Why Not Sunday Church?

Most churches claiming the Christian moniker hold their sabbath services on Sunday. Why should we believe they are in error and that the minority of seventh-day Sabbath keepers are right? To understand the truth about the Sabbath, we need to investigate what the Bible has to say.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is undeniably one of the most pivotal events in Christian history. It's a testament to God's power over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. This monumental event took place on the first day of the week (Matthew 28:1 | Mark 16:2 | Luke 24:1 | John 20:1) ¹⁾, and for many, this has been held up as a reason to shift the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday. But does the Bible explicitly instruct such a change?

The New Testament references to the first day of the week are primarily in the context of the resurrection of Jesus. The rest are simply records of things that happened to have occurred on the first day. (John 20:19 | Acts 20:7 | 1 Corinthians 16:2). While these things record common events on the first day, the Bible does not explicitly state that the first day of the week should replace the seventh-day Sabbath as a day of worship. The emphasis in these verses is on the events themselves, not on the day on which they occurred.

Is the first day significant? It is, after all, the day Jesus rose. But what about the day He died, why is that day not significant? Or the three days of His death and entombment, why not consider all three to be significant? Or the day of Ascension, that was pretty important, so isn't that significant? Surely one of these other days could be the replacement for the Sabbath? But, in fact, they cannot because the days themselves are not significant. They carry the same weight as if there were a verse that said, “On Tuesday, Jesus and the Apostles went to the market.”

“But, how do we know which day is the actual seventh day?” This question is often raised by those seeking to defend their choice of Sunday. Historical records and the unwavering tradition of the Jewish Sabbath affirm an unbroken seven-day week cycle. This cycle, which has remained consistent even through significant calendar reforms, aligns perfectly with biblical accounts. The seventh day, as detailed in the Bible (Genesis 2:2-3), remains the same Sabbath day we recognize today. Extra-biblical references, such as the ancient writings of Philo and Josephus, and indeed the history of Jewish practices throughout the centuries, also confirm the continuous observance of the seventh-day Sabbath among the Jews. We can be confident that their Sabbath day is the Sabbath day.

Ask yourself: If God intended to modify one of His Ten Commandments, wouldn't the scriptures convey this change explicitly? The Bible, in its wisdom and clarity (2 Timothy 3:16-17), would likely have communicated such a pivotal change directly and unmistakably. Yet, no such instruction exists. Instead, the New Testament reiterates the Law of God, by word (Matthew 5:17-19 | Matthew 24:20) and by example (Acts 13:14,42-44 | Acts 17:2). This absence of even a hint of alteration suggests that there isn't a solid Biblical foundation for transitioning Sabbath observance from the seventh day to the first.

“God doesn't care which day, so long as we keep a day.” This common excuse is contradicted by God's very specific and unchanging nature (Malachi 3:6 | Hebrews 13:8). Never has God hinted we should keep a day, any day, as the weekly Sabbath day. As with all His commands, the Law is specific so we may know what to do, without confusion or uncertainty (Psalm 19:7-8 | Deuteronomy 12:32).

The essence of the Sabbath is not only the specific day but the intention behind it (Exodus 20:8-11). It's a day of rest, reflection, and rejuvenation, mirroring the divine example set during Creation (Genesis 2:2-3). This spirit serves as a perpetual reminder of our bond with the Creator and His divine blueprint for human welfare (Isaiah 58:13-14). Properly observed, it is not a burden placed on the believer by God, but a lifting of the burdens placed there by the world. For one day each week, the cares of the world can be set aside and we can experience peace and joy as we commune with God (Matthew 11:28-30). Can we expect the blessings of God when we do not obey His plain and unwavering command? (Deuteronomy 28:1-2 | Deuteronomy 11:26-28 | Proverbs 3:1-2 | 1 John 3:22)

Christian communities worldwide have diverse practices, and while we acknowledge and respect these traditions, we are also commanded to share God's truth as He has made it known to us (Matthew 28:19-20). It's essential to reflect upon the original intent and guidance of the Sabbath day (Isaiah 66:22-23). This reflection isn't a call for division but an invitation for unity in rightly understanding God's word (Ephesians 4:3-6). In unity, we find strength, clarity, and a commitment to the spiritual truths that shape our lives.

The question of “Why Not Sunday Church?” invites believers to delve deeper into the scriptures, seeking clarity and understanding. While the resurrection's significance is undeniable, the Bible doesn't explicitly command or even hint at a shift from the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8-11) to a first-day sabbath. As believers, our journey is one of continuous learning, seeking to align our practices with God's word. The Sabbath, as outlined in the Bible, remains a divine institution, a day set apart for rest, reflection, and a deeper connection with our Creator (Hebrews 4:9-10). So, why not Sunday church? Because it is not biblical and is an affront to God (Deuteronomy 12:32 | Isaiah 58:13-14).

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