Early Christian practise saw a dramatic change as it transitioned from Sabbath observance to Lord\’s Day observance. This blog examines the historical and theological aspects of this change, offering light on the discussions and interpretations around it.

Background information: The early Christian communities included both Jewish and Gentile believers, necessitating a close investigation of their practises and the interactions between their religious traditions. Jews who became Christians first observed the Sabbath alongside their newfound faith in Christ, although Gentile Christians were less constrained by Jewish traditions.

Ultimately, the question of legalism should be addressed on an individual basis rather than making broad generalisations. It is essential to focus on the heart of one\’s faith, emphasising the love for God and others, rather than reducing it to rigid adherence to rituals and rules.

Theological Justifications: Several theological arguments were put out to back the change from the Sabbath to the Lord\’s day. Early Christian defenders of the faith contended that Christ\’s fulfilment of the commandment rendered the literal Sabbath observance unnecessary and exhorted Christians to practise holiness every day rather than reserving it for one particular day of rest.

Eschatological Significance: The Lord\’s Day was so named because of its emphasis on gladness, which was related to the anticipation of the eschatological period and Christ\’s second coming. The idea of the \”eighth day\” developed, signifying a fresh start and an early glimpse of the rest that believers would eventually experience.

The timing of Christian gatherings and the move from evening meals to morning worship are two practical considerations that are considered. The research examines various perspectives on the computation of the day, taking into account both the continued use of Jewish reckoning and the potential adoption of Roman or Hellenistic techniques.

Discussions and Controversies: Different viewpoints from academics are offered regarding the cause and timing of the changeover. While some support an early adoption of the Lord\’s day, others advocate a more gradual transition that would be motivated by expanding Christian communities and the need to set Christianity apart from Judaism.

In early Christianity, theological, historical, and practical factors all had a role in the change from the Sabbath to the Lord\’s day. While there is still disagreement about the precise causes and timing of this change, it is obvious that early Christians looked to the observance of the Lord\’s day as a way to proclaim their eschatological faith and forge a distinctive Christian identity. Understanding this transition improves our comprehension of the theological foundations and early development of Christian worship practises.

Saturday worshippers, such as Seventh-day Adventists and Sabbatarians, continue to observe the Sabbath as a significant aspect of their faith. While it is important to acknowledge their commitment to honouring the biblical commandments, it is equally essential to recognise that accusations of legalism may arise in some cases.

Legalism: refers to an excessive emphasis on following religious laws and regulations as a means of salvation or righteousness. It can become problematic when adherence to rules becomes the primary focus, overshadowing the core principles of love, grace, and spiritual growth.

However, it is crucial not to generalise and label all Saturday worshippers as being stuck in legalism. Each individual and community practices their faith differently, and motivations may vary. Many Saturday worshippers embrace the Sabbath as a time of rest, worship, and spiritual reflection, seeing it as a gift from God rather than a legalistic obligation.

Moreover, it is important to remember that legalism is not exclusive to any particular group or denomination. It can manifest in various ways across different religious traditions. Even those who observe Sunday worship can potentially fall into legalistic tendencies if they prioritise strict adherence to rituals and regulations over the core principles of their faith.