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The Lord's Day – What is it?

The Lord's Day – What is it?
Redemption Theology

TL;DR:

The Lord’s Day is a time set apart to honor God through rest and worship, rooted in the Sabbath pattern God established at creation. God is our Sabbath rest, and every day is an opportunity to worship Him in spirit and truth.

what does the bible say?

The Lord’s Day is a time dedicated to honoring God through rest and worship. It is rooted in the Sabbath principle God established at creation. The Sabbath was a holy day of rest and devotion, symbolizing God’s covenant with Israel and pointing forward to the spiritual rest found in Him. Believers are not mandated to observe the Sabbath, but it is a good practice to keep a rhythm of work and rest, trusting in and worshiping God. In the early church, believers gathered on Sunday to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, but Scripture teaches that no specific day is mandated for worship. Through Jesus, we are freed from legalistic observance of the Law, finding our true rest in Him. Every day belongs to the Lord, and setting aside time for worship is an act of love and gratitude, not obligation—what matters most is that our worship flows from faith and honors God in spirit and truth.

from the old testament

  • God established the rhythm of work and rest by resting on the seventh day after creation (Genesis 2:2–3), setting it apart as holy.
  • God commanded Israel to keep the Sabbath as a covenant sign and reminder of His creation and deliverance (Exodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:12–15).
  • The Sabbath was meant for rest, renewal, and devotion to God—not mere rule-keeping (Isaiah 58:13–14; Ezekiel 20:12).
  • The Sabbath pointed forward to spiritual rest and restoration found in God’s presence (Exodus 31:13; Psalm 95:7–11).

from the new testament

  • The term "the Lord's day" appears in Scripture just once, in Revelation 1:10 where John writes about being "in the spirit on the Lord's day." He does not elaborate or explain, leading many scholars to conclude that those he wrote to, the early churches, understood and were familiar with the term.
  • It is assumed that "the Lord's day" is a reference to Sunday. At that time, Christians gathered together on Sunday to commemorate the day Jesus rose from the dead (John 20:1; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2).
  • Some have suggested that Sunday is the new Sabbath day or the "Christian Sabbath." But this is not so. Jesus demonstrated He is Lord over the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8) and said He came to fulfill the Law.
  • The Israelites were bound to keep the Sabbath by rules, but no rule-keeping can justify anyone (Romans 3:20–30). Christians have been justified by Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross and subsequent victory over sin and death. We are no longer bound to the Old Testament Law, but to Christ.
  • We gather together to celebrate our salvation—one apart from works (Ephesians 2:8–10; Hebrews 10:24–25).
  • Paul writes that we have freedom regarding a day of rest and worship, among other areas not addressed in the New Testament: "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ" (Colossians 2:16–17).

implications for today

No specific day is prescribed as a Sabbath or a specific “Lord’s Day” for Christians. Instead, every day is the Lord’s day. Still, it is wise to set aside a day of the week in honor of God, to follow His example of rest, and to worship. But Sunday is not the "Christian Sabbath," and a Christian is not bound by the Law (Romans 6:14–15). We are to rely on our conscience to determine when to worship: "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God" (Romans 14:5–6).

Some Messianic Jews regard the Sabbath day as holy because of their heritage, and some Gentile Christians honor God by observing the Saturday Sabbath as well. But the day of the week is not as important as the motive behind the choice Christians make to worship God. If a Christian's choice is due to legalism or obedience to the Law, then his heart must be examined (Galatians 5:4). God is pleased when we worship Him in spirit and truth on any day of the week.

understand

  • The Lord’s Day reflects God’s creation pattern of rest and worship.
  • In Christ, we find true rest in Him.
  • Every day belongs to the Lord, but it is wise to set aside time for worship and rest.

reflect

  • How do you intentionally set aside time to rest and worship God in your weekly rhythm?
  • How might you be tempted to treat worship as an obligation rather than an act of love and gratitude?
  • How does understanding Jesus as your true Sabbath rest change the way you approach your time with God?

engage

  • How can we, as believers, encourage each other to keep a rhythm of work, rest, and worship?
  • What dangers arise when a church emphasizes legalism or tradition over the freedom we have in Christ?
  • How can we reflect the spirit of the Lord’s Day—rest, renewal, and worship—in everyday life?

More Resources

Church Is there a reason most Christians worship on Sunday?

Is there a reason most Christians worship on Sunday?

Most Christians worship on Sunday because it marks the day Jesus rose from the dead, turning the first day of the week into a celebration of new life. But the Bible makes clear that worship isn’t confined to a calendar—we are free to live out our faith together every day.
Theology What is the Sabbath? Is the Sabbath day for rest or for worship?

What is the Sabbath? Is the Sabbath day for rest or for worship?

God established the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship, initially given to Israel under the Law of Moses. In Christ, believers are no longer bound to observe a specific day, yet the principles of setting aside time for rest and honoring God through worship remain essential.
Christian Life Is Sabbath-keeping something Christians should do?

Is Sabbath-keeping something Christians should do?

The Sabbath was given to Israel to provide them with rest, reflection, and a way to honor God as Creator and Deliverer. Sabbath-keeping, while not a requirement for Christians, remains a valuable practice for rest and spiritual renewal for those who choose to practice it.
Church Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday?

Is the Sabbath Saturday or Sunday?

The Sabbath is Saturday, but the church gathers on Sunday to honor Jesus’ resurrection. Sabbath observance is not a Christian requirement, making worship a matter of conviction rather than command.