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One question I frequently encounter, especially from those exploring or coming from a Jewish background, is why do Christians worship on Sunday rather than Saturday. At first glance, this might seem a bit trivial, but upon a closer examination, we can see deep-rooted theological significance. This practice isn’t just a matter of tradition; it’s deeply rooted in the essence of Christianity.
Historical Shift from Jewish Sabbath
To start, let’s take a look at the transition from the Jewish Sabbath to Christian Sunday worship. The Jewish Sabbath, observed on Saturday, was a cornerstone of Jewish law, commanded by God in the Old Testament for the Israelites as a day of rest and reflection on His creation. (See: Exodus 20:8-11 & Deuteronomy 5:12-15) However, with the advent of Christianity, a new era began to unfold. Early Christians, many of whom were converted Jews, initially continued to honor the Sabbath. Yet, the profound event of Jesus’ resurrection, which scripture/tradition holds occurred on the first day of the week, began to steer the commencing Christian community towards a new day of worship. (See: Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, & John 20:1)
This shift was not merely a change in day… this shift signified a transformation in the understanding of divine rest and covenant. The resurrection of Jesus on Sunday, or the “Lord’s Day,” was seen by early Christians as the fulfillment of the Sabbath’s rest in a new covenant. This perspective was articulated by early Church Fathers like Justin Martyr, who argued that the old Sabbath was a shadow of the true rest found in Christ. (See: Dialogue with Trypho, chapter 23) As Christianity spread beyond its Jewish roots into a predominantly Gentile world, the practice of gathering on Sunday became more pronounced.
By the late first century, the practice of Sunday worship was becoming the norm, especially as the Christian community sought to differentiate itself from Judaism amidst growing anti-Semitic sentiments and political pressures. Again this differentiation is not just about choosing a different day but instead part of a broader theological shift where Sunday is often seen as the day of new creation, echoing the Genesis narrative but with Christ as the new Adam, bringing redemption and eternal rest. The historical record, including writings from figures like Ignatius of Antioch, shows that this transition was both organic, driven by the resurrection narrative, and strategic, aligning with the need to establish a unique Christian identity in a changing world.
The Resurrection of Jesus
Looking back, we can see that the moment that catalyzed this shift to Sunday worship was undeniably the resurrection of Jesus. According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which we now call Sunday. The resurrection was not just a miracle; it was a foundation of Christian faith, symbolizing victory over death and the inauguration of the new covenant. For early Christians, this act of God was so monumental that it naturally shifted the day of communal worship from the Sabbath to the day of resurrection.
The early Church quickly recognized Sunday as a day to celebrate this transformative event. The resurrection was seen as the first act of the new creation, where Jesus, by rising from the dead, initiated a new order of existence. This was not just about commemorating an event; it was about living in the reality of what the resurrection signified – new life, forgiveness, and access to God’s presence in a way that went beyond the Old Testament’s typological rest. The Lord’s Day, became a day of gathering, not just for rest but for the celebration of the new life offered through Christ.
This theological shift was also practical. The resurrection narrative became the focal point of Christian gatherings, where believers would come together to hear the teachings of the apostles, share in the breaking of bread, and experience communal worship. This practice is evident in the New Testament, with Acts 20:7 describing the disciples meeting on the first day of the week for this purpose. Thus, Sunday worship is both an act of remembrance of the resurrection and a living out of its implications – fellowship, teaching, and the Eucharist, all of which are extensions of the resurrection’s power in the life of the church.
Moreover, the resurrection on Sunday provided a clear demarcation from Jewish tradition, not in opposition but as fulfillment. It was a way for Christians to proclaim a new era where the old covenant’s shadows gave way to the reality of Christ’s lordship. This wasn’t about rejecting the Sabbath but seeing it fulfilled in the person of Christ. Early Church writings, like those of Ignatius of Antioch, emphasize this new identity, encouraging believers to keep the Lord’s Day in honor of the resurrection, thereby linking their practice directly to the core of Christian doctrine.
Conclusion
As we reflect on why we gather on Sundays, it’s more than just following a tradition; it’s a personal journey into the heart of our faith. Each Sunday, when we walk into church, we’re not just stepping into a building; we’re stepping into a moment of resurrection, a celebration of new life that Jesus promised through His rising. This day reminds us that every week, we have the chance to start anew, to leave behind the old and embrace the grace and hope that come from knowing Christ. It’s a personal testament to the belief that in Christ, every day can be a new beginning, but especially on Sunday, where we collectively acknowledge this profound truth. This is why, Sunday isn’t just another day; it’s a day of joy, community, and the continuous renewal of our faith, Sunday is the Lord’s Day.
