Overview
The Sabbath was a sign of God's covenant with Israel, requiring rest from work on the seventh day. However, Christ's resurrection on the first day of the week (Sunday) marked a significant shift in Christian practice. The early apostles began gathering on Sunday to worship and commemorate the resurrection, establishing a new pattern of worship centered on Christ rather than the Old Testament law.
Key Scriptures
"After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb" (Matthew 28:1, ESV). "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them" (John 20:19, ESV). "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread" (Acts 20:7, NIV).
Application
Christians today worship on Sunday in recognition of Christ's resurrection, understanding that Christ is our Sabbath rest and the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament law.