sabbath or sunday?

Originally posted on October 20, 2009 – by Andre Piet

QUESTION:
Which is it then, sabbath or sunday?

ANSWER:

1. The observance of the sabbath is a sign that God specially gave to Israel (Exodus 31:13,17). The sabbath commandment in “the ten words” applies to the people whom God “brought forth out of the house of servants, out of the land of Egypt” (Ex. 20:1). Not to the nations in general.
2. In Lev. 23 two appointed times are described that took place “on the morrow after the sabbath” (=sunday). For both appointed times no date is given, but only the day of the week is fixed:
   a. the day of the sheaf of firstfruits (Lev. 23:11);
   b. the “festival of weeks,” after the seventh sabbath (Lev. 23:15,16).
   The Lord Jesus Christ rose on the day of the sheaf of firstfruits: on the morrow after the sabbath and on the first day of the period in which seven sabbaths were to be counted. More info.
3. Since the days of the apostle Paul, Israel as a nation has temporarily been set aside (Rom. 11:12,15) and God is taking out from among the nations a people for His name (Acts 15:14). In this people there is no precedence for the Jew and “the law of precepts in decrees” has been nullified (Eph. 2:15). Therefore, in the ecclesia one should not be judging one another in eating and drinking (whether kosher or not), new moon or sabbaths (Col. 2:16), or any ritual whatever.
4. To Israel belong “the covenants and the legislation” (Rom. 9:4,5). When in the future the new covenant comes into force for them, the law will function in a new way. No longer as a burden but as a delight (Jer. 31:33). During the Messianic kingdom the sabbath will apply as a day of rest (Isa. 66:23).
5. The sunday commandment as it has been taught in Christendom ever since the days of emperor Constantine arises from a hopeless confusion of different matters. Instead of distinguishing what is at issue, people mix sabbath and sunday, Israel and the Ecclesia, old and new covenant, and law and grace.

Delen: