Introduction:Have you ever wondered why Christians gather to worship on Sunday rather than on Saturday, the traditional Jewish Sabbath?
The reason we worship on Sunday is rooted in the most important event in human history — the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Today, we will explore why Sunday has become the primary day of Christian worship, its connection to the resurrection, and its spiritual significance for us as believers.
1. The Resurrection of Jesus: The Foundation of Sunday Worship
Theological Significance: The cornerstone of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.Jesus was crucified on Friday, and three days later, on the first day of the week, He rose again from the dead (Luke 24:1-7, Matthew 28:1-10). This event marks the triumph of Christ over death, sin, and Satan, and it is the reason we gather to worship.
In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul writes, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." The resurrection of Jesus is the first fruit of the new creation, and Sunday is the day we celebrate this victory.
A New Beginning: The resurrection signifies the beginning of God's new work in the world. Just as God created the world in the beginning and called it "good," the resurrection is a sign of new life, hope, and renewal.Sunday is a weekly reminder that, through Christ, we too have been made new, and that through His resurrection, we have the promise of eternal life.
2. The Early Church’s Practice: Following the Example of the Apostles
Gathering on the First Day: In the early church, believers began to gather on the first day of the week — Sunday — to commemorate Jesus’ resurrection.Acts 20:7 tells us that the apostles gathered on the first day of the week to break bread and celebrate the Lord's Supper. This wasn’t just an ordinary meal; it was a celebration of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
1 Corinthians 16:2 also indicates that the early Christians set aside Sunday as a day to collect offerings, reinforcing its significance as a special day of worship and fellowship.
The Lord's Day: In the book of Revelation, the apostle John writes in Revelation 1:10, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day..." The term "Lord's Day" is understood to refer to Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Early Christians began to call Sunday the "Lord’s Day" to honor and remember the greatest act of God’s redemptive work.
3. The Transition from the Sabbath to the Lord's Day
Fulfilling the Sabbath: While the Jewish people observed the Sabbath (Saturday) as a day of rest, Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the law, including the Sabbath, through His death and resurrection.Jesus is the ultimate "rest" for His people. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He offers us rest from our sin, our striving, and our spiritual weariness.
Christians believe that Jesus' resurrection inaugurates a new covenant and that Sunday represents this new beginning.
Celebrating New Creation: By worshiping on Sunday, Christians mark the dawn of a new creation. Just as God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, the Christian Sabbath (Sunday) is a day of worship, rest, and reflection on the new life we have in Christ.2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Every Sunday is a celebration of this new creation brought about by Jesus’ resurrection.
4. The Historical Development: Constantine and the Christianization of SundayConstantine’s Edict: In 321 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine issued an edict declaring Sunday to be a day of rest for all. While this made Sunday a public holiday, it also solidified the practice of Christians gathering for worship on this day.This edict was not the reason Christians began worshiping on Sunday, but it did affirm the growing importance of Sunday as the designated day for Christians to gather in worship and rest.
5. The Spiritual Significance: A Day of Hope and Renewal
A Day to Celebrate Resurrection: Every Sunday is an opportunity for believers to celebrate the victory of Jesus over death and sin. We do not only remember the past but also live in the present power of His resurrection.When we gather on Sunday, we acknowledge the hope we have in Christ. His resurrection is not a one-time event but the ongoing reality of our lives.
Romans 6:4 tells us, "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Every Sunday, we celebrate the power of this new life.
A Day of Fellowship: Worshiping together on Sunday is a communal act. It is a day when the body of Christ comes together to encourage one another, to pray, to hear God’s Word, and to partake in the Lord’s Supper.Sunday worship strengthens our faith, reminds us of God’s promises, and renews our hope in the future glory that awaits us.
Conclusion: A Call to Embrace the Lord's DayInvitation to Worship: As we gather each Sunday, let us do so with reverence and joy, knowing that we are participating in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection and the hope He brings.Sunday worship is not just a religious obligation; it is a privilege. It is a time to reflect on what Jesus has done for us, to find renewal in His presence, and to look forward to the ultimate resurrection when Christ returns.
Living Out the Resurrection: Let this day remind us that we are a new creation, that we have been raised with Christ, and that we live in the light of His victory. May our lives reflect the power of the resurrection as we go out into the world, living as people of hope, peace, and joy.
Call to Action: As we leave here today, let us commit to honoring the Lord’s Day by making Sunday worship a priority. May we gather each week not out of routine, but in gratitude for the resurrection that gives us life and hope. And may our lives reflect the glory of the One who conquered death and made us new.
