In Genesis 2:1-3, the Creation is completed, and God rests on the seventh day. Number 1 Question: Did Adam and Eve keep the Sabbath? Answer: The question of whether Adam and Eve kept the Sabbath is not explicitly answered in the Bible, but there are some clues and interpretations based on scripture and tradition. In Genesis 2:1-3, it is described that after God created the world in six days, He rested on the seventh day and sanctified it: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." (Genesis 2:1-3, KJV) This is often seen as the institution of the Sabbath day. However, there’s no direct mention that Adam and Eve were commanded to keep the Sabbath in this passage. Some interpretations suggest that because God sanctified the seventh day, it was meant to be a model for humans to follow. It is likely that Adam and Eve, as the first humans, were aware of the pattern of work and rest set by God. But, the specific command to observe the Sabbath as a formal law does not appear until later, when it is given to the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:23-30) and in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). From a theological perspective, many believe that the Sabbath was intended for all of humanity from the beginning, reflecting the divine rhythm of work and rest. However, there is no clear biblical record that Adam and Eve, specifically, observed the Sabbath as a formal religious commandment. So, in short, while there is no explicit evidence that Adam and Eve kept the Sabbath in the formal way later described in Scripture, they may have observed the rest and rhythm of the seventh day, given the example set by God. Number 2 Question: Saturday or Sunday? Answer: The question of whether the Sabbath should be observed on Saturday or Sunday has been a topic of theological discussion for centuries, and the answer depends on religious traditions and interpretations of scripture. Saturday (Seventh Day) Biblical Basis: The Sabbath is traditionally observed on the seventh day of the week, which is Saturday, according to the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Sabbath is clearly described as the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-11), which corresponds to Saturday in the modern Gregorian calendar. Judaism: In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath (Shabbat) is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, marking the seventh day of the week. This observance is rooted in the commandments given in the Torah and remains the standard practice for Jews today. Seventh-Day Adventists: Many Protestant denominations, such as the Seventh-Day Adventists, also observe the Sabbath on Saturday, in line with the biblical tradition. Sunday (First Day) Christian Tradition: Christians, particularly those in Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions, generally observe Sunday as a day of worship and rest, not Saturday. This practice stems from the belief that Jesus Christ was resurrected on a Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8), and Sunday became known as the "Lord's Day." Theological Shift: Early Christians began meeting on Sunday, the first day of the week, to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This practice was solidified over time, particularly after the Roman Emperor Constantine's edict in 321 A.D. that made Sunday a day of rest in the Roman Empire. The New Testament: While the New Testament doesn't directly command the shift from Saturday to Sunday, it does imply the early Christians gathered on Sunday for worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). The change was understood more as a celebration of the resurrection and the beginning of a new covenant, rather than a direct fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath. Theological Perspectives For Saturday Observers (e.g., Seventh-Day Adventists), the observance of the Sabbath on the seventh day (Saturday) is considered a command from God that should not be altered. They believe the shift to Sunday is a later human tradition that is not biblically mandated. For Sunday Observers (e.g., Catholics, most Protestants), Sunday observance is viewed as honoring the resurrection of Christ and a fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath in a new way. Many argue that the essence of the Sabbath—rest and worship—remains, even if the specific day changed. Summary Saturday: The original Sabbath, as described in the Bible, is on the seventh day, which is Saturday. Sunday: Many Christians observe Sunday as the day for rest and worship, primarily due to its association with the resurrection of Jesus. The debate between Saturday and Sunday observance hinges on theological and historical interpretations, and both practices are rooted in a desire to honor God through rest and worship. Number 3 Question: Does God accept the Sabbath on Sunday instead of Saturday? Answer: Does God accept the Sabbath on Sunday instead of Saturday? The question of whether God accepts the Sabbath on Sunday instead of Saturday is debated within various religious traditions, and the answer largely depends on one's theological perspective. Let’s explore both viewpoints: 1. Traditional View: Saturday (Seventh Day) Biblical Foundation: According to the Old Testament, God established the Sabbath as the seventh day of the week (Saturday). In Genesis 2:2-3, it says God rested on the seventh day and sanctified it. This is reaffirmed in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11), where God commands His people to keep the seventh day holy. Jewish and Seventh-Day Observance: Both Judaism and groups like the Seventh-day Adventists hold that the Sabbath must be observed on Saturday, as it is the day that God ordained for rest and worship. They believe that the Saturday Sabbath is a commandment that has not been changed or altered by the New Testament. Biblical Argument: Those who argue for Saturday often emphasize that the command to "remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8) is a perpetual command for all people. They believe that changing the day from Saturday to Sunday is not scriptural and was a later man-made tradition. 2. Sunday Observance: The First Day of the Week Christian Tradition: Most Christians observe Sunday as the day for worship and rest, in honor of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week (Sunday). Early Christians began meeting on Sundays as a way to commemorate this central event in the Christian faith (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:9-20; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-29). No Direct Biblical Command for Sunday: The New Testament does not explicitly command Christians to observe Sunday instead of Saturday. However, there are references that early Christians gathered for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2), and this became a tradition. Theological Reasoning: Many Christians believe that the essence of the Sabbath—rest and worship—is fulfilled in Christ, who offers spiritual rest (Matthew 11:28-30) and who is seen as the fulfillment of the law (Romans 10:4). The shift to Sunday observance is seen as part of the New Covenant, where the "rest" provided by Christ supersedes the Old Covenant's weekly Sabbath rest. Authority of the Church: The early church, especially after Emperor Constantine’s edict in the 4th century, formalized Sunday as the day of worship. Many Christians believe that the Church, under divine guidance, has the authority to establish this tradition. Therefore, Sunday worship is seen as legitimate in honoring God, even if it's not the same day as the original Sabbath. 3. Does God Accept Worship on Sunday Instead of Saturday? For Saturday Observers: Some argue that God has specifically designated the seventh day (Saturday) for rest and worship, and that changing the day to Sunday is not in line with God’s command. They believe that true observance of the Sabbath is only valid on Saturday. For Sunday Observers: Most Christians believe that God accepts worship on Sunday, as long as the heart and intent are focused on honoring Him. They believe that Sunday observance reflects the new covenant in Christ, and they see the resurrection of Jesus as a transformative event that shifted the focus from the old Sabbath to a new day for worship. For them, God is more concerned with the spirit of the Sabbath—rest, worship, and communion with Him—rather than the specific day. 4. Jesus and the Sabbath Jesus' own teaching on the Sabbath can offer insight into this issue. In Mark 2:27-28, He says: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” This statement suggests that the Sabbath was created for humanity's benefit and rest, and Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, has authority to redefine its purpose. Many Christians interpret this as showing that the specific day may not be as crucial as the underlying purpose of rest and worship. Summary For Saturday Observers (e.g., Jewish tradition, Seventh-Day Adventists), the Sabbath must be observed on Saturday, as this is what God originally commanded. For Sunday Observers (e.g., most Christians), Sunday is accepted as the day of worship in honor of Christ’s resurrection, and they believe that God accepts worship on this day, as it is in line with the spirit of the Sabbath—rest and devotion to God. Ultimately, many Christians believe that the essence of the Sabbath—rest and worship—is fulfilled in Christ, and the specific day is secondary to the heart of honoring God. So, the answer depends on which tradition or theological perspective you follow. Both Saturday and Sunday observance are seen as legitimate by different groups, and both are believed to be ways to honor God through rest and worship. Number 4 Question: Did God command the sabbath on Saturday, not Sunday? Answer: Yes, according to the Old Testament, God commanded the Sabbath to be observed on Saturday, the seventh day of the week, not Sunday. Biblical Basis for the Saturday Sabbath: Creation Week (Genesis 2:1-3): In the very beginning, after God created the heavens and the earth in six days, He rested on the seventh day. This day of rest was sanctified and set apart as holy: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which God created and made." (Genesis 2:1-3, KJV) The Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11): The most direct command to observe the Sabbath is found in the Ten Commandments: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work..." (Exodus 20:8-10, KJV) The seventh day of the week (Saturday) is explicitly stated as the Sabbath day. Further Reinforcement in the Old Testament: The book of Leviticus also reinforces the observance of the Sabbath on the seventh day (Leviticus 23:3). Deuteronomy 5:12-15 reiterates the command to keep the Sabbath and ties it to God's creation and Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. Why Saturday? The Number Seven: In both the creation narrative and the commandment, the seventh day is highlighted as the day of rest, emphasizing a divine pattern of six days of work followed by one day of rest. Jewish Tradition: The Jewish people, following these biblical commands, have observed the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening for thousands of years. This practice was established long before the New Testament. The Shift to Sunday (First Day of the Week) in Christianity: The change from Saturday (the seventh day) to Sunday (the first day of the week) as the day of worship and rest is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, but it became a Christian practice, primarily due to the resurrection of Jesus on Sunday. Early Christians began gathering on Sundays to commemorate the resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:9). In Acts 20:7, the early church is described meeting on the first day of the week to break bread and preach. The Apostle Paul also mentions Sunday worship in 1 Corinthians 16:2. Summary Yes, God commanded the Sabbath to be observed on the seventh day (Saturday) in the Old Testament. Sunday observance as a Christian tradition arose later, primarily because of the significance of Jesus’ resurrection on that day. It is not directly commanded in the Bible as a replacement for the Saturday Sabbath, but many Christians see Sunday as a day of worship, symbolizing the new covenant in Christ. So, in the original biblical commandment, the Sabbath was indeed on Saturday. The shift to Sunday is a Christian tradition, not a direct command from God in the Bible. Number 5 Question: Do God approve of the man who worships the sabbath on the first day? Answer: The question of whether God approves of a man who worships on the first day of the week (Sunday) instead of the seventh day (Saturday) depends largely on theological perspective and the understanding of God's will regarding Sabbath observance. There are a few key points to consider based on scripture and Christian traditions: 1. God's Command for the Seventh Day (Saturday) In the Old Testament, God commands the observance of the Sabbath on the seventh day (Saturday) as part of the Ten Commandments. This was the day God rested after creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and set apart as holy (Exodus 20:8-11). In Jewish tradition, this was, and still is, strictly observed as a day of rest and worship. The Sabbath command is repeated in both Exodus and Deuteronomy, emphasizing that it is a perpetual ordinance for Israel. For example, Exodus 20:10 says, “But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God…” and in Leviticus 23:3, “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, a holy convocation.” 2. The Shift to Sunday Worship in Christianity Early Christians did not initially change the Sabbath to Sunday, but they began to meet on Sunday (the first day of the week) to commemorate Jesus' resurrection, which occurred on a Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10). This practice became widespread as a way to honor the risen Christ. In the New Testament, there is no explicit command that Christians must abandon the Saturday Sabbath or shift worship to Sunday. However, early Christians started gathering on Sunday to break bread (Acts 20:7) and contribute offerings (1 Corinthians 16:2). This gradually became the norm, especially after the Council of Laodicea in 364 A.D., which officially recognized Sunday as the "Lord's Day." The resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian theology, and many Christians view Sunday as the appropriate day to worship, as it marks the beginning of the new creation (the resurrection of Christ). 3. Jesus and the Sabbath Jesus' Teaching on the Sabbath: In the Gospels, Jesus often clashed with religious leaders over their interpretation of the Sabbath. He emphasized that the purpose of the Sabbath was not to burden people with legalistic rules, but to offer rest and spiritual renewal (Mark 2:27-28). He said, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." This suggests that the Sabbath should be a blessing, not a rigid requirement that causes hardship. Jesus' Role as Lord of the Sabbath: Jesus also stated that He is "Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8), meaning He has authority over how the Sabbath is observed. Many Christians interpret this as an indication that the precise day of the Sabbath is less important than the spirit of rest and worship it represents. 4. Theological Perspectives on Sunday Worship For Christians who observe Sunday: Most Christians believe that Sunday worship is honoring God and is an expression of faith in the resurrection of Jesus. They often believe that Sunday worship fulfills the intent of the Sabbath command to rest and worship, but in light of the new covenant in Christ. For them, Sunday is the "Lord's Day," and it is just as valid as the Saturday Sabbath in terms of honoring God. For Christians who observe Saturday (e.g., Seventh-Day Adventists): Those who observe the Sabbath on Saturday believe that the Sabbath commandment is still in force as given in the Old Testament, and they feel that it is important to observe the seventh day as the Bible originally commanded. They would argue that worshiping on Sunday instead of Saturday is a human tradition and not supported by scripture, and they may believe that God's approval is more closely tied to following the original command. 5. The New Covenant and Spiritual Rest Colossians 2:16-17: The Apostle Paul addresses concerns about the Sabbath, saying, "Let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." Some Christians interpret this to mean that the Old Testament Sabbath laws are fulfilled in Christ, and believers are not bound to observe them in the same way. Instead, the true Sabbath rest is found in Christ's salvation and spiritual rest (Hebrews 4:9-10). Romans 14:5-6: Paul also writes, "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it." This suggests that Christians are not bound by the old calendar, but should observe days according to their own conscience and in a manner that honors God. Conclusion: Does God Approve of Worship on Sunday Instead of Saturday? For Christians who worship on Sunday, the overwhelming majority of Christian denominations believe that God does approve of worshiping on Sunday, as it honors the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new covenant. They see Sunday worship as a way of celebrating the new creation brought through Christ, and they believe that the essence of the Sabbath—rest, renewal, and worship—is maintained. For Christians who believe in the Saturday Sabbath, especially those in traditions like Seventh-day Adventism, they believe God has commanded the seventh day for worship and rest, and any shift away from that would not align with the original biblical command. They may argue that God's approval hinges on observing the Sabbath according to the commandment given in Exodus 20. In both cases, God looks at the heart: whether the person is sincerely worshiping, resting in Him, and honoring His commandments in spirit and truth. The New Testament seems to focus more on the spirit of the law (loving God, finding rest in Him) than on strict adherence to a particular day. Ultimately, the answer may depend on one's understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Covenants and the role of the Sabbath in the life of the believer. Number 6 Question: Do God allow us to keep the sabbath on Sunday? Answer: The question of whether God allows us to keep the Sabbath on Sunday instead of the seventh day (Saturday) involves both theological interpretation and the principles behind the Sabbath commandment. Let's break down the key factors that influence this issue from a biblical perspective. 1. The Sabbath Command in the Old Testament The Sabbath is established in the Old Testament as the seventh day (Saturday). The commandment in Exodus 20:8-10 clearly states: "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God..." (Exodus 20:8-10) The Sabbath was considered a perpetual commandment for the people of Israel. It was not only a day of rest but also a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (Exodus 31:13-17). In this context, the seventh day is Saturday, and the command was clear: keep that day holy and set it apart for rest and worship. 2. The Shift to Sunday Worship in Christianity Sunday observance, in Christian tradition, originated in the early Church and became widely practiced in the centuries after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which occurred on a Sunday (Matthew 28:1-10). Early Christians began gathering on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection. This shift is most notably reflected in: Acts 20:7: "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them…" 1 Corinthians 16:2: "On the first day of the week, let each one of you lay something aside..." (Paul encourages Christians to meet on the first day of the week for fellowship and offerings.) Sunday eventually became known as the Lord's Day (Revelation 1:10), a day set apart to commemorate Christ’s resurrection. By the 4th century, under Emperor Constantine, Sunday was officially recognized as a day of rest in the Roman Empire, making Sunday the predominant day of Christian worship. 3. Does God Approve of Sunday Observance? While the Old Testament Sabbath (Saturday) was given to the Israelites, the New Testament does not explicitly command Christians to observe the Sabbath on the seventh day (Saturday). Instead, it emphasizes spiritual rest and worship, with Sunday emerging as the day of Christian gathering. Colossians 2:16-17: "Let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." This suggests that the ceremonial aspects of the law, including the Sabbath, are fulfilled in Christ, and Christians are not bound to observe the Sabbath in the same way as the Old Testament commanded. Romans 14:5-6: "One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it." Paul acknowledges that believers may observe days differently, as long as they do so in honor of God. 4. Spiritual Rest in Christ Jesus’ Teachings on the Sabbath: In the Gospels, Jesus indicates that the purpose of the Sabbath is to bring rest and not to be a burdensome legal obligation. He says in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Jesus, as the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), offers a deeper, spiritual rest that transcends the physical observance of a specific day. Christians are invited into this rest through their relationship with Christ, regardless of the day. 5. Is It Wrong to Worship on Sunday? Sunday observance is seen by most Christians not as a replacement for the biblical Sabbath but as a celebration of the new covenant brought through Jesus’ resurrection. Sunday is referred to as the Lord’s Day in honor of the resurrection, and many believe that it fulfills the intent of the Sabbath—rest and worship. In the New Testament, there is no explicit prohibition of worshiping on Sunday. In fact, the practice of gathering on Sunday is encouraged. The early Christians regularly met on Sunday, and by the 4th century, Sunday had become the main day of Christian worship. God’s Approval: From a New Testament perspective, God is more concerned with the spiritual intent behind observing the Sabbath, whether it’s on Saturday or Sunday. If a person chooses to rest, worship, and dedicate time to God on Sunday, it is seen as acceptable, as long as the spirit of the Sabbath—honoring God through rest, renewal, and worship—is maintained. 6. The Essence of the Sabbath The Sabbath was always meant to be a time of rest, not just from work, but also from striving, to focus on God. The New Testament teaches that Christ is the fulfillment of the Sabbath rest, offering rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28-30). Hebrews 4:9-10: "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His." This suggests that true Sabbath rest is found in Christ, not in the specific day observed. Conclusion: Does God Allow Us to Keep the Sabbath on Sunday? Yes, God allows us to keep the Sabbath on Sunday, as long as the heart of worship, rest, and honoring God is present. The shift from Saturday (the seventh day) to Sunday (the first day) is rooted in the Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection, and it has become the norm for Christian worship. The key is spiritual rest in Christ, not legalistic observance of a specific day. Whether on Saturday or Sunday, the spirit of the Sabbath—resting in God, focusing on Him, and worshiping—remains the central idea. Therefore, God accepts worship on Sunday, as long as it’s done in a way that honors Him, brings rest to the soul, and is rooted in a relationship with Christ.

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