Scriptural References concerning the Observance of Days

The New Testament says much about not observing certain days and times as a binding ordinance for salvation. We should carefully observe the context when studying these references.

1. Paul preached on the Jewish Sabbath, but there is no indication that he observed the Sabbath as such. As a Pharisee Paul was trained to observe the Old Testament Sabbath (Acts 13:42; 16:13; 18:4). Yet in all his writings he never once indicated that New Testament believers are to observe any day as a Sabbath.
2. Paul gave liberty in esteeming a day unto the Lord, along with eating or not eating certain things (Romans 14:5-6). He did not demand or suggest for us to observe a certain day unto the Lord.
3. 2 Corinthians 3:1-18 speaks of the law as “the ministration of death, written and engraved in stones.” Though it was glorious, it was done away with, while the “ministration of the spirit” and “the ministration of righteousness” have excelled and remain. (See Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15.)
4. Christ nailed to the cross the handwriting of ordinances that were against us (Colossians 2:14; Ephesians 2:15; 2 Corinthians 3:11).
5. The Sabbath of the law of Moses was a shadow of things to come (Colossians 2:16-17). Now that we have the reality of Christ, we no longer need the shadow.
6. Paul warned the Galatian church about requiring the observance of days, months, times, and years (Galatian 4:9-11).
7. While dealing with matters of the Old Testament law in the Jerusalem Council, the apostles did not mention New Testament believers observing a Sabbath (Acts 15:1-35).
8. According to The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, the term Lord’s Day refers to the first day fo the week (Revelation 1:10).

Having thoroughly examined the Scriptures relating to both the seventh day and the first day of the week, we must make a decision concerning what is binding on New Testament believers. The next two topics we will discuss are several observations and considerations based upon our Julian calendar. The observations take these points into consideration and predate all human calendars.