Sabbath in Christianity

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== Sabbath in Christianity ==

The Sabbath in Christianity is a day set aside for rest and worship, drawing from the Biblical Sabbath observed in Judaism. The concept of the Sabbath has evolved within different Christian denominations, with varying practices and theological interpretations.

Biblical Origins[edit | edit source]

The origin of the Sabbath is rooted in the Book of Genesis, where God rests on the seventh day after creating the world. This practice is codified in the Ten Commandments, specifically in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, where the Israelites are commanded to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Early Christian Practice[edit | edit source]

In the early Christian Church, the observance of the Sabbath was influenced by Jewish Christians who continued to observe the seventh day as a day of rest. However, the Resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week (Sunday) led to the development of Sunday worship among Christians, which became known as the Lord's Day.

Sabbath in Different Denominations[edit | edit source]

Roman Catholicism[edit | edit source]

In Roman Catholicism, Sunday is observed as the Lord's Day, a day for attending Mass and resting from servile work. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of Sunday as a day of worship and rest.

Eastern Orthodoxy[edit | edit source]

Eastern Orthodox Christians also observe Sunday as the Lord's Day, with a focus on the Divine Liturgy and rest. The Sabbath is seen as a prefiguration of the eternal rest in the Kingdom of God.

Protestantism[edit | edit source]

Protestant views on the Sabbath vary widely:

  • Lutheranism: Lutherans generally observe Sunday as a day of worship and rest, following the teachings of Martin Luther.
  • Reformed Churches: Many Reformed Christians, influenced by John Calvin, observe Sunday as the Christian Sabbath, emphasizing rest and worship.
  • Seventh-day Adventists: This denomination observes the Sabbath on Saturday, following the biblical seventh day, with a focus on rest, worship, and community service.

Other Denominations[edit | edit source]

Other Christian groups, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses, have their own unique practices and interpretations of the Sabbath.

Theological Interpretations[edit | edit source]

The theological significance of the Sabbath in Christianity includes themes of rest, worship, and the anticipation of eternal rest in the eschatological future. The Sabbath is also seen as a sign of the covenant between God and His people.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD