Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath?

Introduction

• Hosts: Joshua Hames, Matthew Everhard, Keith Foskey
• Podcast: Reformation Red Pill
• Topic: Is Sunday the Christian Sabbath?

Positions

• Matthew Everhard: Argues Sunday is the Christian Sabbath.
  • Pastor at Gospel Fellowship PCA
  • Author of "Worshiptainment"
• Keith Foskey: Argues Sunday is not the Christian Sabbath.
  • Pastor at Sovereign Grace Family Church
  • Host of "Your Calvinist Podcast"

Matthew Everhard's Argument

Reformed Theology on Sabbath

• Two views: Continental (Calvin, Heidelberg) vs. Puritan/Presbyterian (Westminster Confession)
• Westminster Confession: Chapter 21, Paragraph 7

Key Points

1. Creation Ordinance
   • Sabbath is a creation ordinance (Genesis 2:3).
   • Similar to work and marriage as foundational to creation.
2. Moral Law
   • Sabbath is part of the moral law, notably within the Ten Commandments.
   • Not abolished by Christ but fulfilled as moral law continues.
3. Sabbath Change from 7th to 1st Day
   • Theological and practical reasons for worship shifting to Sunday.
   • Apostolic pattern and historical church practice support this.
4. Historical Continuity
   • Evidence from early church fathers (Justin Martyr, Didache) of Sunday worship.
5. Gift of Grace
   • Sabbath offers physical rest and spiritual devotion.

Practical Observations

• Works of mercy and necessity allowed on Sabbath.
• Sabbath as a holy rest and day of worship.

Keith Foskey's Argument

Main Thesis

• Sabbath, as a specific day, fulfilled in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).
• Sunday is the Lord's Day, but not the Sabbath.
• Christ is the true Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4).

Key Points

1. Sabbath as Mosaic Covenant Sign
   • Given to Israel (Exodus 31:12-17), not a universal moral law.
   • Acts as a covenantal sign like circumcision.
2. No Pre-Mosaic Sabbath
   • No evidence of Sabbath observance before Moses.
   • Nations not condemned for Sabbath violation.
3. New Testament Silence on Sabbath
   • No commands for Sabbath-keeping post-Christ's ascension.
   • New Covenant changes the nature of worship and law.
4. Historical Perspective
   • Early church fathers (Ignatius, Eusebius) saw a distinction between Sabbath and Lord's Day.

Practical Observations

• Sabbath fulfilled in Christ represents spiritual rest.
• Sunday worship is a traditional, not a commanded Sabbath.

Discussion Points

• How to interpret and apply Sabbath observance today.
• Comparative views on Sabbath as moral vs. ceremonial law.
• Practical church discipline regarding Sabbath observance.

Questions & Audience Interaction

• Whether kids’ sports on Sunday is appropriate.
• Sabbath laws in society and their implications.
• Work and rest balance on the Lord's Day.

Conclusions

• Matthew Everhard: Advocates for a traditional view with Sunday as a holy day.
• Keith Foskey: Emphasizes Christ as fulfillment and spiritual rest.

Final Thoughts

• Encouragement for personal and communal reflection on Sabbath theology.
• Discussion reflects broader theological and practical debates within Christianity.