Expert: Dr. Billy Kryger - 7/27/2010

Question
Dr. Kryger,
Hello, I am a saved, born again believer, and have been reading and studying the scriptures for 23 years.  I have always taking it for granted that the fourth commandment, remembering the Sabbath day, did not apply to New Testament believers. Recently, I looked at every verse in the bible that deals with the seventh day, Sabbath day and first day of the week.  I know that believers can meet on and day of the week and worship God; plus keeping the Sabbath does not have an effect on our salvation.  But I am not 100% sure if the gentile believers honored the seventh day as the Sabbath or not.

My question for you is this.  Do you know what the early Christians practiced for the first 50 years or so?  Did they honor the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath, the day of rest?  Do you have an opinion on how the 10 commandments should play a part in the lives of church age believers, especially, the 4th commandment?

Very Respectfully,
Marty

Answer
Marty,
    
Thank you for you question and for your patience

The fact is that Acts chapter two says that the early church met daily.  My personal opinion is that these Christians, having a Jewish heritage, would have honored the Sabbath as a day of rest but they worshipped on the first day of the week, Sunday, in honor of the Lord's resurrection.

As to the second part of your question, Jesus said he came not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.  The ten commandments are still applicable.  As to the recognition of the Sabbath, we ought to have a day of rest every once in a while and set aside time every day for reflection and worship.

Hope this is helpful, Marty.  Keep studying and praying and the Lord will give you direction.