Should We Worship on Sunday?

In last week’s article we noted that Sabbath keeping
(commanded under the Law of Moses) was among
those things “nailed to the cross” (Col. 2:14-17) as
Christ fulfilled that old covenant (cf. Matt. 5:17-18;
Rom. 10:4) and ushered in a new covenant (Heb. 8).
We also noted that in the church age (Acts 2 and
beyond) there is no biblical evidence that the early
church ever observed the Sabbath; however, there is
biblical evidence that they did worship on Sunday
(the first day of the week).  But why is this day so
significant?

First of all, Jesus (our Passover, 1 Cor. 5:7; cf. Lev.
23:4-5) died during Passover; He (the Lord of the
Sabbath, Lk. 6:5; cf. Lev. 23:6-8) rested on the
Sabbath (in death); and He arose on Sunday morning
(Mk. 16:1-9) being the “firstfruits” of the resurrection
(1 Cor. 15:20; cf. Lev. 23:9-14).  Sunday is the day
He repeatedly met with His disciples between His
resurrection and His ascension (Jn. 20:19, 26).  The
Day of Pentecost (the day the church was born –
Acts 2:1) also came on Sunday (Lev. 23:15-16).  This
is the same day that the Holy Spirit came upon the
apostles, thus beginning His mission of conversion
through the gospel (Jn. 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4).
Additionally, this is the same day that the first gospel
sermon was preached (Acts 2:22-36).  Also, on this
very day, about 3,000 souls (the firstfruits of the
gospel harvest – cf. Lev. 23:17; James 1:18) were
added to the church (Acts 2:37-41).  The first day of
the week is also when the early church met to
partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), and when
they were commanded to take up a collection (1 Cor.
16:1-2).  Sunday, the first day of the week, is
specifically called “the Lord’s day” (Rev. 1:10).

These evidences assure us that, under the new
covenant, Sunday is the designated day of worship
for Christians.

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 6

The question is sometimes asked, “If the old law was nailed to the
cross, including the Ten Commandments, wouldn’t that mean that it is
now alright to murder or steal (etc.)?”  Certainly not!  Though some
may see this as the only logical conclusion, the simple fact is that the
old covenant (the law of Moses) was not just nailed to the cross (Col.
2:14), it was replaced with a new and better covenant (in Christ –
Heb. 8); which was promised to Abraham 430 years before the law of
Moses was given (Gal. 3:15-18).  And since nine of the “ten
commandments” are also supported in the new covenant, we are not
left with any dilemma whatsoever:

Old Covenant New Covenant
1. No other Gods (Exod. 20:3) – – – -(1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:5)
2. No graven images (v. 4) – – – – – – (Gal. 5:19-21; Acts 17:29)
3. Not God’s name in vain (v. 7)- – -(cf. Mt 5:33-37; Jas 5:12)
4. Remember Sabbath (v. 8) – – – – -NOT COMMANDED!!!
5. Honor father & mother (v. 12) – – (Eph 6:1-3; Col. 3:20)
6. Do not murder (v. 13) – – – – – – – -(Gal 5:19-21; 1 Pet 4:15)
7. Do not commit adultery (v. 14)- -(1 Cor 6:9-10; Gal 5:19-21)
8. Do not steal (v. 15) – – – – – – – – – -(1 Cor 6:9-10; 1 Pt. 4:15)
9. Don’t bear false witness (v. 16) – (Eph. 4:25, 31; Mt 15:19)
10. Do not covet (v. 17) – – – – – – – – -(1 Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 5:5)

It is important to understand that the Ten Commandments are a part
of the “law of Moses” (Rom. 7:4, 7; 2 Cor. 3:2-11); also called the “law
of God” (Neh. 8:1-8, 18; Lk. 2:22-24).  Christ fulfilled that law (Matt. 5:
17-18; Rom. 10:4) – thus making it obsolete (Heb. 8:6-7, 13) by
nailing it to the cross (Eph. 2:15; Gal. 3:13; Col. 2:14).  Yet, by God’s
design, the moral integrity of many expired commandments is echoed
in Christ’s “new covenant.”  Which covenant do you embrace?

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 5

Someone once said, “What is Easter but the
resurrection of Christ.  Should we not therefore
observe it?”  That’s an interesting statement, and
obviously there are many people around the world
who believe the same thing.  However, the greater
question is, “What is Easter?”  Before we observe
something religiously we must first determine if it is
Scriptural.  For example, did you know that the so-
called Christian holiday of Easter is never mentioned
in the Bible?   To be sure, the word “Easter” is
mentioned once in the King James Version of the
Bible (in Acts 12:4), but it is not in reference to any
Christian holy day.  In fact, the New Testament Greek
word for Easter is “pascha” meaning “Passover” (a
Jewish holy period).  You see, the context of Acts 12:
4 has no relationship with the resurrection of Christ at
all, but rather deals with King Herod’s persecution of
Christians at the time of the Passover (vv.1-3).  Thus,
the English word “Easter” is a confusing term
supplied by the translators and is of Pagan origin
(originally “Eostre,” an Anglo-Saxon term meaning
“goddess of spring,” or “fertility”).

Certainly Christians are to observe Christ’s death till
He comes (1 Cor. 11:23-26), and we have authority
to do that every Sunday (cf. Acts 20:7).  Furthermore,
His resurrection is the foundation of our very faith
(1 Pet. 1:3).  However, the annual observance of
Easter is a human concept.  Manmade religious
customs do not please God.  Of such Jesus said,
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and
honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from
Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as
doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9).
(Please also read verse 13).

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 4

Not long ago someone inquired as to what Paul
meant in Philippians 2:13.  Let us consider the
context.  In verse 12 Paul said, “…work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling.” We realize, then,
that we have a personal responsibility in our
salvation (we are to save ourselves).  Yet, without
further explanation this would seem impossible (cf.
Jn. 15:5).  Therefore, Paul encourages us by saying,
“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do
for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).  This reveals that
God has done and will do His part to save us; but we
must also do our part.

Yet how does God work in us?  Some assume that
the Holy Spirit miraculously works on the human
heart (something that the Scriptures do not teach).
However, the consistent answer is that God works in
us through His word (the gospel).  Proof of this is
seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:13: “…when you
received…the word of God, which also effectively
works in you who believe.” The Holy Spirit speaks
to man through the word of God (cf. Rev. 2:7).  The
hearing of that word must be mixed with faith (Heb.
4:2).  This is how God and man work together for the
salvation of man’s soul.  This is how God’s “will” is
“done” in us.

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Honest Questions and Bible Answers 3

Not long ago I was asked this question: “Is the Bible
a ‘how to get saved manual’ or the history of God
redeeming a people for himself?”

The Bible, consisting of 66 books spanning two
covenants, is rich not only for its historical value, but
is also a priceless compilation of prophecy, poetry,
scientific foreknowledge, exhortation, admonition,
etc. – and yes, it even reveals God’s law.  Both
covenants are based on law, the Old Testament on
the Law of Moses, and the New Testament on the
Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2; cf. Jas. 4:12).  Jesus Himself
said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who
DOES the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21).
You see, regardless of what other benefit we may
gain from the Scriptures, unless we obey the
commands of Christ we cannot be saved (Rom. 1:16;
Jas. 1:21; 1 Cor. 15:1-2; cf. Acts 11:14) – for the
gospel tells us what we must DO in order to be saved
(Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16; etc).

In the end the Lord will “in flaming fire taking
vengeance on those who do not know God, and on
those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord and from
the glory of His power” (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

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