So what is the Sabbath?
It is well documented and universally understood that the Sabbath is from sundown on Friday night to sundown on Saturday. In Genesis the Bible says that "the evening and the morning were the first day" and so on. Its interesting the note that first century Christians, who were mostly Jewish Christians (known today as Messianic Jews) worshiped in the same temples as non-Christian Jews. Gentiles that came to know Christ also worshiped in the same temples. In fact, many of the discords found in the Bible, and many scriptures that are confused today (like dietary laws) are often a result of non-Christian Jews setting up additional requirements before a Gentile would be considered "clean" enough to enter the temple. Christian Jews understood it was Jesus that cleansed both the Jews and the Gentiles and anyone that wanted could enter the temple. However, this didn't mean one no longer needed to follow the Commandments of God! It was just that following those Commandments didn't lead to salvation. The question is - can a murderer get to heaven? Yes, they can. However, that doesn't mean Christians (Gentile or Jewish) should go around murdering people! Paul clearly dealt with this fallacy! We are not to offend the Law purposely or not due to our "get out of hell free card". We must still work to keep the Law (all the Law) while we acknowledge even being perfect in this regard is not enough - only Jesus can cleanse us. In fact, keeping of the Law for Christians isn't about cleansing, its about being obedient to one True and Living God and acknowledging that we realize we belong to God - its He that made us and we no longer belong to ourselves. In keeping of the Law I would be saying to myself, my family, my God, and showing the world that I am a child of God. If asked why I keep the Law my answer is to be simply - because God said so. Its not about sacrifice, its about obedience. Its not about cleansing or holiness or self-righteousness - again it is simply about being obedient to my Father.
So, if Christian and Non-Christian Jews, as well as Christian Gentiles were all worshiping together in the temple, honoring the Sabbath together - what changed? Why did Christians stop worshiping on Sunday. It took searching, but I finally found the answer. The answer is consistent in both Jewish, Christian, and Secular accounts. From 66 - 73 there was a revolt against Rome by a Non-Christian Jewish sect. Although at first successful in driving Rome from Jerusalem, the revolt was brutally crushed by Rome with men, women, and children being slaughtered. Not wanting to be wrongly identified as being a part of this revolt, Christians (Jewish and Gentile) tried to distinguish themselves from those Jews that has revolted against Rome. With the Sabbath had traditionally been the Christian day of worship, it was decided that Jewish and non-Jewish Christians would worship on Sunday. Why Sunday? Sunday was already a "holy" day in Rome. It was known as "the Lord's Day". However, the "Lord" they were referring to was actually the Emperor! Christians felt they could begin to worship on the "the Lord's Day", but actually be worshiping the true Lord, and not the false god of Nero and later Vespasian. Of course, this was the first time there was a distinguishing between Christians and Jews in terms of worship. They had always been worshiping the same God.
After the revolt was crushed and the temple destroyed - Jews and Christians were dispersed throughout Rome. The temple had always been "home base" until that time. After this dispersment did such strong distinctions come between Jews and Christians, not just about Jesus Messiah - but even in the interpretation of scripture. This led to quite a bit of, for lack of a better word - antisemitism in the Christian Church. The Christian Church, now centered in the heart of Rome (due in large part to Roman Emperor Constantine) began to advise strongly against "jewdising" of Christianity. It was from this point forward that Christians have looked not to Jerusalem for the foundations of their faith, the interpretation of scripture, and the promises of the Bible - but to Rome. This was the time in which Christian interpretation became not the joining in with the chosen people of God in the abundant blessings of God - but in the usurping of and taking away. It actually reminds me of the old testament story of Jacob and Esau. It is how I more fully understand why there is a fraction between Messianic Jews (or Christian Jews) and other Christians.
I am in no way saying Christians should become Jews. I am saying the Bible was set in a time even before there was a people called "Jews", it is a Hebraic history. We must look to accurately divide the Word of God, basing it not upon Rome or Israel - but upon the roots for which is stands. I am not disparaging my Catholic brothers and sisters, just as I am not disparaging my Jewish brothers and sisters. I am saying our God is not Catholic or Jewish (although our Savior was indeed raised as a Jew and lived as Jew, died as a Jew, and rose as a Jew) - He is before time and He put the words in the Bible that He wanted to be there. The Bible also allows for debating of scriptures (the men used to set upon the city walls a debate all the time), but our debates must be grounded in God and His word.
Back to the Sabbath - LOL! I hope I have given a good (though not perfect and not nearly enough references, so please do your own searching) history on why Christians stopped honoring the Sabbath and how Sunday became the standard day of worship for Christians. My last post will be if Christians should indeed honor the Sabbath, and what that actually means.
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