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From: gdm-owner@xmission.com (gdm Digest)
To: gdm-digest@xmission.com
Subject: gdm Digest V1 #13
Reply-To: gdm@xmission.com
Sender: gdm-owner@xmission.com
Errors-To: gdm-owner@xmission.com
Precedence:
gdm Digest Sunday, May 18 1997 Volume 01 : Number 013
In this issue:
[none]
[none]
[none]
See the end of the digest for information on subscribing to the gdm
or gdm-digest mailing lists and on how to retrieve back issues.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 00:05:20 -0600
From: owner-gdm@xmission.com
Subject: [none]
- --------------------------------
Doctrine and Covenants 59-62
Lesson 18
Sender: owner-gdm@xmission.com
Reply-To: gdm
Scriptural Highlights
1. The Sabbath day 2. The law of the fast 3. "The fulness of the earth" 4.
Sharing the gospel
Invite class members to share insights they gained while studying D&C 59-62.
Discussion and Application Questions
* Why is it important for us to view God's commandments as blessings? (D&C
59:4.)
* How are all of God's commandments included in the two great commandments
to love him and love each other? (See D&C 59:5-6; Matthew 22:36-40; John
13:34-35; and the quotation from Elder Smith.) How can we benefit from
viewing all of God's commandments as part of the two great commandments?
* Why do you think the Lord commands us to thank him in all things? (D&C
59:7; Mosiah 26:39.) What has the Lord done to help you during the past
week? How can you better recognize and show gratitude for his help? How can
keeping a journal help with this? (See the first quotation from President
Kimball.)
* How can we offer God a sacrifice of "a broken heart and a contrite
spirit"? (D&C 59:8; see also 3 Nephi 9:19-20). What does he promise those
who make this offering? (3 Nephi 9:21-22.)
* Why does the Lord command us to attend our Sabbath meetings? (D&C 59:9,
12; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:16-17.) How should we decide what activities are
appropriate for the Sabbath? (See D&C 59:10, 13; Mark 3:1-5; the second
quotation from President Kimball; and the quotations from Elder Benson and
President Lee.) How have you been blessed as you have kept the Sabbath day
holy?
* What are some of the purposes of fasting? (D&C 59:13-14.) How have you
overcome temptations not to fast? What have you done to make fasting
spiritually rewarding? How has the Lord blessed you as you have fasted? Why
is it important that we pay fast offerings?
What did the Lord reveal in D&C 59:16-20 about our relationship with the
earth? How can we deepen our appreciation for "all things which come of the
earth"? (D&C 59:18).
* How do the things of the earth "enliven the soul" as well as "strengthen
the body"? (D&C 59:19). Why is it important that we not use the things of
the earth "to excess"? (D&C 59:20). What can we do to take better care of
the earth?
* What experiences have shown you that the Savior knows "how to succor them
who are tempted"? (D&C 62:1; see also Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). What can we do
to receive the Savior's strength and support?
Quotations
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith: "If a person observes these commandments as
they are given in verses 5 and 6 of this section (59) he will keep the full
law of God. We cannot love our Heavenly Father, and worship him . . .
without keeping all other commandments" (Church History and Modern
Revelation, 1 :216-17).
President Spencer W. Kimball: "Those who keep a book of remembrance are
more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals
are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these
blessings for our posterity" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 349).
President Spencer W. Kimball: "The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts
and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he
is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer,
preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and
distressed, writing letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading
wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day at which he
is expected" (Ensign, Jan. 1978, p. 4).
Elder Ezra Taft Benson: "The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual
uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for rest, for prayer.
It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves
unspotted from the world by obeying God's command....
". . . It seems to me that the following should be avoided on the Sabbath:
Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next
day. Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time
for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling. Doing gardening
and odd jobs around the house. Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting
friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other
amusements. . . . Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses
that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants,
and service stations" (Ensign, May 1971, pp. 6-7).
President Harold B. Lee: "My experience has taught me that the prompting of
the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to
that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day"
(Decisions for Successful Living, p. 148).
Next Week's Reading Assignment Doctrine and Covenants 63-65
Class Member Study Guide
Lesson 18
The Lord has repeated the Ten Commandments several times in the scriptures
(see Exodus 20:1-17; Mosiah 12:35-36; 13:12-24; D&C 42:18-27). In D&C 59
the Lord gave particular attention to the commandment to keep the Sabbath
day holy. This revelation was directed to the Saints who had recently
arrived in Missouri.
* As you study D&C 59, consider the purposes and benefits of the Sabbath.
How can you better keep the Sabbath day holy?
* How can you offer God a sacrifice of a "broken heart and a contrite
spirit"? (D&C 59:8; see also 3 Nephi 9:19-20).
What does he promise those who make this offering? (3 Nephi 9:21-22.)
After a brief stay in Missouri, Joseph Smith and ten elders began the
journey back to their homes in Kirtland, Ohio. As they were traveling, they
saw Satan, the destroyer, riding in his power on the Missouri River. Joseph
prayed about the experience and received D&C 61.
As you study D&C 60-62, consider what the Lord teaches us about the
importance of sharing the gospel.
The Missouri River, used by many Saints while traveling from Ohio to Missouri.
Page 36
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 00:26:53 -0600
From: owner-gdm@xmission.com
Subject: [none]
- --------------------------------
Sender: owner-gdm@xmission.com
Reply-To: gdm
Got a little carried away sending this too soon.
- -----------------
The Lord's Day
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.2, p.58
Question: "My neighbor . . . says that the Latter-day Saints are not true
Christians because they desecrate the true Sabbath which is Saturday and
has been from the beginning and that man has no right to change it. He
maintains that it was on the seventh day that the Lord rested from his
labors when he created this earth, and this was established to be
perpetuated through the ages, and the pope of Rome changed it to Sunday,
and the Protestants have followed this to their condemnation. What answer
do we have to this statement?"
Answer: The complete answer to these questions is found in the D&C,
Section 59. This revelation was given on Sunday, August 7, 1831, in Jackson
County, Missouri. In this revelation the Lord promised the members of the
Church who sought inheritances in Missouri that he would abundantly bless
them if they would covenant with him to keep his commandments. They would
be crowned with blessings from above, "yea and with commandments not a few,
and with revelations in their time--they that are faithful and diligent
before me." After making this promise the Lord reiterated commandments from
the Decalogue given on Sinai, and added this commandment concerning the
Sabbath day:
Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even
that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou
shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and
to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and
at all times;
But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations
and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy
brethren, and before the Lord.
And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be
prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in
other words, that thy joy may be full.
THE LORD'S DAY IS SUNDAY
After giving this commandment the Lord promised other blessings that would
follow through obedience, and then added:
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled,
save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his
commandments.
The Lord's day was, of course, Sunday, and on this day the Latter-day
Saints have been commanded to observe the weekly Sabbath. So far as the
Latter-day Saints are concerned, the Lord has spoken. This settles the
question. Perhaps this is as far as we need to go in defense of our
observance of the Sabbath day on the first day of the week, but it would
not satisfy our correspondent if we stopped here. Moreover it will be of
general interest to all members of the Church to have some additional
discussion.
Those who believe that the Sabbath should be on Saturday have made a fetish
of the Sabbath day. They have, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of old,
measured man to the length of their procrustean bed and condemn all others
who may be just as devout as they. They have forgotten, it seems, the
counsel of our Lord:
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
sabbath:
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.1
Being the Lord of the Sabbath he had the divine right to change the day,
and that is exactly what he has done.
- ---------------------------
James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, Ch.24, p.451
Christ came not to destroy the law of Moses but to fulfil it; and through
Him the law was superseded by the Gospel. The Savior rose from the tomb on
the first day of the week; and that particular Sunday, as also the next,
was rendered forever memorable by the bodily visitation of the resurrected
Lord to the assembled apostles and others. To the believers in the
crucified and risen Savior, Sunday became the Lord's Day, and in time took
the place of Saturday as the weekly Sabbath in the Christian churches.
- ---------------------------
Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 4, p.175
It has been announced in the news today that the Reorganized Church has
denounced the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. I can almost equal
that. In Cairo the Church meets on Friday, because Friday is the sacred day
of the Moslems. The shops close on Friday, and we have our Sunday School on
Friday. ThatÆs our Sunday. It feels just like Sunday, it looks just like
Sunday, it smells like Sunday. In every respect itÆs a Sunday thereÆs no
difference to us at all. The day is Friday, but itÆs a good time. The
interesting thing is that the Christian churches all observe Sunday in
Cairo. To be in keeping with them, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church also
faithfully observes Sunday as the Sabbath. Now when you consider that their
entire religion is built around the idea that you must have the Sabbath on
Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, and nothing else will do, [that is strange].
WeÆre all [gone] astray because we observe Sunday instead of Saturday,
which Constantine introduced in the fourth century. [In Cairo] the
Adventists are all going to Sunday School on Sunday. ItÆs a strange world
we live in.
- ---------------------------
Reynolds and Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2., p.144
The Sabbath, one day out of each week, was kept by the Jews on the day now
called Saturday. How early this was taken to be the seventh day is not
known. After the Ascension of Jesus the Disciples met on the first day of
each week for prayer and praise. The Jewish Christians for a long time kept
both the first and seventh; but as Gentile Christians, having never kept
any such day before, celebrated only the first day of the week as the Lord
s day. The celebration of the seventh day by Christians was finally
abandoned. (Cruden's Concordance of the Bible)
- -----------------------------
B. H. Roberts, New Witnesses for God, Vol.1, p.20
Although this breach was patched up after the death of the Emperor Michael,
difficulties broke out again between the East and the West from time to
time, until finally in the eleventh century, when Michael Cerularius,
patriarch of Constantinople, opposed the Western churches with respect to
their making use of unleavened bread in the sacrament, their observation of
the Sabbath, and fasting on Saturday, charging therein that they lived in
communion with the Jews. Pope Leo IX. replied, and in his apology for the
Western churches declaimed warmly against the false doctrine of the Greeks,
and ended by placing on the altar of Santa Sophia, by his legates, a deed
of excommunication against the Patriarch, Michael Cerularius. This was the
first rupture. From that time the mutual hatred of the Greeks and the
Latins became insuperable, insomuch that they have continued ever since
separated from each other's communion.j
- ----------------------------
Smith and Sjodahl, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, Sec. 59, p.356
Christian observers of Saturday as the Sabbath tell us that some pope is
responsible for the change from the seventh to the first day of the week,
and almost in the same breath they declare that Constantine the Great is
the author of it. Roman Catholics, of course, accept, for the head of their
church, the responsibility, but the change was made long before there was
an ecclesiastical "head" in Rome. There is no uncertainty in the minds of
the Latter-day Saints on the question. This Revelation recognizes Sunday,
the Lord's day, as the Sabbath in this dispensation.
It might, further, be observed that the Sabbath law does not, primarily,
set apart either Saturday or Sunday as the Sabbath, but A SEVENTH PART OF
THE WEEK. "Six days shalt thou labor, but the seventh is the Sabbath of the
Lord thy God." It is immaterial where you begin counting, as long as the
rule of working six days and resting on the seventh is observed. The rule
is the same as that which governs tithe-paying. One dollar out of ten
belongs to the Lord. Which one? Any of them. Which day of the seven belongs
to the Lord? Any of them, but as the Sabbath is for the entire community,
one day must be agreed upon for the good of all.
- -------------------------
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
Chapter 23
The Sabbath Day
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
There has been considerable difference of opinion among Christians as to
whether they should worship on the seventh day of the week (Saturday), the
sabbath of the Jews, or the first day of the week (Sunday), the day upon
which Christ arose from the tomb, called in Holy Writ, the Lord's day. It
therefore seems proper that in the restoration of his church in this
dispensation, the Lord should express himself on this subject. He did so in
a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith given in Zion, Jackson County,
Missouri, August 7, 1831, from which we quote:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou
shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and
to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and
at all times;
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations
and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy
brethren, and before the Lord. (D&C 59:9-12.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
From this revelation, we learn that the Lord designates "the Lord's day" as
"my holy day." Again, it is through the revelation of the Lord to his
prophet of this dispensation that this truth is made plain, rather than
through a study of ancient scriptures or of history. However, let us turn
to the scriptures of old to learn that this revelation of the Lord in the
reestablishment of his church upon the earth in this dispensation in no way
conflicts with instructions and revelations given by the Lord through his
prophets of former days.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
History of the Sabbath Day
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
Let us pursue a brief study of the history of the sabbath day:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made: and he rested
on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he
had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2:2-3.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
From this account it is clear that "God blessed the seventh day, and
sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work." But
from a study of the scriptures it would appear that the first commandment
given through any of the prophets that the people should observe this as a
day of worship was that which was given through Moses about 2500 years
after the creation. In Deuteronomy we learn why God gave the commandment to
the children of Israel at that time:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who
are all of us here alive this day. . . .
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded
thee. . . .
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the
Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a
stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the
sabbath day. (Deuteronomy 5:2-3, 12, 15.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
From this scripture it is apparent that this was a new covenant the Lord
made with Israel in Horeb; that he had not made this covenant with their
fathers; that he made this covenant so that they might remember that they
were servants in the land of Egypt; and that the Lord their God brought
them out through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm, and therefore
the Lord their God commanded them to keep the sabbath day.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
This commandment to observe the sabbath day was incorporated in the law of
Moses, as were also the sabbatic year and the forty-ninth and the
fiftieth-year sabbath.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
Speaking of the law of Moses, the apostle Paul stated: "Wherefore the law
was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by
faith." (Galatians 3:24.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
If the law of Moses, therefore, were the schoolmaster to bring us unto
Christ, it would seem perfectly reasonable to assume that when Christ came,
there would be no further need of the schoolmaster.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
Israel's Sabbath to Cease
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
When we understand that the law of Moses, including its sabbaths, was a
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, we are better able to understand why
the Lord permitted his prophet Hosea to declare that he would cause
Israel's sabbaths to cease: "I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her
feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts."
(Hosea 2:11.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
Can we accept the scriptures as the word of God and question that this
prophecy of Hosea should be fulfilled and that the Lord would truly cause
Israel's sabbaths to cease? When Hosea's prophecy was fulfilled, the way
was obviously opened for the introduction of a new sabbath.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
A New Sabbath, the Lord's Day
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
The Savior understood that a change was to be made in the sabbath:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
sabbath:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. (Mark 2:27-28.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Jesus did not come to break the law but to fulfill it. Thus, in him, the
Jewish sabbath was fulfilled, as was the remainder of the law of Moses,
which was the "schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ." Hence, when Christ
came, he became also Lord of the sabbath. He himself declared that he came
to fulfill the law: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the
prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." (Matthew 5:17.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Since Jesus came to fulfill the law, why should some still want to retain
it? Why should they not prefer to accept that which Jesus brought to take
the place of the law, which includes the new sabbath, the first day of the
week or the Lord's day (Sunday), the day upon which Jesus arose from the
tomb? "The Lord's day" is the day he directed his saints in this
dispensation to worship him. (See D&C 59:12.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
John, the beloved disciple of the Lord, while banished upon the Isle of
Patmos "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ," wrote:
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice,
as of a trumpet." (Revelation 1:10.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Why should this day be called "the Lord's day," if it were not a sacred
day? Remember, "the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Because the day on which the sabbath was observed was changed, the apostle
Paul realized that the saints would be criticized, as they were for other
practices to which the Jews objected: "Let no man therefore judge you in
meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of
the sabbath days." (Colossians 2:16.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
This warning from the apostle Paul would have been entirely uncalled for
were the saints worshiping on the Jewish sabbath, for the Jews then would
have had no occasion to judge them on this matter.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
The Saints Worshiped on the First Day of the Week
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
There is no record that the saints observed the Jewish sabbath as a day of
worship following the resurrection of the Savior. The apostles did,
however, meet with the Jews in their synagogues on their sabbath to teach
them the gospel. (See Acts 13:13-44; 17:1-2.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
The records are quite complete, however, in indicating that the saints
often met to worship on the first day of the week (Sunday), the Lord's day,
or the day that Jesus arose from the tomb:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the
doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews,
came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:
then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,
Peace be unto you. (John 20:19, 26.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to
break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and
continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as
God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (1
Corinthians 16:1-2.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
The following scripture is particularly significant, since the day of
Pentecost was the day following the Jewish sabbath:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335 - p.336
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to peak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4. See also Leviticus
23:15-16.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
What consistent explanation can be given for the fact that the saints met
to worship on the first day of the week -- Sunday, the Lord's day, the day
upon which the Savior rose from the tomb -- instead of on Saturday, the
Jewish sabbath, except that the Lord did cause the Jewish sabbaths to
cease, as the prophet Hosea declared he would? Jesus instituted a new
sabbath, the Lord's day, thus becoming "Lord also of the sabbath."
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
Greek Bible Designates the First Day of the Week as a Sabbath
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
This conclusion is further sustained by the fact that the first day of the
week (Sunday) is called a sabbath eight times in the original Greek Bible.
Had the Bible, therefore, been correctly translated, much of the present
confusion in this matter would have been eliminated. Why would the first
day of the week (Sunday) be called a sabbath in the Bible if it were not a
sabbath? And how did it become a sabbath other than as we have explained?
"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the
week. . . ." (Matthew 28:1. In Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of
the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
This text may be confusing because of its reference to two sabbaths, unless
one keeps in mind the fact that the Christian sabbath (first day of the
week) follows immediately the Jewish sabbath (seventh day of the week).
Hence the reference to two sabbaths.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
And very early in the morning the first day of the week. .. (Mark 16:2. In
Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
. . . (Mark 16:9. In Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Now upon the first day of the week. . . . (Luke 24:1. In Greek, "sabbath"
instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
The first day of the week. . . . (John 20:1. In Greek, "sabbath" instead of
"first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week. (John 20:19.
In Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
And upon the first day of the week. . .. (Acts 20:7. In Greek, "sabbath"
instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Upon the first day of the week. . . . (1 Corinthians 16:2. In Greek,
"sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
From the foregoing, it should be clear that the writers of the New
Testament fully understood that the first day of the week (Sunday) was a
sabbath day, and that it was the day upon which the saints met to worship.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Early Christians Worshiped on the First Day of the Week
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
The early church historians stated that the first day of the week, the day
on which the Lord arose from the tomb, was held sacred by the Christians as
a day of worship. This, together with the evidence we have already
submitted, refutes the claims of some that the change from Saturday to
Sunday was instituted by Constantine, Emperor of Rome:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
. . . It is indeed true, that Constantine's life was not such as the
precepts of Christianity required; and it is also true that he remained a
catechumen (unbaptized Christian) all his life, and was received to full
membership in the church, by baptism at Nicomedia only a few days before
his death.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337 - p.338
Footnote 25 . . . . That Constantine, long before this time, A.D. 324,
declared himself a Christian, and was acknowledged as such by the churches,
is certain. It is also true, he had for a long time performed the religious
acts of an unbaptized Christian, that is, of a catechumen; for he attended
public worship, fasted, prayed, observed the Christian Sabbath and the
anniversaries of the martyrs, and watched on the vigils of Easter, etc.
(Mosheim's Church History, Book 2, Century 4, Part 1, Chap. 1:8.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
. . . The Christians of this century, in piety, assembled for the worship
of God and for their advancement of the first day of the week, the day on
which Christ reassumed his life; for that this day was set apart for
religious worship by the apostles themselves, and that, after the example
of the church at Jerusalem, it was generally observed, we have
unexceptionable testimony. (Mosheim's Church History, Book 1, Century 1,
Part 2, Chap. 4:4.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
Those who were brought up in the ancient order of things, have come to the
possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath (Jewish or
seventh day), but living in the observance of the Lord's day (first day) on
which also our life was sprung by him and his death. (Epistle to the
Magnesians, 101 A.D., Chap. 9, Ignatius.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
On one day, the first day of the week, we assembled ourselves together.
(Barderaven, A.D. 130.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
And on the day which is called Sunday, there is an assembly in the same
place of all who live in cities, or in country districts; and the records
of the Apostles, or the writings of the Prophets, are read as long as we
have time. . . . Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common
assembly, because it is the first day on which God, when He changed the
darkness and matter, made the world: and Jesus Christ our Savior, on the
same day, rose from the dead. . .. (Justin Martyr, Apologies, 1:67 A.D. 140.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
He, in fulfilment of the precept according to the gospel, keeps the Lord's
day. (Clement of Alexandria, Book 7, Chap. 12, A.D. 193.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
We neither accord with the Jews in their peculiarities in regard to food
nor in their sacred days. (Apologies, Sec. 21, A.D. 200.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
We ourselves are accustomed to observe certain days, as for example, the
Lord's day. (Origen, Book 3, Chap. 23, A.D. 201.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
But why is it, you ask, that we gather on the Lord's day to celebrate our
solemnities? Because that was the way the Apostles also did. (De Fuga
XIV:11, 141,200 A.D.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338 - p.339
It will thus be seen that through the revelations of the Lord to the
Prophet Joseph Smith in directing his saints of this dispensation to
observe as a day of worship the Lord's day (Sunday), the first day of the
week, he only confirmed his approval of the practice of the saints of
former days, as fully sustained by Holy Writ and the early church
historians. If they had been in error in abandoning the seventh day
(Saturday, the Jewish sabbath), in favor of the Lord's day (Sunday, the
first day of the week), the Lord would surely have so indicated, for in
restoring the gospel he did not hesitate to correct mistakes that had been
made by alleged church leaders through the ages.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 14:51:02 -0600
From: owner-gdm@xmission.com
Subject: [none]
- --------------------------------
Doctrine and Covenants 59-62
Lesson 18
Sender: owner-gdm@xmission.com
Reply-To: gdm
Scriptural Highlights
1. The Sabbath day 2. The law of the fast 3. "The fulness of the earth" 4.
Sharing the gospel
Invite class members to share insights they gained while studying D&C 59-62.
Discussion and Application Questions
* Why is it important for us to view God's commandments as blessings? (D&C
59:4.)
* How are all of God's commandments included in the two great commandments
to love him and love each other? (See D&C 59:5-6; Matthew 22:36-40; John
13:34-35; and the quotation from Elder Smith.) How can we benefit from
viewing all of God's commandments as part of the two great commandments?
* Why do you think the Lord commands us to thank him in all things? (D&C
59:7; Mosiah 26:39.) What has the Lord done to help you during the past
week? How can you better recognize and show gratitude for his help? How can
keeping a journal help with this? (See the first quotation from President
Kimball.)
* How can we offer God a sacrifice of "a broken heart and a contrite
spirit"? (D&C 59:8; see also 3 Nephi 9:19-20). What does he promise those
who make this offering? (3 Nephi 9:21-22.)
* Why does the Lord command us to attend our Sabbath meetings? (D&C 59:9,
12; Exodus 20:8-11; 31:16-17.) How should we decide what activities are
appropriate for the Sabbath? (See D&C 59:10, 13; Mark 3:1-5; the second
quotation from President Kimball; and the quotations from Elder Benson and
President Lee.) How have you been blessed as you have kept the Sabbath day
holy?
* What are some of the purposes of fasting? (D&C 59:13-14.) How have you
overcome temptations not to fast? What have you done to make fasting
spiritually rewarding? How has the Lord blessed you as you have fasted? Why
is it important that we pay fast offerings?
What did the Lord reveal in D&C 59:16-20 about our relationship with the
earth? How can we deepen our appreciation for "all things which come of the
earth"? (D&C 59:18).
* How do the things of the earth "enliven the soul" as well as "strengthen
the body"? (D&C 59:19). Why is it important that we not use the things of
the earth "to excess"? (D&C 59:20). What can we do to take better care of
the earth?
* What experiences have shown you that the Savior knows "how to succor them
who are tempted"? (D&C 62:1; see also Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). What can we do
to receive the Savior's strength and support?
Quotations
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith: "If a person observes these commandments as
they are given in verses 5 and 6 of this section (59) he will keep the full
law of God. We cannot love our Heavenly Father, and worship him . . .
without keeping all other commandments" (Church History and Modern
Revelation, 1 :216-17).
President Spencer W. Kimball: "Those who keep a book of remembrance are
more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals
are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these
blessings for our posterity" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 349).
President Spencer W. Kimball: "The Sabbath calls for constructive thoughts
and acts, and if one merely lounges about doing nothing on the Sabbath, he
is breaking it. To observe it, one will be on his knees in prayer,
preparing lessons, studying the gospel, meditating, visiting the ill and
distressed, writing letters to missionaries, taking a nap, reading
wholesome material, and attending all the meetings of that day at which he
is expected" (Ensign, Jan. 1978, p. 4).
Elder Ezra Taft Benson: "The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual
uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for rest, for prayer.
It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves
unspotted from the world by obeying God's command....
". . . It seems to me that the following should be avoided on the Sabbath:
Overworking and staying up late Saturday so that you are exhausted the next
day. Filling the Sabbath so full of extra meetings that there is no time
for prayer, meditation, family fellowship, and counseling. Doing gardening
and odd jobs around the house. Taking trips to canyons or resorts, visiting
friends socially, joy riding, wasting time, and engaging in other
amusements. . . . Shopping or supporting with your patronage businesses
that operate on Sunday, such as grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants,
and service stations" (Ensign, May 1971, pp. 6-7).
President Harold B. Lee: "My experience has taught me that the prompting of
the conscience to a faithful Church member is the safest indicator as to
that which is contrary to the spirit of worship on the Sabbath Day"
(Decisions for Successful Living, p. 148).
Next Week's Reading Assignment Doctrine and Covenants 63-65
Class Member Study Guide
Lesson 18
The Lord has repeated the Ten Commandments several times in the scriptures
(see Exodus 20:1-17; Mosiah 12:35-36; 13:12-24; D&C 42:18-27). In D&C 59
the Lord gave particular attention to the commandment to keep the Sabbath
day holy. This revelation was directed to the Saints who had recently
arrived in Missouri.
* As you study D&C 59, consider the purposes and benefits of the Sabbath.
How can you better keep the Sabbath day holy?
* How can you offer God a sacrifice of a "broken heart and a contrite
spirit"? (D&C 59:8; see also 3 Nephi 9:19-20).
What does he promise those who make this offering? (3 Nephi 9:21-22.)
After a brief stay in Missouri, Joseph Smith and ten elders began the
journey back to their homes in Kirtland, Ohio. As they were traveling, they
saw Satan, the destroyer, riding in his power on the Missouri River. Joseph
prayed about the experience and received D&C 61.
As you study D&C 60-62, consider what the Lord teaches us about the
importance of sharing the gospel.
The Missouri River, used by many Saints while traveling from Ohio to Missouri.
Page 36
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The Lord's Day
Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, Vol.2, p.58
Question: "My neighbor . . . says that the Latter-day Saints are not true
Christians because they desecrate the true Sabbath which is Saturday and
has been from the beginning and that man has no right to change it. He
maintains that it was on the seventh day that the Lord rested from his
labors when he created this earth, and this was established to be
perpetuated through the ages, and the pope of Rome changed it to Sunday,
and the Protestants have followed this to their condemnation. What answer
do we have to this statement?"
Answer: The complete answer to these questions is found in the D&C,
Section 59. This revelation was given on Sunday, August 7, 1831, in Jackson
County, Missouri. In this revelation the Lord promised the members of the
Church who sought inheritances in Missouri that he would abundantly bless
them if they would covenant with him to keep his commandments. They would
be crowned with blessings from above, "yea and with commandments not a few,
and with revelations in their time--they that are faithful and diligent
before me." After making this promise the Lord reiterated commandments from
the Decalogue given on Sinai, and added this commandment concerning the
Sabbath day:
Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even
that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou
shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and
to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and
at all times;
But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations
and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy
brethren, and before the Lord.
And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be
prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in
other words, that thy joy may be full.
THE LORD'S DAY IS SUNDAY
After giving this commandment the Lord promised other blessings that would
follow through obedience, and then added:
And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled,
save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his
commandments.
The Lord's day was, of course, Sunday, and on this day the Latter-day
Saints have been commanded to observe the weekly Sabbath. So far as the
Latter-day Saints are concerned, the Lord has spoken. This settles the
question. Perhaps this is as far as we need to go in defense of our
observance of the Sabbath day on the first day of the week, but it would
not satisfy our correspondent if we stopped here. Moreover it will be of
general interest to all members of the Church to have some additional
discussion.
Those who believe that the Sabbath should be on Saturday have made a fetish
of the Sabbath day. They have, like the Pharisees and Sadducees of old,
measured man to the length of their procrustean bed and condemn all others
who may be just as devout as they. They have forgotten, it seems, the
counsel of our Lord:
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
sabbath:
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.1
Being the Lord of the Sabbath he had the divine right to change the day,
and that is exactly what he has done.
- ---------------------------
James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, Ch.24, p.451
Christ came not to destroy the law of Moses but to fulfil it; and through
Him the law was superseded by the Gospel. The Savior rose from the tomb on
the first day of the week; and that particular Sunday, as also the next,
was rendered forever memorable by the bodily visitation of the resurrected
Lord to the assembled apostles and others. To the believers in the
crucified and risen Savior, Sunday became the Lord's Day, and in time took
the place of Saturday as the weekly Sabbath in the Christian churches.
- ---------------------------
Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 4, p.175
It has been announced in the news today that the Reorganized Church has
denounced the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. I can almost equal
that. In Cairo the Church meets on Friday, because Friday is the sacred day
of the Moslems. The shops close on Friday, and we have our Sunday School on
Friday. ThatÆs our Sunday. It feels just like Sunday, it looks just like
Sunday, it smells like Sunday. In every respect itÆs a Sunday thereÆs no
difference to us at all. The day is Friday, but itÆs a good time. The
interesting thing is that the Christian churches all observe Sunday in
Cairo. To be in keeping with them, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church also
faithfully observes Sunday as the Sabbath. Now when you consider that their
entire religion is built around the idea that you must have the Sabbath on
Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, and nothing else will do, [that is strange].
WeÆre all [gone] astray because we observe Sunday instead of Saturday,
which Constantine introduced in the fourth century. [In Cairo] the
Adventists are all going to Sunday School on Sunday. ItÆs a strange world
we live in.
- ---------------------------
Reynolds and Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2., p.144
The Sabbath, one day out of each week, was kept by the Jews on the day now
called Saturday. How early this was taken to be the seventh day is not
known. After the Ascension of Jesus the Disciples met on the first day of
each week for prayer and praise. The Jewish Christians for a long time kept
both the first and seventh; but as Gentile Christians, having never kept
any such day before, celebrated only the first day of the week as the Lord
s day. The celebration of the seventh day by Christians was finally
abandoned. (Cruden's Concordance of the Bible)
- -----------------------------
B. H. Roberts, New Witnesses for God, Vol.1, p.20
Although this breach was patched up after the death of the Emperor Michael,
difficulties broke out again between the East and the West from time to
time, until finally in the eleventh century, when Michael Cerularius,
patriarch of Constantinople, opposed the Western churches with respect to
their making use of unleavened bread in the sacrament, their observation of
the Sabbath, and fasting on Saturday, charging therein that they lived in
communion with the Jews. Pope Leo IX. replied, and in his apology for the
Western churches declaimed warmly against the false doctrine of the Greeks,
and ended by placing on the altar of Santa Sophia, by his legates, a deed
of excommunication against the Patriarch, Michael Cerularius. This was the
first rupture. From that time the mutual hatred of the Greeks and the
Latins became insuperable, insomuch that they have continued ever since
separated from each other's communion.j
- ----------------------------
Smith and Sjodahl, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, Sec. 59, p.356
Christian observers of Saturday as the Sabbath tell us that some pope is
responsible for the change from the seventh to the first day of the week,
and almost in the same breath they declare that Constantine the Great is
the author of it. Roman Catholics, of course, accept, for the head of their
church, the responsibility, but the change was made long before there was
an ecclesiastical "head" in Rome. There is no uncertainty in the minds of
the Latter-day Saints on the question. This Revelation recognizes Sunday,
the Lord's day, as the Sabbath in this dispensation.
It might, further, be observed that the Sabbath law does not, primarily,
set apart either Saturday or Sunday as the Sabbath, but A SEVENTH PART OF
THE WEEK. "Six days shalt thou labor, but the seventh is the Sabbath of the
Lord thy God." It is immaterial where you begin counting, as long as the
rule of working six days and resting on the seventh is observed. The rule
is the same as that which governs tithe-paying. One dollar out of ten
belongs to the Lord. Which one? Any of them. Which day of the seven belongs
to the Lord? Any of them, but as the Sabbath is for the entire community,
one day must be agreed upon for the good of all.
- -------------------------
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
Chapter 23
The Sabbath Day
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
There has been considerable difference of opinion among Christians as to
whether they should worship on the seventh day of the week (Saturday), the
sabbath of the Jews, or the first day of the week (Sunday), the day upon
which Christ arose from the tomb, called in Holy Writ, the Lord's day. It
therefore seems proper that in the restoration of his church in this
dispensation, the Lord should express himself on this subject. He did so in
a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith given in Zion, Jackson County,
Missouri, August 7, 1831, from which we quote:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou
shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and
to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and
at all times;
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations
and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy
brethren, and before the Lord. (D&C 59:9-12.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.331
From this revelation, we learn that the Lord designates "the Lord's day" as
"my holy day." Again, it is through the revelation of the Lord to his
prophet of this dispensation that this truth is made plain, rather than
through a study of ancient scriptures or of history. However, let us turn
to the scriptures of old to learn that this revelation of the Lord in the
reestablishment of his church upon the earth in this dispensation in no way
conflicts with instructions and revelations given by the Lord through his
prophets of former days.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
History of the Sabbath Day
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
Let us pursue a brief study of the history of the sabbath day:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made: and he rested
on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he
had rested from all his work which God created and made. (Genesis 2:2-3.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
From this account it is clear that "God blessed the seventh day, and
sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work." But
from a study of the scriptures it would appear that the first commandment
given through any of the prophets that the people should observe this as a
day of worship was that which was given through Moses about 2500 years
after the creation. In Deuteronomy we learn why God gave the commandment to
the children of Israel at that time:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
The Lord made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who
are all of us here alive this day. . . .
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded
thee. . . .
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the
Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a
stretched out arm: therefore the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the
sabbath day. (Deuteronomy 5:2-3, 12, 15.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.332
From this scripture it is apparent that this was a new covenant the Lord
made with Israel in Horeb; that he had not made this covenant with their
fathers; that he made this covenant so that they might remember that they
were servants in the land of Egypt; and that the Lord their God brought
them out through a mighty hand and by a stretched-out arm, and therefore
the Lord their God commanded them to keep the sabbath day.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
This commandment to observe the sabbath day was incorporated in the law of
Moses, as were also the sabbatic year and the forty-ninth and the
fiftieth-year sabbath.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
Speaking of the law of Moses, the apostle Paul stated: "Wherefore the law
was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by
faith." (Galatians 3:24.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
If the law of Moses, therefore, were the schoolmaster to bring us unto
Christ, it would seem perfectly reasonable to assume that when Christ came,
there would be no further need of the schoolmaster.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
Israel's Sabbath to Cease
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
When we understand that the law of Moses, including its sabbaths, was a
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, we are better able to understand why
the Lord permitted his prophet Hosea to declare that he would cause
Israel's sabbaths to cease: "I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her
feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts."
(Hosea 2:11.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
Can we accept the scriptures as the word of God and question that this
prophecy of Hosea should be fulfilled and that the Lord would truly cause
Israel's sabbaths to cease? When Hosea's prophecy was fulfilled, the way
was obviously opened for the introduction of a new sabbath.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
A New Sabbath, the Lord's Day
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
The Savior understood that a change was to be made in the sabbath:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.333
And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
sabbath:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath. (Mark 2:27-28.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Jesus did not come to break the law but to fulfill it. Thus, in him, the
Jewish sabbath was fulfilled, as was the remainder of the law of Moses,
which was the "schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ." Hence, when Christ
came, he became also Lord of the sabbath. He himself declared that he came
to fulfill the law: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the
prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." (Matthew 5:17.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Since Jesus came to fulfill the law, why should some still want to retain
it? Why should they not prefer to accept that which Jesus brought to take
the place of the law, which includes the new sabbath, the first day of the
week or the Lord's day (Sunday), the day upon which Jesus arose from the
tomb? "The Lord's day" is the day he directed his saints in this
dispensation to worship him. (See D&C 59:12.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
John, the beloved disciple of the Lord, while banished upon the Isle of
Patmos "for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ," wrote:
"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice,
as of a trumpet." (Revelation 1:10.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Why should this day be called "the Lord's day," if it were not a sacred
day? Remember, "the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
Because the day on which the sabbath was observed was changed, the apostle
Paul realized that the saints would be criticized, as they were for other
practices to which the Jews objected: "Let no man therefore judge you in
meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of
the sabbath days." (Colossians 2:16.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.334
This warning from the apostle Paul would have been entirely uncalled for
were the saints worshiping on the Jewish sabbath, for the Jews then would
have had no occasion to judge them on this matter.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
The Saints Worshiped on the First Day of the Week
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
There is no record that the saints observed the Jewish sabbath as a day of
worship following the resurrection of the Savior. The apostles did,
however, meet with the Jews in their synagogues on their sabbath to teach
them the gospel. (See Acts 13:13-44; 17:1-2.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
The records are quite complete, however, in indicating that the saints
often met to worship on the first day of the week (Sunday), the Lord's day,
or the day that Jesus arose from the tomb:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the
doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews,
came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them:
then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said,
Peace be unto you. (John 20:19, 26.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to
break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and
continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the
churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as
God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. (1
Corinthians 16:1-2.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
The following scripture is particularly significant, since the day of
Pentecost was the day following the Jewish sabbath:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord
in one place.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind,
and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat
upon each of them.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.335 - p.336
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to peak with other
tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4. See also Leviticus
23:15-16.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
What consistent explanation can be given for the fact that the saints met
to worship on the first day of the week -- Sunday, the Lord's day, the day
upon which the Savior rose from the tomb -- instead of on Saturday, the
Jewish sabbath, except that the Lord did cause the Jewish sabbaths to
cease, as the prophet Hosea declared he would? Jesus instituted a new
sabbath, the Lord's day, thus becoming "Lord also of the sabbath."
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
Greek Bible Designates the First Day of the Week as a Sabbath
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
This conclusion is further sustained by the fact that the first day of the
week (Sunday) is called a sabbath eight times in the original Greek Bible.
Had the Bible, therefore, been correctly translated, much of the present
confusion in this matter would have been eliminated. Why would the first
day of the week (Sunday) be called a sabbath in the Bible if it were not a
sabbath? And how did it become a sabbath other than as we have explained?
"In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the
week. . . ." (Matthew 28:1. In Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of
the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
This text may be confusing because of its reference to two sabbaths, unless
one keeps in mind the fact that the Christian sabbath (first day of the
week) follows immediately the Jewish sabbath (seventh day of the week).
Hence the reference to two sabbaths.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
And very early in the morning the first day of the week. .. (Mark 16:2. In
Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.336
. . . (Mark 16:9. In Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Now upon the first day of the week. . . . (Luke 24:1. In Greek, "sabbath"
instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
The first day of the week. . . . (John 20:1. In Greek, "sabbath" instead of
"first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week. (John 20:19.
In Greek, "sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
And upon the first day of the week. . .. (Acts 20:7. In Greek, "sabbath"
instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Upon the first day of the week. . . . (1 Corinthians 16:2. In Greek,
"sabbath" instead of "first day of the week.")
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
From the foregoing, it should be clear that the writers of the New
Testament fully understood that the first day of the week (Sunday) was a
sabbath day, and that it was the day upon which the saints met to worship.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
Early Christians Worshiped on the First Day of the Week
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
The early church historians stated that the first day of the week, the day
on which the Lord arose from the tomb, was held sacred by the Christians as
a day of worship. This, together with the evidence we have already
submitted, refutes the claims of some that the change from Saturday to
Sunday was instituted by Constantine, Emperor of Rome:
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337
. . . It is indeed true, that Constantine's life was not such as the
precepts of Christianity required; and it is also true that he remained a
catechumen (unbaptized Christian) all his life, and was received to full
membership in the church, by baptism at Nicomedia only a few days before
his death.
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.337 - p.338
Footnote 25 . . . . That Constantine, long before this time, A.D. 324,
declared himself a Christian, and was acknowledged as such by the churches,
is certain. It is also true, he had for a long time performed the religious
acts of an unbaptized Christian, that is, of a catechumen; for he attended
public worship, fasted, prayed, observed the Christian Sabbath and the
anniversaries of the martyrs, and watched on the vigils of Easter, etc.
(Mosheim's Church History, Book 2, Century 4, Part 1, Chap. 1:8.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
. . . The Christians of this century, in piety, assembled for the worship
of God and for their advancement of the first day of the week, the day on
which Christ reassumed his life; for that this day was set apart for
religious worship by the apostles themselves, and that, after the example
of the church at Jerusalem, it was generally observed, we have
unexceptionable testimony. (Mosheim's Church History, Book 1, Century 1,
Part 2, Chap. 4:4.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
Those who were brought up in the ancient order of things, have come to the
possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath (Jewish or
seventh day), but living in the observance of the Lord's day (first day) on
which also our life was sprung by him and his death. (Epistle to the
Magnesians, 101 A.D., Chap. 9, Ignatius.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
On one day, the first day of the week, we assembled ourselves together.
(Barderaven, A.D. 130.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
And on the day which is called Sunday, there is an assembly in the same
place of all who live in cities, or in country districts; and the records
of the Apostles, or the writings of the Prophets, are read as long as we
have time. . . . Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common
assembly, because it is the first day on which God, when He changed the
darkness and matter, made the world: and Jesus Christ our Savior, on the
same day, rose from the dead. . .. (Justin Martyr, Apologies, 1:67 A.D. 140.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
He, in fulfilment of the precept according to the gospel, keeps the Lord's
day. (Clement of Alexandria, Book 7, Chap. 12, A.D. 193.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
We neither accord with the Jews in their peculiarities in regard to food
nor in their sacred days. (Apologies, Sec. 21, A.D. 200.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
We ourselves are accustomed to observe certain days, as for example, the
Lord's day. (Origen, Book 3, Chap. 23, A.D. 201.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338
But why is it, you ask, that we gather on the Lord's day to celebrate our
solemnities? Because that was the way the Apostles also did. (De Fuga
XIV:11, 141,200 A.D.)
LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Ch.23, p.338 - p.339
It will thus be seen that through the revelations of the Lord to the
Prophet Joseph Smith in directing his saints of this dispensation to
observe as a day of worship the Lord's day (Sunday), the first day of the
week, he only confirmed his approval of the practice of the saints of
former days, as fully sustained by Holy Writ and the early church
historians. If they had been in error in abandoning the seventh day
(Saturday, the Jewish sabbath), in favor of the Lord's day (Sunday, the
first day of the week), the Lord would surely have so indicated, for in
restoring the gospel he did not hesitate to correct mistakes that had been
made by alleged church leaders through the ages.
------------------------------
End of gdm Digest V1 #13
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