The Sabbath

 

"Christians must not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honouring the Lord's Day" and, if they can, resting then as Christians. But if any shall be found to be Judaizers let them be anathema from Christ."  -Council of Laodicea, A.D. 365, Canon 29

What is the Canon 29 of Laodicea?

Canon 29 of the Council of Laodicea prohibits Christians from observing the Sabbath (Saturday) in a way that mirrors Jewish practices, specifically by resting and being idle. Instead, it mandates that Christians work on Saturday and honor the Lord's Day (Sunday) by resting, if possible. Those who continue to Judaize by observing the Sabbath as a day of rest are threatened with anathema (excommunication). 

 
  • Context: The Council of Laodicea was a regional synod of the Christian church, held in Laodicea, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) around 363-364 AD. 
  • Purpose: One of the council's aims was to discourage the observance of the Sabbath among Christians, as many in the Eastern Roman Empire still observed it, following Jewish tradition. 
  • Canon 29: This canon specifically addresses the issue of Sabbath observance. It states that Christians should not "Judaize" by resting on Saturday. 
  • "Judaizing": This term refers to adopting Jewish customs and practices. In this context, it specifically means observing the Sabbath as a day of rest, which was a common practice among Jewish communities. 
  • Emphasis on Sunday: The canon emphasizes the importance of honoring the Lord's Day (Sunday) as a day of rest for Christians. 
  • Anathema: Those who continued to observe the Sabbath in a way that was considered "Judaizing" were threatened with anathema, meaning excommunication from the church. 
  • Historical Significance: Canon 29 is seen as a key step in the shift from Sabbath observance to Sunday observance as the primary day of worship for Christians. 

Anathema

In Christianity, anathema signifies a formal and severe form of excommunication, often directed at those who hold or propagate heretical doctrines. It implies a separation from the Christian community and a condemnation of their beliefs, though the intent is typically to guide the individual towards repentance rather than simply to punish. The term has evolved from its original meaning of something devoted to God and withdrawn from common use, to a curse or a declaration of separation. 

 
  • Biblical Roots: The term "anathema" originates from the Greek word "anathema," which, in the Septuagint and New Testament, translates the Hebrew "herem". In the Old Testament, "herem" referred to things or people devoted to God, often for destruction, and thus removed from common use. 
  • New Testament Usage: In the New Testament, "anathema" is used to denote a curse or a form of separation from the Christian community, particularly against those who deviate from the true gospel or reject Christ. 
  • Church History: Over time, the Church adopted the term "anathema" to signify the most severe form of excommunication, often used to condemn heretical doctrines and separate heretics from the church. 
  • Purpose: While anathema appears to be a harsh judgment, its primary purpose in church history has been disciplinary and pastoral. It is intended to protect the integrity of Christian doctrine and to motivate the individual to repentance and return to the faith. 
  • Not Just Punishment: Though it involves separation, the ultimate goal is not simply to punish the individual but to encourage them to renounce their errors and rejoin the community. 
  • Examples: Throughout history, various Church councils have used anathemas to condemn specific heresies and doctrines. For example, the Council of Nicaea and the Council of Trent both used anathemas to condemn specific teachings that were deemed heretical. 

 

The Lord's Day is typically observed on Sunday, the first day of the week, in commemoration of Jesus' resurrection. While some Christians observe the Sabbath on Saturday (the seventh day, as in the Old Testament), there's no explicit biblical requirement for Christians to worship on any specific day of the week. 

 

  • Saturday as the Original Sabbath: The Old Testament clearly designates Saturday as the Sabbath, the day of rest instituted by God after creation. 
  • Sunday as the Day of Resurrection: The New Testament records that Jesus rose from the dead on a Sunday, leading many early Christians to designate Sunday as a day for worship and remembrance. 
  • No Explicit Command: There's no direct command in the New Testament that explicitly shifts the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. 
  • Different Interpretations: Some Christian denominations, like Seventh-day Adventists, continue to observe the Sabbath on Saturday, while others, such as most Protestant and Catholic denominations, observe the Lord's Day on Sunday to respect the wishes of the Jewish people.
  • Emphasis on Corporate Worship: While the day of worship may vary, many Christians emphasize the importance of regular corporate worship, regardless of whether it's on Saturday or Sunday. 
  • No Biblical Mandate for One Day: Many Christians believe that the New Testament doesn't mandate a specific day for worship, emphasizing that the focus should be on keeping a day set apart for rest and worship throughout the week, rather than rigidly adhering to a particular day. 

What is the Purpose of the Sabbath?

The Christian Sabbath, whether observed on Saturday or Sunday, is a day set apart for rest and worship, intended to honor God as Creator and Redeemer, and to provide a spiritual and physical respite from the week's activities. It's a time for reflection, connection with God and others, and anticipating God's future kingdom. 

 

1. Remembering God as Creator and Redeemer:

The Sabbath is a reminder that God created the world and provides for our needs, both physically and spiritually. It's a day to reflect on God's creative power and His redemptive work in sending Jesus Christ. 

 

2. Rest and Renewal:

The Sabbath is a day to cease from regular work and enjoy a period of rest and refreshment. This allows for physical and mental recuperation, as well as spiritual renewal through worship and contemplation. 

 

3. Worship and Reflection:

The Sabbath is a time to focus on God through prayer, scripture reading, and fellowship with other believers. It's a time to draw closer to God and strengthen one's relationship with Him. 

 

4. Community and Connection:

The Sabbath can be a time to strengthen relationships with family and friends through shared meals, activities, and worship. It's an opportunity to build community and experience God's presence in fellowship. 

 

5. Anticipating God's Kingdom:

The Sabbath also points to the future, anticipating the eternal rest and fellowship that awaits believers in God's kingdom. It's a taste of the ultimate rest and joy that will be found in God's presence. 

 

Ultimately, the Sabbath is a gift from God, offering a chance to step away from the demands of daily life and focus on what truly matters: our relationship with Him. It's a day to be rather than do, to enjoy God and His creation, and to be refreshed for the week ahead.

Should Christians Worship on Saturday or Sunday?

Whether or not Christians should keep the Sabbath is a matter of individual conscience and interpretation of scripture. While the Old Testament Sabbath (Saturday) is not a requirement for Christians under the New Covenant, many find value in observing a day of rest and worship, often on Sunday, to honor God and seek spiritual renewal. 

 

Old Testament Sabbath (Saturday):
  • The Sabbath was a commandment given to the Israelites in the Old Testament, specifically the seventh day of the week (Saturday), as a day of rest and worship. 
  • Many Christians believe that this commandment was part of the Old Covenant, which was fulfilled by Jesus Christ, and therefore is not a requirement for Christians under the New Covenant. 
  • Some Christians, particularly those within the Seventh-day Adventist and some Messianic Jewish traditions, still observe the Saturday Sabbath. 
 

Sunday as the Lord's Day:

  • Many Christians observe Sunday as a day of rest and worship, not as the Sabbath, but as the day Jesus Christ rose from the dead (the Lord's Day). 
  • This practice is rooted in the early church's tradition of meeting for worship and fellowship on the first day of the week. 
  • Sunday worship is seen as a celebration of Christ's resurrection and a way to honor Him. 
 

Individual Choice and Conscience:

  • Ultimately, whether or not to observe a specific day of rest (Saturday or Sunday) is a matter of personal conviction and conscience for Christians. 
  • Romans 14:5 states, "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind," according to the Bible. 
  • While observing a day of rest and worship is not a requirement for Christians, it can be a valuable practice for spiritual renewal, reflection, and fellowship with other believers. 

Oh and Just one More Thing...

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."- Colossians 2:16-17 

 

Colossians 2:16-17 explains that Christians are not bound by the dietary restrictions, festivals, and Sabbath observances of the Old Testament Law because these were shadows that pointed to Christ, who is the reality. Essentially, the Old Testament laws about food, festivals, and Sabbaths were temporary, pointing towards the fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, and are not mandatory for believers in the New Covenant. 

 

Elaboration:
  • No Judgment on Observances: Paul tells the Colossian believers not to let anyone judge them based on their observance of food laws, festivals, or Sabbaths (Colossians 2:16). 
  • Shadows of Things to Come: These Old Testament laws and practices are described as "shadows" of the reality that is found in Christ (Colossians 2:17). 
  • Christ as the Reality: The "substance" or reality, according to Paul, is found in Christ. This means that the fulfillment of the law, including its shadows, is found in Jesus's life, death, and resurrection. 
  • Freedom in Christ: This passage highlights the freedom Christians have in Christ, who fulfilled the law's requirements. They are not bound to the specific rituals and observances of the Old Testament Law. 
  • Not Lawlessness: It's important to note that Paul is not advocating for lawlessness or a disregard for God's principles. Rather, he's emphasizing that the law's purpose was to point to Christ, and now that Christ has come, the law has been fulfilled, according to biblical scholars. 
  • Personal Choice: While Christians are not required to observe these Old Testament laws, they are also not prohibited from doing so. It becomes a matter of personal conviction and freedom, as long as it doesn't become a source of judgment or legalism.