Why Do We Go to Church on Sunday if Sabbath is on Saturday?
From the Bible, it is clearly stated in the fourth commandment that 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.' The commandment instructs us to rest on the seventh day, which corresponds to Saturday. This day of rest was ordained by God to commemorate the completion of His creation in six days and His subsequent rest on the seventh day.
The Origin of the Sabbath
The Bible determines the Sabbath through creation:
God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
The Sabbath, therefore, is an integral part of the creation. It stands as a timeless law, representing a constant reminder of God's power and His right to be honored and worshipped.
Pagan Influences and the Rise of Sunday Worship
During early Christianity, many converts retained pagan customs. One of these customs was to honor the sun-god, whose day of worship was Sunday. The Roman emperor Constantine, who professed Christianity, still maintained a connection to the sun-god, worshipping Him on the first day of the week.
Constantine's influence led to a significant shift in religious observance. He required all churches under his jurisdiction to observe the first day of the week, aligning with the sun-god's day, rather than following the fourth commandment. This decision was made to unify the churches under his rule, ensuring a common set of teachings and practices.
The True Meaning of the Resurrection and the Sabbath
There is a widespread belief that the resurrection of Christ on the first day of the week 'changed' the Sabbath. However, this belief is not supported by biblical evidence. The Bible mentions the resurrection on the first day of the week, but this does not indicate a change in the Sabbath law. The key verse is:
And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he carried on his discourse until midnight.
Pope Benedict XVI stated, 'No man of God would ever demand that any of God's laws be broken. The Sabbath was established at creation and, as such, is part of the creation itself. It stands as long as creation stands; it cannot be changed. It is based on an event in the past that will not change. It commemorates the crown of creation and time to honor the Creator. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the resurrection of Christ.
The Role of Tradition and Modern Practices
While the tradition of observing Sunday as a day of worship has become deeply ingrained in many Christian communities, it is crucial to understand that it is a tradition, not a mandate from God's commandments. The Bible does not explicitly connect the resurrection to the changing of the Sabbath day.
It is interesting to note that some Christian traditions condemn and judge those who keep the fourth commandment, while others claim to follow the fourth commandment without judgment. Some refer to Sunday worship as 'legalism,' yet they do not apply this term to the observance of the first three commandments.
In conclusion, the Sabbath is a divine commandment established during creation. Observance of the Sabbath on Saturday remains a matter of personal and communal choice, distinct from the historical reasons behind Sunday worship. Understanding and respecting the history and context of these practices can foster a more nuanced and inclusive approach to religious observance.