THE LORD'S DAY

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive examination of the Lord's Day, exploring its biblical origins, historical development, and theological significance. By analyzing the complex relationships between the Sabbath, the Lord's Day, and Christian worship, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the Lord's Day and its relevance to contemporary Christian practice.

Introduction

The Lord's Day, commonly observed on Sunday, is a fundamental aspect of Christian worship and practice. However, the origins and significance of the Lord's Day are often shrouded in mystery, leading to ongoing debates and discussions among scholars and theologians. This article seeks to clarify the concept of the Lord's Day by examining its biblical roots, historical development, and theological implications.

Biblical Origins

The biblical origins of the Lord's Day are rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is recorded in the Gospels (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-10). The early Christian church, following the example of the apostles, gathered on the first day of the week (Sunday) to celebrate the resurrection and worship together (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).

The Sabbath Commandment

The Sabbath commandment, which is found in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15), played a significant role in the development of the Lord's Day. The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship, observed on the seventh day of the week (Saturday).

The Resurrection and the First Day of the Week

The resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first day of the week (Sunday) marked a significant turning point in the development of the Lord's Day. The early Christian church saw the resurrection as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53:10-12) and as a demonstration of Jesus' power over death and sin (Romans 1:4, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Historical Development

The historical development of the Lord's Day was shaped by a complex interplay of theological, cultural, and social factors.

The Early Christian Church

In the early Christian church, the Lord's Day was observed as a day of worship and celebration of the resurrection. The apostles and early Christian leaders, such as Peter and Paul, played a significant role in shaping the observance of the Lord's Day (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).

The Influence of Judaism

The early Christian church was heavily influenced by Judaism, and the observance of the Sabbath played a significant role in this influence. Many early Christians, including the apostles, were Jewish and continued to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship.

The Emergence of Sunday as the Lord's Day

Over time, Sunday emerged as the dominant day for observing the Lord's Day. This development was influenced by a combination of factors, including:

1. The resurrection of Jesus Christ: The resurrection of Jesus Christ on the first day of the week (Sunday) marked a significant turning point in the development of the Lord's Day.
2. The influence of Roman culture: The Roman Empire, which was the dominant cultural and political force in the Mediterranean world, observed Sunday as a day of rest and worship.
3. The spread of Christianity: As Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean world, Sunday became the standard day for observing the Lord's Day.

The Council of Nicaea

The Council of Nicaea, which was convened in 325 CE, played a significant role in establishing Sunday as the universal day for observing the Lord's Day. The council, which was attended by bishops from throughout the Mediterranean world, decreed that Sunday would be observed as a day of rest and worship.

The Middle Ages and the Reformation

During the Middle Ages, the observance of the Lord's Day became increasingly formalized, with the Catholic Church establishing Sunday as a day of obligation for worship and rest. The Protestant Reformation, which emerged in the 16th century, challenged many of the traditional practices surrounding the Lord's Day, but ultimately reaffirmed the importance of observing Sunday as a day of worship and rest.

Theological Significance of the Lord's Day

1. Celebration of the Resurrection: The Lord's Day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is the central event of the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
2. Victory over Death and Sin: The Lord's Day celebrates Jesus' victory over death and sin, which is the foundation of Christian hope and salvation (Romans 6:9-10).
3. New Creation: The Lord's Day represents a new creation, where believers are called to live in the light of Christ's resurrection and to participate in God's ongoing work of redemption (2 Corinthians 5:17).
4. Worship and Communion: The Lord's Day provides an opportunity for believers to gather for worship, communion, and fellowship, which are essential aspects of Christian community and spiritual growth (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Relationship to the Sabbath

• Continuity and Discontinuity: The Lord's Day represents both continuity and discontinuity with the Sabbath. While the Sabbath is rooted in the Old Testament, the Lord's Day is a distinctly Christian observance that emerges from the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Fulfillment of the Sabbath: Jesus Christ's teachings and actions suggest that he saw himself as the fulfillment of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14, Mark 2:23-28).
• Transfer of Sabbath Principles: Many of the principles underlying the Sabbath, such as rest, worship, and communion, are transferred to the Lord's Day in the New Testament (Hebrews 4:9-10).
• Distinction from the Sabbath: The Lord's Day is distinct from the Sabbath in that it is not primarily a day of rest, but rather a day of celebration, worship, and communion (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).

Theological Debates and Discussions

• Sabbatarianism vs. Lord's Day Observance: Some Christian denominations, such as Seventh-Day Adventists, observe the Sabbath on Saturday, while others, such as most Protestant and Catholic churches, observe the Lord's Day on Sunday.
• Continuation of the Sabbath: Some theologians argue that the Lord's Day represents a continuation of the Sabbath, while others see it as a distinct and separate observance.
• Implications for Christian Practice: The theological significance and relationship of the Lord's Day to the Sabbath have implications for Christian practice, including worship, rest, and communion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lord's Day holds a profound theological significance, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and symbolizing the triumph of life over death, and freedom over sin. As a distinct yet interconnected observance with the Sabbath, the Lord's Day embodies the continuity of God's redemptive plan, while also marking a new era in the history of salvation. Through its observance, Christians are invited to participate in the ongoing celebration of Christ's resurrection, and to live out the implications of this event in their daily lives. Ultimately, the Lord's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian hope, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

References

Bacchiocchi, S. (1977). From Sabbath to Sunday: A historical investigation of the rise of Sunday observance in early Christianity. Rome: Pontifical Gregorian University Press.

Bauckham, R. (1982). "The Lord's Day." In The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (Vol. 2, pp. 510-513). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Beckwith, R. T. (1981). "The Early Christian Sunday." Journal of Ecclesiastical History, 32(2), 147-155.

Carson, D. A. (1982). "Worship and the New Testament." In Worship: Adoration and Action (pp. 15-34). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.