Why We Worship on Sundays Instead of Saturdays

Why We Worship on Sundays Instead of Saturdays

The tradition of gathering for worship on Sunday rather than Saturday has deep roots in both biblical history and Christian practice. While the Sabbath, observed on the seventh day (Saturday), was kept under the Old Covenant, the early church transitioned to gathering on Sunday—the first day of the week—in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here’s a closer look at the reasons for this shift, all rooted in scripture.

1. Commemorating Christ’s Resurrection

The primary reason Christians worship on Sunday is that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Matthew 28:1 says, “In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.” This remarkable event, marking victory over sin and death, became a cornerstone of Christian faith, and the early church chose to honor it by gathering on the same day each week.

2. The Early Church’s Practice

Scripture also reveals that the early church gathered regularly on Sundays. In Acts 20:7, we see, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.” This pattern of meeting on Sunday shows that believers were already establishing a new practice of gathering, distinct from the traditional Sabbath observance.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians 16:2 advises, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.” This instruction from Paul indicates that Christians were already dedicating the first day of the week as a special time to come together, give offerings, and worship.

3. A Celebration of the New Covenant

In worshiping on Sunday, believers recognize the New Covenant established through Christ’s death and resurrection. While the Sabbath was a symbol of the Old Covenant, Sunday gatherings reflect the new life we have in Jesus. Hebrews explains that the Old Covenant has been fulfilled through Christ, and that through Him, we enter a greater “rest” (Hebrews 4:9-10). This eternal rest, signified by His resurrection, gives us reason to worship on the first day.

4. A Day for Christian Community and Fellowship

Sunday has traditionally become a day of fellowship, community, and worship. The early church used it as a time to come together, encourage each other, and grow in the Word. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us to assemble and encourage one another: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is.”

In Conclusion

Our tradition of worshiping on Sunday is a joyful acknowledgment of Christ’s resurrection, a celebration of our New Covenant in Him, and an opportunity to gather in fellowship. While Saturday was set aside under the Old Covenant, Sunday worship reflects the transformative power of the cross and the empty tomb, reminding us each week of our risen Savior and the eternal rest we find in Him.