Is Sunday the Lord's Day?
Let's take a honest look at this topic.
The word “Sunday” does not appear in the Bible but there are eight references in the New Testament to “the first day of the week” and one reference to the “Lords day".
(1) Matthew 28:1. Now after the Sabbath (7th day), as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
This passage states that in the early hours of the first day of the week, after the Sabbath was past, the friends of Jesus came to visit His tomb. However, no sacred title is here given to the first day; no suggestion of sacredness is attached to it, nor is there any command for its observance.
The word “Sunday” does not appear in the Bible but there are eight references in the New Testament to “the first day of the week” and one reference to the “Lords day".
(1) Matthew 28:1. Now after the Sabbath (7th day), as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
This passage states that in the early hours of the first day of the week, after the Sabbath was past, the friends of Jesus came to visit His tomb. However, no sacred title is here given to the first day; no suggestion of sacredness is attached to it, nor is there any command for its observance.
(2) Mark 16:2. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
Mark records the same visit to the tomb as Math 28:1, using slightly different words.
(3) Mark 16:9. Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.
This simple statement of fact, records the resurrection of Jesus and His appearance to Mary Magdalene.
(4) Luke 24:1. Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
This passage explains the object of the disciples visit to the tomb; namely to anoint the body of Jesus.
Mark records the same visit to the tomb as Math 28:1, using slightly different words.
(3) Mark 16:9. Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.
This simple statement of fact, records the resurrection of Jesus and His appearance to Mary Magdalene.
(4) Luke 24:1. Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
This passage explains the object of the disciples visit to the tomb; namely to anoint the body of Jesus.
(5) John 20:1. Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
This verse also describes Mary’s visit and the discovery that the tomb was open.
NOTE:
These five texts record no Divine example or command for first-day observance. They apply no sacred title to the first day nor do they give any reason for its observance. On the other hand they show Christ’s disciples treated the first day as a common working day, for they were prepared to embalm His body on the first day, a task which they declined to perform on the Sabbath (the seventh day of the week).
(6) John 20:19. Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
The same day is the day that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene,; see verse 1. Christ’s disciples assembled on the evening of the resurrection day, (Roman time reckoned days as beginning at midnight; Jewish time reckoned days as beginning at sunset. The meeting took place on the second day of the week, late at night Sunday evening), behind closed doors, “For fear of the Jews.” The disciples motive for meeting was unbelief and fear, not faith and devotion. They were not gathered together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, for Mark 16:11-14 tells us they didn’t believe He had been resurrected.
This verse also describes Mary’s visit and the discovery that the tomb was open.
NOTE:
These five texts record no Divine example or command for first-day observance. They apply no sacred title to the first day nor do they give any reason for its observance. On the other hand they show Christ’s disciples treated the first day as a common working day, for they were prepared to embalm His body on the first day, a task which they declined to perform on the Sabbath (the seventh day of the week).
(6) John 20:19. Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
The same day is the day that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene,; see verse 1. Christ’s disciples assembled on the evening of the resurrection day, (Roman time reckoned days as beginning at midnight; Jewish time reckoned days as beginning at sunset. The meeting took place on the second day of the week, late at night Sunday evening), behind closed doors, “For fear of the Jews.” The disciples motive for meeting was unbelief and fear, not faith and devotion. They were not gathered together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, for Mark 16:11-14 tells us they didn’t believe He had been resurrected.
Acts 20:7. Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.
This verse records one isolated meeting of Christians on the first day of the week. The context shows that it was a special meeting called to farewell Paul.
The Biblical day started with the dark part of the day, (Genesis 1:5) so this meeting was on Saturday night (the dark part of the first day of the week) and continued until midnight; Paul would be leaving on Sunday. To break bread was a familiar way of saying to have a meal.
This text does not prove that the Communion service was celebrated on this or any other like occasion (Luke 24:30, 35. Acts 2:42, 46, Acts 27:35). Note: There is no mention of wine; only bread is mentioned.
Note: When Jesus instituted the Communion Service He did so on Thursday evening, the night before He was crucified. (Luke 22:7-20.)
This verse records one isolated meeting of Christians on the first day of the week. The context shows that it was a special meeting called to farewell Paul.
The Biblical day started with the dark part of the day, (Genesis 1:5) so this meeting was on Saturday night (the dark part of the first day of the week) and continued until midnight; Paul would be leaving on Sunday. To break bread was a familiar way of saying to have a meal.
This text does not prove that the Communion service was celebrated on this or any other like occasion (Luke 24:30, 35. Acts 2:42, 46, Acts 27:35). Note: There is no mention of wine; only bread is mentioned.
Note: When Jesus instituted the Communion Service He did so on Thursday evening, the night before He was crucified. (Luke 22:7-20.)
(8) 1 Corinthians 16:2. On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
In spite of a widespread misunderstanding, this passage does not refer to the public giving of offerings in a regular church service on Sunday. Paul’s appeal for the private laying aside of sums was prompted by a local and temporary emergency, namely the current hardships of the Judean believers due to famine and persecution. These sums would presently be collected by Paul (or his deputy), on his way to Jerusalem.
This has exhausted the eight New Testament references to the “first day of the week”
In spite of a widespread misunderstanding, this passage does not refer to the public giving of offerings in a regular church service on Sunday. Paul’s appeal for the private laying aside of sums was prompted by a local and temporary emergency, namely the current hardships of the Judean believers due to famine and persecution. These sums would presently be collected by Paul (or his deputy), on his way to Jerusalem.
This has exhausted the eight New Testament references to the “first day of the week”
(9) Revelation 1:10. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet.
This Text proves beyond question that in the Christian age, God still has a day which He claims as His own. However this text does not say which day is the “Lord Day”. It just tells us that the Lord has a day. Let's look at Scripture to find out which is the Lords day. Ex 20:10. Isa 58:13.. Matt 12:8. Mark 2:27,28. These passages show that the only day of the week which the Lord has ever claimed as His special property is the seventh day.
The seventh day is the Sabbath (Saturday) and it is the “Lord’s day.” It is the only day God blessed, sanctified and made holy. Sunday is not a sacred day. Sunday sacredness has no Scriptural foundation or support. It is a tradition of men. (Matt. 15: 9.)
So to get around this problem people will often declare that the commandments have been done away with at the cross. Therefore Sabbath keeping is no longer in force. They will quote Colossians 2:14.
Colossians 2:14-16. Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths.
What was wiped out at the cross? It was the handwriting of ordinances, NOT the 10 Commandments. The ceremonial system was ended, no more would lambs be slain, for the Lamb of God had fulfilled the types and shadows, (Col 2:17), that had symbolized His sacrifice on Calvary. Note: These Sabbaths mentioned in verse 16, were ceremonial Sabbaths; they were rest days set aside for special occasions.
This Text proves beyond question that in the Christian age, God still has a day which He claims as His own. However this text does not say which day is the “Lord Day”. It just tells us that the Lord has a day. Let's look at Scripture to find out which is the Lords day. Ex 20:10. Isa 58:13.. Matt 12:8. Mark 2:27,28. These passages show that the only day of the week which the Lord has ever claimed as His special property is the seventh day.
The seventh day is the Sabbath (Saturday) and it is the “Lord’s day.” It is the only day God blessed, sanctified and made holy. Sunday is not a sacred day. Sunday sacredness has no Scriptural foundation or support. It is a tradition of men. (Matt. 15: 9.)
So to get around this problem people will often declare that the commandments have been done away with at the cross. Therefore Sabbath keeping is no longer in force. They will quote Colossians 2:14.
Colossians 2:14-16. Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths.
What was wiped out at the cross? It was the handwriting of ordinances, NOT the 10 Commandments. The ceremonial system was ended, no more would lambs be slain, for the Lamb of God had fulfilled the types and shadows, (Col 2:17), that had symbolized His sacrifice on Calvary. Note: These Sabbaths mentioned in verse 16, were ceremonial Sabbaths; they were rest days set aside for special occasions.
The cross marks the transition from the Jewish economy to the Christian economy. After Jesus death on the cross the disciples continued keeping His commandments, including the 4th. Jesus said, “Not one jot or one title will pass from the law.” Math 5:17,18.
What is the handwriting of ordinances?
These were the civil and religious laws given by God to Moses. They were written in parchment and placed in the side of the Arc of the Covenant. They are entirely different to God’s Ten Commandments, which were written in stone, and placed inside the Arc of the Covenant.
What is the handwriting of ordinances?
These were the civil and religious laws given by God to Moses. They were written in parchment and placed in the side of the Arc of the Covenant. They are entirely different to God’s Ten Commandments, which were written in stone, and placed inside the Arc of the Covenant.
Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me keep My Commandments” John 14:15.What applied before the cross still applies today. Eze 20:19,20. I am the Lord your God; Walk in My statutes, keep My judgments and do them; hallow My Sabbaths, and they will be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.
