Introduction: A New Dawn
Picture the disciples on that first Sunday morning. The stone rolled away, the tomb empty, the angels declaring: “He is not here, for He has risen, as He said” (Matt. 28:6). That day changed everything. The first day of the week was no longer just the day after Sabbath; it became the day of resurrection, the dawn of a new creation.
From that day forward, Christians gathered on the first day, not out of convenience, but because it testified to their deepest conviction: Christ is risen, and with Him, a new world has begun. That’s why John in Revelation 1:10 calls it “the Lord’s Day.”
This chapter will explore why the church worshiped on Sunday, how this developed biblically and historically, and why the Lord’s Day is not a replacement Sabbath but a distinct celebration of new creation and redemption.
The Resurrection as the Anchor of Christian Worship
The resurrection is the single greatest event in history. Paul calls it “of first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3–4). Without it, faith is futile (1 Cor. 15:17).
It is no coincidence that the resurrection happened on the first day of the week. This day becomes the weekly commemoration of Christ’s victory. Just as God’s first creation began on the first day, the new creation begins on the first day through Christ’s resurrection.
The Lord’s Day is not about legal obligation but joyful celebration — resurrection day, every week.
Biblical Evidence for Sunday Gatherings
The New Testament provides several clear indications:
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Resurrection Appearances: Jesus appeared to His disciples on the first day (John 20:19, 26). These appearances became the pattern of joy and fellowship.
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Acts 20:7: “On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them…” This shows the early church gathered on Sunday for the Lord’s Supper and teaching.
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1 Corinthians 16:2: Paul instructs giving on “the first day of every week.” This presumes a weekly gathering on Sunday.
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Revelation 1:10: John was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day,” indicating a recognized day set apart for worship.
There is no command for Christians to keep the seventh day. Instead, there is consistent witness that the first day became the normative gathering day.
Theological Meaning of the Lord’s Day
A. New Creation
Just as Genesis 1 began creation on the first day, Christ’s resurrection begins new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Sunday is the weekly reminder that new creation has begun.
B. Fulfillment, Not Replacement
The Lord’s Day is not the “Christian Sabbath” in the sense of a one-to-one replacement. Colossians 2:16–17 says Sabbaths were shadows pointing to Christ. Sunday is not a new shadow but the celebration of the fulfilled reality — resurrection life.
C. The Lord’s Day as Christ’s Own Day
John’s phrase “the Lord’s Day” (Rev. 1:10) signals ownership. This day belongs uniquely to the risen Lord, not because of law but because of lordship.
The Early Church and Sunday Worship
History confirms the biblical pattern.
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Didache (late 1st/early 2nd century): “On the Lord’s Day, gather together, break bread, and give thanks.”
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Ignatius of Antioch (c. AD 110): Christians were those “who have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath, but living in observance of the Lord’s Day, on which also our life has sprung up again by Him and by His death.”
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Justin Martyr (c. AD 150): Describes Christian worship on Sunday: “On the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place…”
The early Christians did not treat Sunday as a Sabbath-law obligation but as the day of joy in the risen Lord.
Why Not the Sabbath?
Adventists often argue: “God never changed the Sabbath.” That is true — He didn’t “change” it to Sunday. Rather, the Sabbath as covenant sign (Exod. 31:16–17) was fulfilled in Christ (Col. 2:16–17; Heb. 4:9–10).
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The Sabbath pointed to rest; Christ provides true rest.
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The Sabbath marked Israel’s covenant; the New Covenant community marks resurrection.
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The Sabbath was shadow; the Lord’s Day is substance.
The question is not, “Which day is the Sabbath?” but, “Which day marks the fulfillment of God’s plan?” The answer is clear: resurrection Sunday.
The Lord’s Day as a Day of Freedom
Unlike the Sabbath, which came with strict prohibitions (no work, limited travel, penalties for breaking), the Lord’s Day comes with freedom.
Paul warns in Galatians 4:9–10 against returning to “days and months and seasons and years.” Sunday is not about bondage to regulations but joyful freedom in Christ.
That’s why the early church never legislated Sabbath-style restrictions for Sunday. They gathered to worship, yes, but not to police behavior. The emphasis was on joy, fellowship, and gospel proclamation.
The Rhythm of Weekly Worship
Even though Sunday is not a new law, the rhythm of weekly worship is vital. Hebrews 10:25 commands believers not to neglect meeting together. The Lord’s Day gathering is essential for:
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Word-centered preaching.
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Ordinancial participation.
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Corporate singing and prayer.
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Mutual encouragement and accountability.
Christians worship daily, but Sunday gatherings anchor the rhythm of grace.
Lord’s Day after AD 70
From a historical perspective, the destruction of the temple in AD 70 solidified the end of Old Covenant worship tied to the Sabbath and sacrifice. The Lord’s Day became the universal Christian rhythm, distinct from Judaism, marking the permanence of the New Covenant.
This was not the church “changing” God’s law but God Himself demonstrating in history that the old shadows were obsolete.
Analogy: The Birthday of New Creation
Think of Sunday as the birthday of new creation. Every week the church gathers for a birthday party, not because the calendar forces it, but because resurrection joy compels it.
Who would refuse to celebrate their new birth just because it doesn’t fall on the old calendar?
Answering Common Objections
Objection 1: “Sunday worship came from pagan Rome.”
Response: False. Sunday gatherings are attested in Scripture and the earliest church writings long before Constantine. Christians gathered on Sunday out of resurrection joy, not imperial decree.
Objection 2: “The Sabbath is eternal.”
Response: The Sabbath was a covenant sign with Israel (Exod. 31:16–17). The New Covenant fulfills it in Christ (Heb. 4:9–10). Eternal rest is in Christ, not in a day.
Objection 3: “The Ten Commandments are unchangeable.”
Response: The Decalogue was part of the Old Covenant (Deut. 4:13). In Christ, the covenant has changed. Nine commands are reaffirmed in the New Testament, but Sabbath is fulfilled in Christ.
The Joy of the Lord’s Day
Sunday is not about loss but gain:
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We celebrate resurrection.
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We rejoice in freedom from shadows.
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We gather with the global church.
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We anticipate the eternal Lord’s Day when we will worship face to face (Rev. 21–22).
The weekly rhythm is a taste of eternity.
Practical Guidance for Former Adventists
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Reframe your thinking: Sunday is not a “new Sabbath” but resurrection day.
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Enjoy freedom: Don’t replace Adventist rules with new ones; delight in Christ.
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Prioritize gathering: Make the Lord’s Day worship a joyful anchor of your week.
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Teach your family: Explain that Sunday is about Jesus’ resurrection, not about law.
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Use Sunday for mission: Many early Christians used it to serve, give, and proclaim the gospel.
Conclusion: The Day That Belongs to the Lord
John called it “the Lord’s Day” because it belonged uniquely to Christ. It is not about legal duty but about love and joy.
Former and questioning Adventists, hear the invitation: step out of the shadows of Sabbath obligation and into the light of resurrection celebration. The Lord’s Day is not a burden but a gift — a weekly reminder that sin is defeated, death is conquered, and Christ is risen indeed.
Reflection Questions
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What emotions or fears do you still carry about leaving Sabbath for the Lord’s Day?
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How does seeing Sunday as resurrection day change how you approach worship?
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What practices can you adopt to make the Lord’s Day a joy, not a burden?
Prayer
Risen Lord, thank You for giving us a day to celebrate Your victory. Free us from fear and legalism, and fill us with joy as we gather on Your Day. Let our worship on the Lord’s Day be a foretaste of the eternal celebration to come. Amen.
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