Introduction: The True Sabbath in Scripture
In a world of diverse religious practices and interpretations, one truth remains constant: God's commandments were given for a purpose and are eternal. Among these is the fourth commandment regarding the Sabbath day, which calls us to "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). Today, we'll examine what Scripture truly teaches about the Sabbath, address common misconceptions about Sunday worship, and call for a return to biblical truth similar to King Josiah's reforms.
The Seventh Day: God's Sanctified Time
From creation, God specifically blessed and sanctified the seventh day. This wasn't an arbitrary choice but a divine appointment established at the very beginning of time. After completing His work of creation in six days, God did something extraordinary on the seventh—He rested, blessed, and set it apart as holy:
This act was not due to weariness, for God does not grow tired (Isaiah 40:28), but rather, it was a divine example set for humanity. The Sabbath was woven into the fabric of time itself, preceding the giving of the law at Sinai, showing that it was not merely a Jewish ordinance but a universal principle intended for all mankind.
Throughout Scripture, this divine appointment remains unchanged. Jesus affirmed the Sabbath’s significance when He declared, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27), emphasizing that it was a gift to humanity, not a burden. The prophet Isaiah further highlighted its eternal nature, associating Sabbath observance with blessings and delight in the Lord (Isaiah 58:13-14).
Therefore, the Sabbath is not a temporary institution but an everlasting sign of God's authority and love. It serves as a reminder of His role as the Creator and Sustainer of all life, calling His people to honor the day He sanctified from the very beginning of time.
The Sabbath was established at creation, long before the Jewish nation existed—making it a blessing for all humanity, not just for Israel. Jesus himself affirmed this when He said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27).
Refuting the Sunday Worship Misconception
The "First Day" Gathering Texts Examined
Many point to passages like Acts 20:7 to suggest that the early church changed the day of worship to Sunday. Let's examine this text carefully:
A careful study reveals several key points:
- This was a farewell meeting, not a regular worship service.
- According to biblical reckoning of time, this meeting actually began Saturday evening after Sabbath ended (as days began at sunset).
- Breaking bread refers to sharing a meal, which happened daily (Acts 2:46), not just on a specific worship day.
- Nowhere does this text suggest a change in the Sabbath commandment.
The 1 Corinthians 16:2 Misunderstanding
Another commonly referenced passage is:
This text refers to setting aside contributions at home, not a church gathering. Paul was simply suggesting a practical method for gathering funds for the Jerusalem believers, not establishing a new worship day.
Historical Timeline: How Sunday Observance Gradually Entered
Creation - Exodus (Before 1500 BC)
The seventh-day Sabbath was established at Creation when God sanctified and blessed the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3). This divine institution was later reaffirmed as part of the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:8-11), emphasizing its significance as a perpetual covenant between God and His people (Exodus 31:16-17).
Jesus' Ministry (27-31 AD)
Jesus upheld the sanctity of the Sabbath, demonstrating its true purpose as a day of rest, worship, and mercy. He regularly observed the Sabbath (Luke 4:16) and corrected legalistic distortions, declaring, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). Importantly, He never abolished or altered the Sabbath commandment, reinforcing its divine authority.
Apostolic Period (31-100 AD)
The apostles and early Christians continued observing the seventh-day Sabbath after Christ's resurrection, as recorded in Acts (Acts 13:14, 16:13, 17:2, 18:4). They gathered in synagogues and homes on the Sabbath to worship and teach, with no scriptural evidence indicating a shift to Sunday observance.
Post-Apostolic Period (100-321 AD)
As Christianity spread within the Roman Empire, tensions between Jewish and Gentile converts led some to distance themselves from Jewish customs, including Sabbath observance. Anti-Jewish sentiment grew, particularly following the Jewish revolts against Rome (66-135 AD), which made Jewish practices, including Sabbath-keeping, unpopular. Gradually, some Christian groups began favoring Sunday gatherings, not as a replacement for the Sabbath but as an additional commemoration of Christ’s resurrection.
Emperor Constantine (321 AD)
Constantine, the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity, issued the first civil Sunday law:
"Let all judges and city people and all tradesmen rest upon the venerable day of the sun."
This decree was politically motivated, aligning Christianity with the widespread pagan practice of sun worship. While it enforced Sunday as a rest day, it did not replace the Sabbath biblically, but it laid the groundwork for Sunday to gain precedence.
Council of Laodicea (364 AD)
The Council of Laodicea officially took steps toward enforcing Sunday observance while discouraging Sabbath-keeping. Canon 29 declared:
"Christians must not Judaize by resting on the Sabbath, but must work on that day, rather honoring the Lord’s Day; and, if they can, resting then as Christians."
This was the first formal church ruling against Sabbath observance, marking a significant departure from biblical tradition and reinforcing Sunday as the primary day of worship.
Medieval Period and Beyond (5th Century - Present)
Over the centuries, Sunday observance became more entrenched as church authorities continued reinforcing it through religious councils, papal decrees, and doctrinal changes. By the time of the Middle Ages, Sabbath observance had been largely suppressed within mainstream Christianity, though remnants of Sabbath-keeping believers persisted. The Protestant Reformation (16th century) challenged many church traditions, but most reformers retained Sunday worship. Today, while the seventh-day Sabbath remains biblically unchanged, Sunday observance is widely practiced due to centuries of tradition rather than scriptural mandate.
The historical record shows that the change from Sabbath to Sunday was not apostolic but gradually implemented over centuries due to anti-Jewish sentiment, sun worship influences, and political pressures—not biblical directive.
The Biblical Name for God's Church
Scripture provides clear identification for God's true church, consistently referring to it as **"the Church of God."** This divine name signifies that the church belongs to God and is built on His truth, not human traditions.
The true Church of God is not defined by man-made doctrines but by obedience to God's commandments, faith in Jesus, and dedication to proclaiming His kingdom.
In the last days, the Church of God remains faithful despite opposition, standing as a remnant that upholds His truth.
As the world drifts from biblical truth, God's true church continues to shine as a light, calling all to return to His Word and prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. Though the biblical name of the church is the Church of God, it goes beyond mere institutional branding. It signifies a divine relationship between God and His people—one rooted in obedience to His commandments and holding fast to the testimony of Jesus Christ. True worship is not about a name alone but about living in accordance with God's will, reflecting His holiness, and remaining steadfast in faith until the end.
God's true church is identified by faithfulness to His commandments (including the Sabbath) and the testimony of Jesus.
The Call to Restoration: Learning from King Josiah
King Josiah provides an inspiring example of returning to biblical truth:
When Josiah discovered that the nation had drifted from God's commandments, he immediately took action, removing false worship practices and restoring obedience to God's law. His heart was moved to repentance and reform:
Like Josiah, we are called to have the courage to return to biblical truth despite traditions that may have developed over centuries. When we discover truth in Scripture that contradicts our practices, true disciples will follow God rather than human traditions.
One God, One Faith, One Baptism: The Cause of Religious Division
Scripture states clearly:
God’s original design for His people was unity in faith and obedience to His Word. Yet, today, we see countless denominations, conflicting doctrines, and theological disputes. Why? The answer is straightforward: misinterpretation of Scripture, reliance on human traditions, and the gradual departure from biblical truth. Jesus Himself warned against this danger:
Throughout history, divisions in faith have arisen for several reasons, including:
- Following human leaders rather than Christ: The early church faced similar challenges when some believers aligned themselves with different apostles, rather than Christ alone. 1 Corinthians 1:12-13
- Replacing God’s commandments with human traditions: Many religious groups have introduced doctrines that contradict or override biblical instructions. Mark 7:9
- Twisting Scripture to fit personal opinions: Some distort the meaning of God's Word to justify their beliefs, leading to doctrinal confusion. 2 Peter 3:16
- Rejecting biblical truth due to personal discomfort: Many resist God's teachings because they demand change, preferring darkness over light. John 3:19-20
- Deception by false prophets and misleading doctrines: Jesus and the apostles warned that false teachers would arise, leading many away from the truth. Matthew 24:11
- A desire for worldly acceptance: Some churches compromise biblical teachings to align with popular culture, rather than standing firm on God's truth. Romans 12:2
God calls His people to unity, not through compromise, but through the truth of His Word. His church is to remain steadfast in the faith delivered once and for all to the saints. True believers are those who seek not their own will, but the will of the Father, abiding in His commandments and holding fast to the testimony of Jesus Christ.
As the world moves further from biblical truth, may we return to the faith of the apostles, rooted in Scripture, worshiping in spirit and in truth, as God intended from the beginning.
Why Does the Sabbath Matter?
The Sabbath is not merely about a day of the week—it represents our acknowledgment of God's authority and creation. By observing the day He sanctified, we demonstrate our willingness to follow His word over human tradition. The Sabbath stands as a memorial of creation, a sign of sanctification, and a test of loyalty to God's commands rather than human amendments.
Conclusion: The Call to Return
Like Josiah who discovered truth in God's word and had the courage to reform, we too are called to examine Scripture honestly and follow where it leads—even when it contradicts longstanding traditions. The Sabbath truth stands as a testing point, revealing our willingness to obey God rather than human tradition.
Will You Stand for Truth?
The choice is yours today. Will you follow the clear teaching of Scripture, or continue in man-made traditions? Like Joshua declared, "Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:15)