Is Sunday Really the Lord's Day According to Scripture?
The seventh day, as commanded by God throughout the Bible, is indeed the Sabbath day. Numerous languages across history, from Spanish and Italian to French, Portuguese, Russian, and Greek, reflect this tradition. This consistency in biblical interpretation and linguistic evidence suggests a long-standing recognition of the Sabbath on the seventh day of the week. However, is it possible that Sunday, the first day of the week, could be the day of worship according to modern Christian beliefs? Let's explore this question in detail, examining various biblical texts and historical traditions.
The Sabbath as Commanded by God
The Fourth Commandment, as quoted in the Book of Exodus, explicitly states that the Sabbath is to be kept on the seventh day of the week: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy (Exodus 20:8-11). This commandment is mirrored in Deuteronomy 5:12-15, emphasizing the sanctity of the Sabbath.
Historical language evidence supports this: from ancient Greek (νε?μι whose translation reflects "seventh") to modern languages like Spanish (sábado) and Italian (domenica), the term consistently refers to the seventh day of the week. There is not a single biblical text that claims Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Sabbath, nor is there any strong historical evidence to support this belief. In fact, the Sabbath observance has always been the seventh day, the day of rest commanded by God.
The Catholic Church's attempts to introduce Sunday as a Sabbath through evil traditions are considered by many as misleading. Jesus warned that those who keep the traditions of men instead of the commandments of God will face consequences (Matthew 15:3-9). As the faithful, we must not fall into the trap of succumbing to earthly traditions over divine commandments.
The Importance of Keeping the Sabbath
God's final test of loyalty for the human race will be the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. Those who do not keep this commandment will accept the mark of the beast, either in their thoughts, forehead, or in their actions, hand (Revelation 13:16-17). In the United States, the government is creating an image of the beast, Papal Rome, by uniting church and state. Once this happens, Sunday laws will persecute those who do not honor them, marking the final moments of earth's history.
The New Covenant and the Role of Sunday
The sabbath was commemorated by God Himself to Moses, a tradition that has been upheld by Jews throughout the ages under the Old Covenant. However, with the advent of the New Covenant and the coming of Jesus, there was a shift in the understanding of Sabbath observance. Christ, as the Son of God, provided a new interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing it as a day of rest and remembrance of His sacrifice. On the third day after His crucifixion, on what is traditionally considered Sunday, He rose from the dead. This resurrection further solidifies the idea that Sunday is now the appropriate day of worship, as it commemorates His return to work and the new life He brings us.
The Apostle Paul taught that Christians should not judge each other based on dietary laws, religious festivals, or the Sabbath (Romans 14:5). However, he also explained that in terms of the overall picture of God's plan, the Sabbath is a mere shadow of what is to come, with Christ being the reality (Colossians 2:16-17). Therefore, Sunday, known as the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10), is a significant day for Christians. It commemorates Jesus' resurrection and the new life He offers to believers. Just as the seventh day was blessed by God, Sunday is made holy by Jesus' resurrection and is now the true Lord's Day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the observance of the Lord's Day, Sunday, is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and aligns with the aspirations of Christian faith. While the religious authorities may introduce evil traditions that seek to change this understanding, it is important for believers to stay true to the commandments of God as exemplified in the Holy Bible. Sunday is not merely a day of worship; it is a day that commemorates the risen Christ and the new life He brings, and keeps the memory of His sacrifice alive in the hearts of His followers.