Previously: the purpose of the sabbath
I am working on a FAQ post which groups all the most frequently asked questions concerning Sabbath rest, into one post, with links to the pertinent discussions already posted on this site.
In doing so I came across one question whose answer neatly summarizes the discussions from the past few weeks:
I was told by my (pastor, elder, Bible study leader, seminary professor, person who is discipling me in Christ, etc.) that Sunday is the day God requires all Christians to gather together to worship and eat the Lord’s Supper (or have communion, or break bread).
The Scripture in question is this:
Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation [an assembly of the congregation].You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings. Lev 23:3
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:24-25
Please show me the Scripture(s) where God has initiated the change or new requirement. I have searched my Bible front to back for years and cannot find it. Writings from the church fathers are not Scripture. Without even a single Scripture, these are just the opinions of man.
The Scriptures the Roman church cites are: Act 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2, and Rev 1:10.
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. Act 20:7
The Greek translated “week” is actually sabbaton: the Greek word for Sabbath! That “day” is in italics, shows that it was not in the Greek but inserted by the translators. So what is really being said here? See scriptural authority for Sunday, acts 20:7, and follow the links at the bottom of each post for the next part in the series.
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. 1 Cor 16:2
The Greek translated “week” is sabbaton in this verse also, and “day” is once again in italics (not in the Greek but inserted by the translators). Please see 1 corinthians 16, the collection for the saints, and scriptural authority for Sunday, 1 corinthians 16:2.
I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, Rev 1:10
Please see the Lord’s day, revelation 1:10, for the discussion on the meaning of “the Lord’s Day” from Scripture.
But let us grant the theologians their position, that these three verses prove that the believers met on Sunday to break bread, to listen to preaching or teaching, to set aside an offering, and to be in the Spirit. The believers in fact met to do these things, on every day!
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Act 2:42-46
Where is the requirement to cease resting or assembling on Sabbath in these proof texts? Where is the commandment that believers must assemble exclusively on Sundays in these proof texts? The Roman theologians are right on one point – it does not exist! The traditions of men do not abrogate the commandments of God, as Jesus carefully pointed out to the Pharisees in Mat 15:1-9!
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