416 AD Saturday was to become a fast day and therefore less pleasant.
425 AD and again in 469 AD Theatricals and circus entertainments were forbidden.
538 AD at a Council at Orleans it was ordained that agricultural work be abstained from that people might more conveniently attend church.
590 AD Pope Gregory denounced as prophets of Antichrist, those who maintained that work ought not to done on the seventh day. Conversely this statement also shows that even at the end of the sixth century there were those who observed the seventh day and spoke in its support, honouring it as a day of rest.
NOTE: Gradually the change from Sabbath to Sunday was complete among almost all Christians except those who had fled to secluded places to avoid persecutions. Sunday became a uniting factor politically. Pagans observed the day of the sun and Christians the Sunday resurrection. The two co-incided comfortably and gave added appeal for pagans to consider Christianity.
During this time the old Roman Empire that had been bound together by Sunday observance gave way to a religious Roman Empire that we know today as the Papacy. Sunday is still regarded as a special day, using the Bible and tradition, and there are moves to make Sunday once again a unifying factor. This time the emphasis is global.
Q11 How does the Bible describe worship that is not found in the commandments of God?
In vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9
NOTE: To worship means to give honour to somebody whom we feel is worthy of receiving our service and adoration.
Q12 What vices has Satan introduced into this world?
He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44
Note: Is this the kind of being that is worthy of worship. Worship means ‘worthship’.
Q13 How can we know which day is the Sabbath?
Many subtle efforts have been made to efface the memory of the seventh day. Dictionaries once made clear statements that the seventh day of the week was the Sabbath. This is not found in modern dictionaries. Commercial calendars for business and domestic use often begin the week with Monday, thus making the last day of the week a Sunday. For anyone counting the days of the week, Sunday now appears to be the seventh day of the week. There are those who with honest heart think this shows that Sunday is indeed the Sabbath.
How can we be sure what is the true seventh day? The evidence of unchanged days is found in the Jewish way of life. The Jews continue faithfully to attend synagogue on Saturday as they have done for thousands of years. Any calendar alterations have not affected the sequence of the days of the week. Saturday is still the seventh day. The Jewish world is sure of this. The following day is Sunday and Christians the world over also know which day is Sunday! So there is no question.
Q14 What strong appeal does God give to the whole world?
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, |
