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  • Sabbath and Israel? 

Example: Acts 20:7 is a passage that provides the clearest evidence that the New Testament churches assembled on the first day of the week. In fact, this was the primary service of the week. Paul stayed in Troas one full week. Then on Sunday, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.

Paul consistently preached on the Jewish Sabbath as well, because that was the day the Jews would gather in the synagogues. On Sunday it would be virtually empty. But when Paul gathered for fellowship with the church, it was on Sunday, as revealed here (Acts 20:7) and in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Sunday was the day they received offerings; Sunday was the day they observed the Lord's Supper. 

The teachings of the apostles agree with this practice. Several other references are clearly made to the Sabbath (Rom. 14:5,6; Gal. 4:9-11). In each of these passages Christians are urged not to allow the Sabbath to become a binding issue. Why? Because Saturday nor Sunday is the Christian's Sabbath.   We worship a Person, not a day. Every day is to be holy to the Lord. Jesus Christ is our Sabbath (rest). 

Sincerely, Dr. Arthur Belanger          

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Sabbath or Sunday for Christians?   

The question often arises as to whether or not Christians should worship on Sunday or the Sabbath (Saturday).  There is a consistency in Scripture as to either day. The Sabbath is consistent with Israel while Sunday is consistent with the Church.  

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The Sabbath is indicative of the last day of the old creation (Genesis. 2:2).  Sunday is indicative of the first day of the new creation.  The Sabbath is a symbol of salvation rest in Christ (Hebrews. 4). Just as the Jews did not work on the Sabbath, even so the believer is saved by God’s grace without works (Ephesians 2:8,9).   

Binding the Church to a pattern that was established exclusively for Israel will always result in confusion and division.  There is a biblically distinct and separate role for the Church versus Israel in God's divine economy.