and dedication to Him. The Sabbath is not to be treated as any ordinary day; it is a special day set apart for worship and spiritual refreshment. God instructs His people to refrain from pursuing personal interests and desires on the Sabbath but to delight in it as a sacred time of honouring Him.
Key Points:
Keeping the Sabbath Holy: The Sabbath is a day consecrated to the Lord, distinct from other days of the week. It is a time to cease from ordinary work and focus on spiritual renewal and worship.
Delighting in the Sabbath: Rather than viewing Sabbath observance as a burden, God encourages His people to delight in it. Honouring the Sabbath with joy and reverence brings pleasure to the Lord.
Avoiding Worldly Pursuits: God calls His people to refrain from pursuing their own desires or engaging in idle talk on the Sabbath. The focus should be on spiritual matters and honouring God's commandments.
For believers today, Exodus 31:16-17 serves as a reminder of the importance of honouring the Sabbath and setting aside dedicated time for worship and rest in God. By observing the Sabbath with reverence and joy, we demonstrate our commitment to God and experience His blessings in our lives.
Isaiah 58:13-14 (NLT): "Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honour the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honour and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!"
Isaiah emphasises the importance of honouring the Sabbath by refraining from ordinary work and self-serving activities. Observing the Sabbath with reverence brings delight to the Lord and brings spiritual blessings to His people.
Mark 2:27-28 (NLT): "Then Jesus said to them, 'The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath!'"
Jesus teaches that the Sabbath is a gift from God for the benefit of humanity, not a burden. He asserts His authority over the Sabbath, showing that its purpose is to provide rest and renewal for God's people.
Hebrews 4:9-10 (NLT): "So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labours, just as God did after creating the world."
Hebrews reveals that the Sabbath rest points to a deeper spiritual reality—a rest in Christ that transcends physical observance. Believers find ultimate rest in Jesus, who fulfils the true meaning of the Sabbath.
Point 2: The Transition to Sunday Worship
Acts 20:7 (NLT): "On the first day of the week, we gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper."
The early Christians began meeting on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate Christ's resurrection
John 20:19, 26 (NLT): "That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders... A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'"
These passages highlight the disciples' gatherings on the first day of the week (Sunday), including the occasion when Jesus appeared to them after His resurrection. Sunday became a day of special significance for Christian worship.
This shift from Sabbath to Sunday worship reflects the significance of Jesus' victory over death and the establishment of the new covenant.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (NLT): "Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned."
Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside offerings on the first day of the week, suggesting that Sunday had become a customary day for Christian gatherings and worship.
Revelation 1:10 (NLT): "It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshipping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast."
John refers to "the Lord's Day," likely meaning Sunday, as a day of worship and spiritual encounter. This further illustrates the significance of Sunday worship in the early Church.
Point 3: Understanding the Change in Worship
Colossians 2:16-17 (NLT): "So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality."
Paul's writings emphasize the freedom believers have in Christ regarding Sabbaths and religious observances. The focus shifts from external rituals to the spiritual reality found in Jesus Christ.
Paul teaches that Christ is the substance and fulfilment of Old Testament shadows, including Sabbaths. Believers are free from legalistic observances, finding their ultimate rest and fulfilment in Jesus.
Romans 14:5-6 (NLT): "In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honour him."
Paul emphasises the freedom believers have in Christ regarding special days of worship. What matters is sincere devotion and honouring God in our worship practices.
Galatians 4:9-11 (NLT): "So now that you know God (or should I say, now that God knows you), why do you want to go back again and become slaves once more to the weak and useless spiritual principles of this world? You are trying to earn favour with God by observing certain days or months or seasons or years. I fear for you."
Paul warns against returning to legalistic observances of days and seasons. The focus should be on faith in Christ, not on outward rituals.
Application and Call to Action:
Through these passages, we see a transition from Sabbath observance to Sunday worship in the early Church, rooted in the significance of Christ's resurrection and the freedom believers have in Him. The key is to honour God with our worship and devotion, trusting in the rest and fulfilment found in Jesus Christ.
As we consider the transition from Sabbath to Sunday worship, let us embrace the freedom and significance of gathering on the first day of the week to celebrate Christ's resurrection. Let us honour God with our worship and rest, keeping our focus on the reality of our salvation in Jesus Christ.
May we set aside our own interests and delight in God's presence, knowing that He delights in us when we honour His commands.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the truth revealed in Your Word. Help us to understand and embrace the significance of Sabbath rest and Sunday worship in light of Christ's victory over sin and death. May our lives be transformed by Your truth. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
