Why do some Christians worship on Saturday instead of Sunday?

The question of why some Christians choose to worship on Saturday instead of Sunday is deeply rooted in historical, theological, and scriptural contexts. Understanding this practice requires an exploration of the biblical foundation of the Sabbath, the historical development of Christian worship, and the theological interpretations that have shaped different Christian traditions.

The concept of the Sabbath originates from the Hebrew Bible, where it is introduced as a day of rest on the seventh day of the week. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." This passage sets the precedent for the Sabbath as a day of rest, which is further reinforced in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-11 commands, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God." For the Jewish people, this day of rest and worship became a central aspect of their covenant with God, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

In the early Christian church, the Jewish followers of Jesus naturally continued to observe the Sabbath on Saturday. However, as Christianity expanded beyond its Jewish roots and began to include Gentile converts, the practice of worship began to evolve. One significant change was the shift from Saturday to Sunday worship, a transition that was largely influenced by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week, which is Sunday. This event is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1), and it became a pivotal moment in Christian theology and practice.

The early Christians began to gather on Sundays to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, calling it "the Lord's Day" (Revelation 1:10). This practice is noted in Acts 20:7, where it states, "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread." Additionally, 1 Corinthians 16:2 mentions, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." These references indicate that Sunday worship was becoming a regular practice among early Christians.

The shift from Saturday to Sunday worship was further solidified by the early church fathers and the institutional church. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine, the first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity, officially recognized Sunday as a day of rest and worship within the Roman Empire. The Council of Laodicea (circa 363-364 AD) later decreed that Christians should not "Judaize" by resting on the Sabbath but should work on that day and honor the Lord's Day instead. This ecclesiastical endorsement contributed to the widespread adoption of Sunday worship across Christendom.

Despite the historical and theological shift to Sunday worship, some Christian groups have maintained Saturday as their day of worship, most notably the Seventh-day Adventists and certain branches of Messianic Judaism. These groups argue that the biblical commandment to observe the Sabbath on the seventh day remains applicable to Christians today. They emphasize continuity with the biblical Sabbath and often cite Jesus' own observance of the Sabbath (Luke 4:16) as a model for Christian practice.

Seventh-day Adventists, in particular, hold the Sabbath as a core tenet of their faith. They believe that the observance of the Sabbath is a sign of allegiance to God and a reflection of the eternal moral law. Ellen G. White, a prominent figure in the Adventist movement, wrote extensively on the importance of the Sabbath, emphasizing its role in spiritual renewal and its eschatological significance. In her book "The Great Controversy," she argues that the Sabbath will play a crucial role in the final events of Earth's history.

The theological rationale for Saturday worship among these groups is often grounded in a literal interpretation of the Fourth Commandment and a desire to adhere to what they perceive as the original biblical mandate. They contend that the change to Sunday worship was a human innovation rather than a divine command. Furthermore, they often view the Sabbath as a gift from God, providing a weekly opportunity for rest, reflection, and communion with the Creator.

In contrast, many other Christian denominations view the observance of Sunday as a legitimate expression of Christian freedom. They argue that the essence of the Sabbath law—rest and worship—can be fulfilled on any day of the week and that the New Testament emphasizes the spirit of the law over the letter. Colossians 2:16-17 advises, "Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ." Similarly, Romans 14:5-6 states, "One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind."

For these Christians, Sunday worship is seen as a celebration of the new creation inaugurated by Christ's resurrection. The first day of the week symbolizes new beginnings and the fulfillment of God's promises. The shift from the Jewish Sabbath to the Christian Lord's Day is viewed as a reflection of the new covenant established through Jesus' death and resurrection, which transcends the old covenant's ceremonial laws.

Ultimately, the choice to worship on Saturday or Sunday reflects broader theological perspectives and interpretations of Scripture. Both practices have deep roots in Christian history and are expressions of faithfulness to God's call to rest and worship. The diversity in worship practices within Christianity highlights the richness and complexity of the faith, allowing believers to honor God in ways that resonate with their understanding of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, while the majority of Christians worship on Sunday, those who observe the Sabbath on Saturday do so out of a conviction to remain faithful to what they believe is God's original commandment. This practice underscores the importance of honoring God's creation, finding rest in Him, and celebrating His redemptive work. Whether on Saturday or Sunday, the focus remains on worshiping God, finding spiritual renewal, and living a life that reflects His love and grace.