In this last part of the series I would like to say a few words about the history of the Sabbath in the three centuries that followed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is commonly believed that the church changed the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday, in respect for the Lord’s resurrection. Today we find that about 99% of Christendom treats Sunday as their “Sabbath”. So-called “deviant members,” such as those who belong to the Seventh Day Adventist movement are looked upon with mild amusement. Those who wish to keep a Saturday fellowship are often looked upon with irritation by others because of the “inconvenience” they cause! So what are the historical facts? (incidentally, we ourselves belong to no ecclesiastical organisation. We meet in the homes of our family and fellowship and share together.) [Read more…]
Archives for May 2001
10. More on the Sabbath
What did the Lord have in mind when He revealed His workmanship to Adam and Eve? Why did He choose to give the creation account in terms of a week of days? And why did He place such an importance on the seventh day, the one known as the Sabbath? We have seen from the Old Testament scriptures the supreme importance God placed on remembrance of the Sabbath. We have also seen our Lord’s attitude towards the Sabbath day during His earthly ministry, and how He referred to Himself as “the Lord of the Sabbath.” What then is it all about? [Read more…]
9. The Sabbath
In the last number we looked at the Week, and saw how it reflected the seven days of Genesis 1. In this number I’d like to look more particularly at the Sabbath in history. [Read more…]