BBC wrote a very interesting and thorough article on the origin of Sunday, as we know it today (currently only in Spanish). Although more than 1700 years have passed, there are several history books that reveal the steps that were taken to unify Christianity with pagan Rome. Emperor Constantine was the driving force to make this happen, as they were seeking political and religious stability in the Roman Empire.

Constatine’s Sunday Edict, in 321:

”On the venerable day of the sun let the magistrate and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country however, persons engaged in agricultural work may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits; because it often happens that another day is not so suitable for grain growing or for vine planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost.” —Schaff’s History of the Christian Church, vol. III, chap. 75.

Sunday Worship and Constantine

The BBC article states that Constantine was a master of ambiguity, and that his edict struck a fine balance between religious principles and economic pragmatism.

“Although today he is remembered as the first Christian emperor, he was also associated with the cult of the Sol Invictus (Meaning the unconquered Sun), which appeared even on his coins. Choosing Sunday as a day of rest made a lot of sense politically. Although it was nominally a working day, there were already Christians throughout the empire who dedicated Sunday to religious worship, although those who lived in Rome or Alexandria tended to prefer Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. More importantly, most non-Christians considered Sunday a special day as it was usually payday.” – BBC Mundo, translated from Spanish

Not all Christians welcomed Constantine’s edict, and centuries later, there were still groups that preferred the Biblical Sabbath.

It should be clarified that nowhere in the Bible is there a command given by God to change the seventh day of rest, Saturday – to the first day of the week, Sunday.

The Origin of the Sabbath

It does not come from the Jews, neither from Babylon. The Sabbath originates from the 7-day week of creation. This day points to the One who created us and saved us. It shows the One who is sanctifying us, and having a personal relationship with His children. Therefore, on the seventh day, God only created rest – the Sabbath. God blessed and sanctified it for us.

In addition, with a prophetic eye for the future, as the gospel of Jesus would be corrupted, and the Bible would fall into the enemies’ hands, and be forbidden for the common people (during approximately 1260 years), Jesus said the following:

“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” Matthew 5:17

And in case anyone has any doubts, He also made sure to say:

“For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” Matthew 12:8

God has been restoring truths that for a long time were torn down, trampled on, and hidden away from the people. The Bible was forbidden so that religious leaders could take advantage of people’s ignorance, and subject them to their rule. But through the centuries, God has been raising up men, filled with His Spirit, to restore the truth and proclaim it to the whole world.

Sabbath Restored

The Sabbath, as well as righteousness by faith, is one of those restored truths. Today, many people have begun to worship God on Saturday, the seventh-day, because they recognize that Jesus is the Lord and originator of the Sabbath. I am one of them. He has given it to us so that we can discover true rest, that brings us to the happiness of Eden, and links us with Him as our Creator. When the truth strikes like a lightning and penetrates the mind, like Paul, we simply cannot deny it. God will be in charge of engraving the pure truth in our hearts, that will sanctify the soul. We must care for this, as a precious treasure in our hearts.

Sunday and the Future

Sunday will be imposed as a day of rest, in the whole world, through human strategies. It will be presented as a day of rest for the planet, and thus saving us from climate change, or as a day of rest to be with the family. (These are some reasons that the papacy is mentioning). This is a human invention that seeks to despise what God established. Antichrist will impose his own government on earth and force the world to obey the commandments of men.

The Sabbath will soon be the final test of loyalty to God, all over the world. Ultimately, there will be those who choose to honor the commandments of men (Sunday), and those who decide to honor God on the seventh day and and keep His Holy law.

Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, is coming soon. In which group will you decide to be in? If you have doubts on this matter, it is good to investigate and ask God for wisdom, because He has said that He will give wisdom in abundance to those who ask.

”He who taught Adam and Eve in Eden how to tend the garden, desires to instruct men today. There is wisdom for him who drives the plow and sows the seed. Before those who trust and obey Him, God will open ways of advance. Let them move forward courageously, trusting in Him to supply their needs according to the riches of His goodness.” – The Ministry of Healing