What is Sabbatarianism?

Definition and Overview

Sabbatarianism refers to the belief and practice of observing the Sabbath—traditionally the seventh day of the week (Saturday)—as a sacred day of rest and worship. This perspective stems from biblical commands to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8–11) and has been embraced and interpreted through multiple traditions. Some groups maintain that the seventh-day Sabbath remains binding for believers, while others observe Sunday as the day to commemorate Christ’s resurrection and to gather for worship.

Biblical Foundations

From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the concept of rest appears when the Creator rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2–3). The Fourth Commandment in Exodus 20:8–11 enshrines the day as holy, stating that it is sanctified for rest from labor, reflecting God’s own rest after creating the world in six days. Similarly, Deuteronomy 5:12–15 emphasizes the Sabbath as a reminder of deliverance from Egyptian slavery, connecting rest with both creation and redemption.

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the importance of the Sabbath while highlighting its intent. For instance, Mark 2:27–28 quotes Jesus saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” This indicates the Sabbath is a gracious provision rather than a burdensome requirement. Meanwhile, certain passages—such as Romans 14:5 and Colossians 2:16—suggest that some believers judge one day holier than another, while others consider every day alike. These verses continue to inform debates over the extent and manner in which Sabbath observance applies under the New Covenant.

Historical Developments

In the post-apostolic era, many early believers met on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2) to commemorate the Resurrection. Historical documents, including writings from the second-century Church Fathers, reflect that many congregations identified Sunday as “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). Over time, church councils such as the Council of Laodicea in the fourth century discouraged Judaizing practices, which included seventh-day observances. This accelerated a pronounced shift throughout much of Christendom toward worship on Sunday.

However, a remnant of Christians continued seventh-day practices in certain regions. During the Reformation, some groups rediscovered biblical emphasis on the Sabbath, spurring renewed debate over whether to keep Saturday or Sunday as the proper day of rest. By the 17th century, Sabbath consciousness rose within Puritan and other Reformed movements, often leading to strict Sunday Sabbatarianism.

Major Views of Sabbatarianism

1. Seventh-Day Sabbatarianism

Groups such as Seventh-day Adventists, Seventh Day Baptists, and some other fellowships adhere to a literal seventh-day observance. They assert that the original creation mandate and the Fourth Commandment have not changed. According to their understanding, all believers remain obligated to rest and worship on the seventh day, following the pattern given in the Old Testament.

2. Sunday Sabbatarianism

Many in mainstream Protestant and Reformed traditions hold that the Sabbath command is morally binding, but Sunday has replaced Saturday as “the Lord’s Day.” Often citing Christ’s resurrection on the first day of the week, they argue that the early church’s practice of gathering on Sundays sets a biblical precedence (Acts 20:7). Sunday Sabbatarianism typically includes resting from regular work and corporately worshiping on Sunday, treating it as the Christian Sabbath.

3. Non-Sabbatarian Views

Some Christians interpret New Testament teaching to mean that the Mosaic Sabbath laws no longer apply in the same form. They point to passages such as Colossians 2:16–17 that indicate festival days, new moons, and Sabbaths are a shadow fulfilled in Christ. These believers often see every day as equally holy in regard to worship and celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

Key Scripture Passages

• Exodus 20:8–11 – The Fourth Commandment, instituting the Sabbath.

• Deuteronomy 5:12–15 – Emphasis on the Sabbath as a remembrance of redemption.

• Isaiah 58:13–14 – Promises blessing for honoring the Sabbath.

• Mark 2:27–28 – Jesus teaches the Sabbath is made for humankind, and He is Lord of it.

• Acts 20:7 – Early believers gathering on the first day of the week.

• Colossians 2:16–17 – Instruction not to let others judge based on Sabbaths.

• Hebrews 4:9–10 – Discussion on the concept of rest for God’s people, linking physical rest to a deeper spiritual fulfillment in Christ.

Practical Applications

Adherents of Sabbatarianism typically seek to structure one day in the week for rest, worship, Scripture study, and family devotion. Whether observing Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday, believers often use the day for attending church services, refraining from regular employment, and focusing on fellowship with God and others.

Some also see Sabbath principles as beneficial for physical and mental well-being, pointing to the idea that people are created to function best with a regular period for cessation from routine labor.

Sabbatarianism in Church History

Certain reformers and Puritans in Europe and North America strongly emphasized Sunday Sabbatarianism as part of a disciplined Christian life. These communities passed “blue laws” restricting commerce, acknowledging the sacredness of the day of worship. Meanwhile, congregations observing Saturday faced challenges but persisted in various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Archaeological evidence of early worship settings—such as small home churches—reveals that groups met on multiple days, highlighting that the exact mode of Sabbath or Sunday practice could vary. Writings from early Christian communities demonstrate periods of both continuity with Jewish Sabbath customs and adoption of uniquely Christian worship elements, illustrating the broad spectrum of historical practice.

Conclusion

Sabbatarianism rests on the premise that the weekly day of rest, inaugurated at Creation and commanded in the Law, retains importance for believers. Interpretations differ: some emphasize that the original seventh day remains the biblical Sabbath, while others see Sunday worship as the legitimate expression of a “New Covenant Sabbath.” Scriptural passages offer insights into the timeless principle of rest in God, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 11:28–30).

Though approaches vary, the core principle remains: setting aside sacred time to honor God, remember redemption, and draw near to the One who made humankind. In all cases, the instruction to “remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” continues to spark reflection on how best to rest, worship, and glorify the Creator.