Growing up in a Christian family, Sundays were all about church and family dinners. But then, reality hit. Sometimes, work happened on Sundays too. It felt wrong, like breaking a rule. But was it?
Turns out, there’s more to the story. Studying the Bible and listening to wise folks like Reverend Billy Graham, I learned something surprising. Working on Sundays isn’t automatically a sin!
Reverend Graham said the best way to honor Sundays is to give everyone a chance to worship and connect with God. Imagine if hospitals, firefighters, and police all took a day off? Not gonna work. But the point is, showing our faith through actions, not restrictions, is powerful.
Ultimately, Reverend Graham stressed freedom in Christ. Christianity isn’t about a bunch of “don’ts.” The big two are loving God and loving others. That’s it.
Key Takeaways:
- Sabbath for All? Maybe the point of the Sabbath wasn’t just about one day, but about giving everyone a chance to rest and connect with something bigger.
- Old vs. New? Some rules in the Old Testament were specifically for the Israelites, not a one-size-fits-all for Christians.
- Jesus & the Rules? Jesus kind of showed how some Old Testament laws weren’t set in stone.
- Rest is Good! Taking a break is healthy for your body and mind, and lets you be a better person (and Christian!).
- Freedom in Christ? Following Jesus shouldn’t feel like being stuck in a museum of outdated rules.
- So, Can I Work on Sundays? It depends! Essential services need to function, but maybe that extra shift at the shoe store can wait.
- What Day is the Sabbath Anyway? The focus might be more on taking a regular break, not necessarily on a specific day.
- The New Testament View? The Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid Sunday work, and some early Christians even met on the first day of the week.
- Work-Life-Worship Balance? Finding a healthy rhythm between work, rest, and faith is key.
The Sabbath’s Purpose for Humanity
The idea of the Sabbath can feel a bit…dusty, right? Like an old rule you’re not quite sure applies anymore. But guess what? The Sabbath was actually God’s gift to humanity – a built-in rest button. In Genesis, we see God Himself chilling after creating the whole universe in six days (Genesis 2:2-3). Talk about setting a good example!
Think of it like this: even your phone needs to be plugged in sometimes, right? We humans are no different. Jesus himself understood this. He said, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath wasn’t meant to be a chore, but a gift – a chance to slow down, focus on your relationship with God, and spend quality time with loved ones.
Growing up, my family had special traditions around Sabbath rest. Every Friday night, we’d gather for a delicious dinner, kicking off the weekend with a full heart and happy bellies. Sundays were for church and then family time – games, laughter, just enjoying each other’s company. These memories still warm my heart. They’re a reminder of the peace and joy that come from honoring the Sabbath.
Are the Commandments the Same for Jews and Christians?
The Fourth Commandment, which instructs us to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8), was given specifically to the Israelites under the Mosaic Covenant. This commandment was part of the covenant between God and His chosen people, and it was not intended to be binding upon all nations. As the apostle Paul explains, “Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day” (Colossians 2:16).
In this series on the Ten Commandments, I’ve been making the case that we must carefully distinguish between what God required of his people (Israel) and what he requires of us today in order to avoid confusing the Mosaic Law with moral law. The Fourth Commandment is a perfect example. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). We can’t simply impose this requirement upon Christians because it was never intended to apply to Christians.
It is crucial to understand the context in which the Fourth Commandment was given and to recognize that it was part of a specific covenant that no longer applies to Christians. We must be careful not to confuse the Mosaic Law with moral law, as Rev. Graham often emphasized in his teachings. By making this distinction, we can avoid placing unnecessary burdens on believers and instead focus on the principles of grace and freedom that are central to the New Covenant.
Jesus Gave and Fulfilled law of Moses
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to fulfill the Old Testament laws, including the Sabbath commandment (Matthew 5:17). Through His death on the cross and resurrection, Jesus ushered in a new covenant, freeing believers from the strict observance of certain laws and regulations. As the apostle Paul writes, “having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).
While some Christians might argue that the Fourth Commandment applies only to Jews today because it was given specifically to them by God (Deuteronomy 5:15), we know from Scripture that Jesus fulfilled all six of these Old Testament laws when He died on Calvary’s cross (Colossians 2:14-17). And since Christ is our Savior who rescues us from sin’s penalty (Romans 5:8), no one should be under any condemnation if they fail at keeping any part of His commandments (John 3:19; Galatians 3:13).
This truth is liberating for Christians, as it means we are no longer bound by the legalistic requirements of the Old Covenant. Instead, we are called to live according to the principles of love, grace, and faith that are central to the New Covenant. Jesus’ fulfillment of the law does not negate the importance of rest and worship, but it frees us from the obligation to observe specific days or practices as a means of earning God’s favor or maintaining our salvation.
Health Benefits of Observing Rest
The concept of Sabbath rest extends beyond mere physical recuperation to encompass mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. God designed the human body and mind to function optimally with periods of rest and rejuvenation. When we neglect to take time off from our labors, we risk burnout, stress, and a diminished quality of life.
As a young adult, I experienced the consequences of overwork firsthand. I had just started a demanding job and found myself working long hours, often skipping meals and neglecting my personal life. It wasn’t long before I began to feel the effects of this lifestyle, both physically and mentally. I found myself irritable, fatigued, and disconnected from God. It was then that I realized the importance of prioritizing rest and balance in my life.
Through this experience, I learned that observing the Sabbath principle is not just a religious obligation but a wise practice that promotes overall well-being. By setting aside time for rest, worship, and rejuvenation, we honor God and care for ourselves in a way that leads to greater wholeness and vitality.
Freedom from Old Covenant Laws
Christians are no longer under the obligations of the Old Covenant laws, including the Sabbath commandment. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers have been granted freedom from the legalistic requirements of the past. As the author of Hebrews writes, “When Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:11).
This freedom does not mean that we are free to live however we please, disregarding God’s principles and commands. Rather, it means that we are free to live according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, guided by the principles of love, grace, and faith. As the apostle Paul exhorts, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
Sunday Work is Not A Sin its a Choice
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit Christians from working on Sundays. While the Fourth Commandment instructs the Israelites to rest on the Sabbath day, this commandment was given within the context of the Old Covenant and is not binding upon believers today. The New Testament is silent on the issue of Sunday work, suggesting that it is a matter of personal conviction and preference.
Now, imagine if hospitals shut down every Sunday. Fire stations and police headquarters deserted. No one answering 911 calls. Even the military bases go dark. Imagine a world where pastors, missionaries, and chaplains take Sundays completely off, leaving people in need without help. Crazy, right?
This understanding can be liberating for Christians who struggle with the guilt or shame associated with working on Sundays. It is important to remember that our salvation is not dependent on our observance of specific days or practices. Rather, it is based on our faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to living according to His teachings.
Clarifying the Sabbath Day
The fourth commandment is a perfect example. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). God gave this commandment to His people Israel after they had been delivered from bondage in Egypt. It was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel that He would be their God and they would be His people. The seventh day was set apart as holy time for rest, worship, and restorative activities like visiting with family members who weren’t able to work on other days because of their jobs—which were more common back then than today’s nine-to-five jobs are now!
It is important to note that the Sabbath day, as commanded in the Old Testament, falls on Saturday, not Sunday. The Jews observed the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath, in accordance with the creation account in Genesis 2. However, the early Christian church began gathering for worship on the first day of the week, Sunday, to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).
This shift in observance does not negate the importance of rest and worship, but it highlights the flexibility and adaptability of Christian practices. While many Christians choose to observe Sunday as a day of rest and worship, it is not a command that is binding upon all believers. The key is to prioritize rest and worship, not just on Sundays, but throughout the week, as our schedules and circumstances allow.
Historical Context of Sabbath Observance
To fully understand the issue of Sunday work, it is important to consider the historical context of Sabbath observance. In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and His people Israel (Exodus 31:13). It was a day set apart for rest, worship, and the celebration of God’s creation and redemption.
However, over time, the Sabbath observance became increasingly legalistic, with the Pharisees adding numerous rules and regulations to the original commandment. Jesus often challenged these legalistic interpretations, emphasizing the spirit of the law rather than the letter (Matthew 12:1-14, Mark 2:23-28).
As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the early church faced challenges in determining how to observe the Sabbath. Some Jewish Christians continued to observe the Sabbath on Saturday, while Gentile Christians began gathering for worship on Sunday. This diversity of practice was not seen as a threat to unity, as long as believers were guided by the principles of love, grace, and faith.
New Testament Perspective on Sunday Work
The New Testament does not provide explicit instructions regarding Sunday work. However, it does emphasize the importance of rest, worship, and the freedom that believers have in Christ. The apostle Paul encourages believers to “not forsake our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
This verse highlights the importance of gathering together for worship and fellowship, but it does not specify a particular day of the week. The New Testament also emphasizes the freedom that believers have in Christ, as long as their actions are guided by love and concern for others (1 Corinthians 8-10).
It is important to note that while the New Testament does not prohibit Sunday work, it also does not endorse it as a universal practice. The decision to work on Sundays should be made prayerfully and with consideration for one’s own conscience and the impact it may have on one’s spiritual life and relationships.
Balancing Work with Rest and Worship
As Christians, we are called to strike a balance between work, rest, and worship. While the specific requirements of the Sabbath commandment may not apply to us today, the principle of rest and worship remains important. By prioritizing time for rest, spiritual renewal, and fellowship with other believers, we honor God and care for ourselves in a way that leads to greater wholeness and vitality.
In my own life, I have found that making time for rest and worship, even amidst a busy schedule, has been transformative. Whether it’s taking a walk in nature, engaging in a time of personal devotion, or gathering with fellow believers for worship, these moments of rest and renewal have a profound impact on my spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is important to remember that God desires for us to find joy and fulfillment in our work, while also prioritizing rest and worship. By striking this balance, we can honor God, care for ourselves, and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Final Thought
While the Sabbath commandment was given specifically to the Israelites under the Old Covenant, the principle of rest and worship remains important for believers today.
Through the teachings of respected Christian leaders like Rev. Billy Graham, we can gain a better understanding of God’s intentions for the Sabbath and how they apply to Christians in the New Covenant era. By recognizing the freedom we have in Christ and the importance of balancing work with rest and worship, we can approach this issue with wisdom, grace, and a commitment to honoring God in all aspects of our lives.
Ultimately, the decision to work on Sundays is a matter of personal conviction and preference, guided by the leading of the Holy Spirit and the principles of love, grace, and faith. As we navigate this complex issue, let us remember the words of the apostle Paul: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). May our lives be a reflection of this truth, as we seek to honor God through our work, rest, and worship.