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.