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The Sabbath vs. Sunday: Do They Conflict or Complement Each Other?

  • Feb 13
  • 3 min read

Updated: Sep 8


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The Distinction Between the Sabbath and Sunday (the Lord’s Day)


This article serves as a follow-up to our blog post, "Why Christians Should Observe the Sabbath."


The distinction between the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day has long been a topic of discussion among believers. It is important to clarify that Saturday, the seventh day, is not the Lord’s Day, and Sunday is not the Sabbath or a designated day of rest.


While the Sabbath was instituted at creation and reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), the Lord’s Day, observed by Christians on Sunday, is not a replacement but a distinct occasion for fellowship, encouragement, commemoration, and edification (Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:25).


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Why Sunday is Called the Lord’s Day


The early church recognized the first day of the week as significant because it was on this day that Jesus rose from the dead (Mark 16:9), appeared to His disciples (John 20:19), and the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost (Acts 2:1).


The apostle John refers to the "Lord’s Day" (Revelation 1:10), indicating its special role in Christian worship. From the time of the apostles, believers gathered on the first day of the week for prayer, teaching, and breaking bread (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2), distinguishing it from the Old Testament Sabbath.


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However, recognizing the fourth commandment’s instruction to keep the Sabbath does not mean replacing Sunday worship but rather preparing our hearts more fully for it. Regardless of theological stances on the Sabbath, God blessed it and made it holy, and no position can change that fact. The days are not in opposition; one does not cancel the other.


Observing a day of rest on the Sabbath—ceasing from labor, dedicating time to prayer, reflection, and delighting in God—can serve as a spiritual recalibration that enhances our readiness for the Lord’s Day. Just as physical rest restores the body, setting apart time on the Sabbath allows the believer to enter Sunday worship with a spirit that is refreshed, focused, and fully engaged in honoring Christ.


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Why the Jerusalem Council Did Not Command Gentile Believers to Keep the Sabbath


A key question arises from Acts 15: Why did the Jerusalem Council not include the Sabbath command among the instructions given to Gentile believers?


Many respected biblical commentators suggest that the Sabbath, while part of the moral framework of Israel, was uniquely tied to the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:16-17). Unlike the moral prohibitions against idolatry, immorality, and consuming blood (Acts 15:19-20), the Sabbath was not reiterated as a universal obligation for Gentile believers in Christ.


Scholars such as F.F. Bruce and Craig Keener argue that the council’s purpose was to remove barriers to Gentile inclusion in the faith community while upholding key moral principles. The absence of Sabbath observance in their decree suggests that it was not seen as binding on Gentile Christians in the same way as moral laws rooted in God’s eternal character.


With those scholarly perspectives in mind, I still believe that because the Sabbath is part of the Ten Commandments, it reflects a timeless principle rather than merely an Old Covenant requirement. While Christians are not bound to observe the Sabbath as ancient Israel did (Colossians 2:16-17), the wisdom of setting aside regular time for rest and worship remains. Since Saturday typically marks the end of the workweek in our society today, it naturally aligns as a day of rest.


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The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day Working Together.


Rather than being at odds, the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day can complement one another. The Sabbath, observed as a day of physical rest and spiritual renewal, deepens our relationship with God and prepares us to engage in corporate worship with greater joy and attentiveness.


By understanding this distinction, Christians can uphold the fourth commandment while embracing the Lord’s Day as a time of celebration and fellowship in the risen Christ.


May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you.


References:


Which day is the Sabbath? Craig Keener

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