Thoughts on Christian Living Book #2 by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

ON THE OBSERVANCE OF DAYS

The observance of days was very much a part of the Old Testament Law. However to esteem one day more holy than another is foreign to the New Testament. Still there are many in the religious world who would condemn the most dedicated Christian simply because he paused to worship on the “wrong” day. So just what is the truth about the Sabbath and other holy days? Think about this as reference is made to the scriptures for information.

Under the Law it was forbidden to do anything but rest on the Sabbath day. Once, a man was stoned for picking up sticks on the seventh day. “Sabbath” does come from a word that also gives us the number “seven.” However, that same root word also gives us the meaning of “rest.” Then, under the Law, a number of other holy days were designated for special remembrances and worship. So, the question is often asked, “Why do you not keep the Sabbath?”

Believers do not keep the Sabbath for the same reason that they freely enjoy pork, catfish, frog legs, etc. The Law was fulfilled and removed from us. Not just a part of the Law, but all of it. Col. 2:14-17. The first church met to worship on Sunday, the first day of the week in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus, Who arose on the first day of the week. Is this appropriate? Yes it is! Paul told the church at Colosse that they must not allow men to judge them in respect of new moons, holy days or Sabbaths. So, if the observance of days is unimportant, even wrong, then why do we observe Sunday? The truth is we don’t or at least we should not.

Believers do not observe Sunday as a day more holy than Tuesday or Friday

either.

But, since the “Christian” world has influenced calendars, and Sunday has for hundreds of years been set aside as a time to worship collectively, they do not buck the trend. It is good that there is a time when it is convenient to assemble to worship. The thing that is important is the spiritual organism of which true believers are a part—the church. It is their Sabbath!

Much is made of this point in Hebrews Chapter Four. The people of ancient Israel were saved people, but God did not allow them to enter into His rest because they repeatedly failed to believe Him. That promise of rest to them is given to the New Testament church. However, not all who have their names on the church roll enter into that rest because they do not progress in the teaching of Christ enough to know

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