A common misconception among many Christians today is the belief that Sunday is a “day of rest” or a modern version of the Sabbath. While Sunday holds deep significance for believers, it is not the same as the Sabbath prescribed under the Law of Moses. Understanding the distinct purposes of the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day is crucial to appreciating the fullness of God’s redemptive plan and the transition from the Old Covenant to the New.
This essay will examine the biblical Sabbath as it was given to Israel, clarify why Sunday is not a replacement for the Sabbath, and emphasize the importance of viewing the Lord’s Day in the context of the Church Age under grace. We will explore key scriptural distinctions and demonstrate how, as believers, we celebrate Christ’s finished work every day while gathering corporately to worship on the first day of the week.
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Understanding the Sabbath Under the Law of Moses
The Sabbath was instituted by God as a sign of His covenant with Israel and is first mentioned in Genesis 2:2-3, where God rested on the seventh day of creation:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
However, it wasn’t until the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai that the Sabbath became a formal command for Israel. Exodus 20:8-11, within the Ten Commandments, declares:
“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.”
Key Characteristics of the Sabbath:
- A Day of Ceasing from Work: No labor was permitted, as the Sabbath symbolized rest and trust in God’s provision (Exodus 31:15).
- A Sign of the Covenant: It was a distinguishing mark of Israel’s unique relationship with God (Exodus 31:16-17).
- Strict Observance: Violation of the Sabbath carried severe consequences, even the death penalty (Numbers 15:32-36).
- Sacrifices and Rituals: The priests offered additional sacrifices (Numbers 28:9-10), and specific feasts were tied to Sabbath observance.
The Sabbath served as a reminder of God’s creation rest and deliverance from Egypt, pointing forward to the ultimate rest found in Christ. However, it was also a requirement under the Mosaic Covenant, emphasizing the necessity of obedience and “works” to maintain one’s standing in the covenant community.
The Sabbath Fulfilled in Christ
Under the Old Covenant, the Israelites had to “work” in order to stay in good standing with God. This work included not only resting on the Sabbath but also offering sacrifices, observing feasts, and following the law in detail. However, the New Testament makes it clear that the law, including the Sabbath, was a shadow of things to come, fulfilled in Christ.
Colossians 2:16-17 teaches:
“Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”
Christ’s atoning work on the cross brought an end to the Old Covenant system, ushering in a new era of grace. The need to observe the seventh-day Sabbath as a legal obligation was abolished, and believers were called to enter into the “Sabbath rest” of faith in Christ” (Hebrews 4:9-10), resting in His finished work.
Matthew 11:28-30 further confirms this truth when Jesus says,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This spiritual rest surpasses the physical rest of the Sabbath and points to the believer’s continual rest in Christ’s completed salvation.
Sunday: The Lord’s Day, Not the Sabbath
Sunday, the first day of the week, is often confused with the Sabbath, but it serves an entirely different purpose. It is not a day of legalistic rest but rather a day of celebration and worship, recognizing Christ’s resurrection and the new life believers have in Him.
1. The Resurrection and the First Day of the Week
The early church gathered on Sunday, known as the Lord’s Day, because Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Matthew 28:1 states:
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.”
Sunday marks the dawn of a new creation, symbolizing victory over sin and death. It signifies the beginning of new life in Christ and the grace bestowed on believers without the burden of the law.
2. The Early Church Observance
The New Testament records believers gathering for worship and breaking bread on the first day of the week, emphasizing its importance:
- Acts 20:7 – “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money.”
These passages indicate that the first day of the week was a time of communal worship, teaching, and giving—not a continuation of the Sabbath but a recognition of Christ’s completed work.
3. The Difference in Covenantal Perspective
Under the Mosaic Covenant, the Sabbath was a requirement for righteousness. In the Dispensational framework, the Church Age is marked by grace, not law. Believers today are fully justified by faith the moment they believe in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Sunday worship is a response to that grace, not an obligation to maintain covenant standing.
Christians are called to bear spiritual fruit all week long, metaphorically living in the power of Christ’s resurrection every day. Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that our “fruit” is the result of the Spirit working in us, not outward observance.
Clarifying the Misunderstanding
While Sunday is often referred to as the “Christian Sabbath,” this terminology can be misleading. It is important to emphasize the following distinctions:
- Sunday is the first day; the Sabbath is the seventh.
- Sunday is a celebration of grace; the Sabbath was an obligation under the law.
- Sunday worship is voluntary and joyful; the Sabbath was mandatory and restrictive.
- Sunday focuses on Christ’s resurrection; the Sabbath foreshadowed rest that is fulfilled in Him.
Encouragement for Believers Today
Understanding the difference between the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day enriches our spiritual walk and frees us from unnecessary burdens. As we gather on Sunday, we do so in joy and gratitude, celebrating Christ’s finished work and proclaiming His victory.
Respected theologian Charles Ryrie affirms,
“The church was never commanded to observe the Sabbath, but rather to live in the light of Christ’s finished work, which fulfills all the requirements of the law.”
Believers are encouraged to grow in the richness of Scripture, appreciating the distinctions between law and grace and living in the freedom Christ has provided.
Conclusion
Sunday is not a new Sabbath; it is the Lord’s Day, a day of celebration and worship reflecting the finished work of Christ. The Sabbath pointed to a future rest that believers now enjoy daily in Jesus. As we gather on the first day of the week, we do so to commemorate His resurrection, live in the reality of grace, and bear fruit for His glory.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
