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

 

The Sabbath 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 it on Sunday. 
     
  • 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.