51. Why is the Christian day of rest celebrated on the first day of the week (Sunday)?

In memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the redemption of mankind from the bondage of sin and death. That is why Sunday is also called the “Day of the Lord”.

That is why Sunday is a day of joy and its celebration is not just a duty but a privilege of the children of God. The first Christians celebrated on the first day of the week (our Sunday) instead of the Sabbath.

• Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. (Acts 20:7)

Christian groups such as the Seven-Day Adventists (SDA) wrongly try to reintroduce the Jewish Sabbath as a holiday for Christianity. However, this means falling back under the law.

• So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come. (Colossians 2:16-17)