The Lord's Day

Definition

The Lord's Day refers to Sunday, which is observed by Christians as a day of worship and rest, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day is significant because it represents the fulfillment of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, marking the beginning of a new covenant between God and humanity. The celebration on this day emphasizes the victory over sin and death, reflecting the transformative power of the crucifixion and resurrection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lord's Day is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in Acts 20:7, where early Christians gathered to break bread on the first day of the week.
2. Observance of the Lord's Day developed as a replacement for the Jewish Sabbath, symbolizing a shift from law to grace through Christ’s resurrection.
3. The Lord's Day serves as a reminder of hope and renewal for believers, as it is dedicated to worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth.
4. Church services on the Lord's Day typically include communion, scripture readings, and teaching focused on Jesus' resurrection and its implications for believers.
5. Historically, early Christians faced persecution for their gatherings on the Lord's Day, illustrating its importance as a distinctive aspect of their faith.

Review Questions

• How did the observance of the Lord's Day evolve from Jewish traditions, and what significance does this evolution hold?
  • The observance of the Lord's Day evolved from Jewish traditions by shifting from Saturday (Sabbath) to Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' resurrection. This change highlights a move from adherence to law toward an emphasis on grace through Christ’s work. The significance lies in celebrating the new covenant established by Jesus, marking a transformative moment in Christian belief that reshaped worship practices.
• Analyze how the practices associated with the Lord's Day reflect theological beliefs about Jesus' resurrection and its impact on Christian faith.
  • Practices associated with the Lord's Day reflect core theological beliefs about Jesus’ resurrection by emphasizing themes such as victory over sin and death. The communal worship activities like breaking bread and scripture reading foster a sense of unity among believers and serve as reminders of Christ’s sacrifice. These practices demonstrate how central the resurrection is to Christian faith, reinforcing hope and renewal in the lives of followers.
• Evaluate the historical context surrounding the establishment of the Lord's Day as a distinct Christian practice and its implications for early Christianity.
  • The establishment of the Lord's Day as a distinct practice occurred within a historical context marked by both Jewish roots and Roman opposition. Early Christians faced persecution for their gatherings, highlighting their commitment to celebrating Christ's resurrection. This observance not only distinguished Christianity from Judaism but also solidified community identity among believers, providing them strength and unity in their faith amid external pressures. The implications were profound, fostering a deeper sense of belonging and purpose that contributed to the spread of Christianity.

Related terms

Sabbath: The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, traditionally observed as a day of rest and worship in Judaism, contrasting with the Christian observance of the Lord's Day.

Easter: Easter is a Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, highlighting its connection to the significance of the Lord's Day.

Covenant: A covenant in biblical terms refers to an agreement between God and humanity, with the Lord's Day symbolizing the new covenant established through Jesus' resurrection.