Is Sabbath-Keeping Required for Christians?
Among Evangelical Christians, it is commonly believed that the requirement to keep the Sabbath is no longer applicable. This belief often stems from the misinterpretation of biblical teachings and the influence of certain church doctrines. However, it is crucial to understand that the Bible clearly emphasizes adhering to God's commandments throughout the New Testament. Jesus Christ, Himself, reinstated the importance of Sabbath-keeping through His words and actions.
Understanding the Sabbath in the New Testament
During Bible College, I was taught that most of the Ten Commandments, including the Sabbath, were reaffirmed in the New Testament. This belief was incorrect. The key point is that Jesus Himself is the Lord of the Sabbath, and He intended for the Sabbath to serve as a time of rest for humanity. Therefore, the correct interpretation is that Christians should indeed keep the Seventh Day (Sabbath) holy, as God commanded.
The Christian Group's Stance
The Christian group I belong to emphasizes a strict adherence to the practices of early Christians, basing our beliefs on Scripture. This is not just a matter of historical curiosity; it is a fundamental aspect of our faith.
There is no explicit example in the New Testament of Christians meeting on the Sabbath (Saturday) to worship God. Instead, we find references to Jesus' resurrection and early Christian gatherings on Sunday. For instance, Acts 17:2 and 18:4 feature Paul preaching to Jewish crowds on the Sabbath. However, these gatherings were for evangelistic purposes, not formal worship.
Why Christians Meet on Sunday
The early Christian community chose Sunday as a day of worship due to several significant events and practices associated with the day:
Jesus' Resurrection: John 20:1-9 highlights the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week, which significantly influenced early Christian practices.
First Day Worship: The disciples met with Jesus on the first day of the week, as recorded in John 20:19-31.
The Birth of the Church: The day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2:1-13, occurred 50 days after the resurrection, making the first day of the week a pivotal day in early Christian history.
Lord's Supper: The church observed the Lord’s Supper on Sundays, as witnessed in Acts 20:7.
Weekly Giving: The passage in 1 Corinthians 16:2 mentions the practice of setting aside offerings on Sundays.
Paul's Preaching: We see evidence of Paul preaching on Sundays in Acts 20:7.
Historical References to Sunday Worship
The early church fathers also provide valuable insights into Sunday worship. For example:
Ignatius (c. 50-110 A.D.): Ignatius, a disciple of the Apostle John, lived during a critical period in early Christianity. His writings, although now fragmentary, offer evidence of the significance of Sunday worship.
Justin Martyr (c. 110-165 A.D.): A famous Christian writer, Justin Martyr provided detailed descriptions of early Christian worship practices, including their observance of Sunday.
Conclusion
While the ancient Jewish Sabbath has been replaced with Sunday, the principle of setting aside a day for rest and worship remains relevant. Sunday has emerged as the central day of Christian worship, rooted in the resurrection of Christ and the practices of the early church. As we engage with Scripture, we must remember that the foundation of our faith is not merely historical; it is rooted in the living Christ and His teachings.