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Precedence
Jesus gives rest to those entering his covenant from the strife of sin. We are not instructed to observe the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, which are a shadow of things to come. Jesus is the fulfillment of those laws which were a premonstration to the rest, and peace, and glory, and refreshment, and beauty, and the holiness which God gives to those who believe on the one he sent. To follow the commandment of the Lord is to love your neighbor as yourself because love is the fulfillment of the law. Striving to keep a certain day holy (as to resting and not doing any work from eve to eve according to the structured religious form of the old covenant, and requiring the same standard from others) whether it be the sabbath, or the first day, or any other day does not completely suffice or accomplish the fulfillment of the law (the things beyond and superior to things which were a shadow of things to come). If one person does regard one day above another day, such a person does not have a right to exact the same regard from another person: see Rom. 14:4-6. Church administrations should not usurp authority over members of the body in such matters. Whether one chooses to regard one day above another, or to regard every day equal and the same is an individual prerogative. It behooves a believer to accept another believer whose precedence--or non-precedence may differ from his own. Br. Ken P.S. There is a difference between commemorating the first day (Sunday) and keeping (observing) the sabbath day (Saturday) holy. The former is fine only it is gracious and fulfilling not to constrain anyone to keep it as ancient Israel used to observe the sabbath day. It is fine for Christians to gather together on any day or any time, whether it be the first day, the sabbath day, or any other day--the point is not to be legalistic about it. May the Lord grant us that we be well pleasing unto him and approved by men, amen. If you like, fax or mail a copy to a friend.
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