Quote:
Originally posted by stardusttwin
I really don't want to get into this debate but I had to address this...
Actually this is INcorrect. While Jews and Muslims do observe the sabbath - Friday nite into Saturday Christians celebrate the new beginning, the New Testament which was given to us with Jesus' birth, death and resurrection-which occurred on SUNDAY (He was crucified and left in the tomb because of the observance of the Sabbath-when the women went to clean His body they discovered He had risen). Most Jews don't acknowledge the New Testament so they observe the rules and rituals as are listed in the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus)-the same bible that I read. Christians acknowledge that with Christ there was a new beginning and for us that brought new rules for living.
What is outlined in the Old Testament are rules to be followed under the OLD covenant which was between God and his chosen people-the Jews. Christians believe in the good news of the New Testament and as such observe the NEW covenant (between God and all). With Jesus's death the rules were changed...his death was THE ultimate sacrifice...no need to keep killing bulls and observing other rituals that HE himself practiced as a Jew BEFORE his death.
On a historical note...the early Christians were considered a sect (or denomination) of the Jews. They still observed the Sabbath and observed the numerous rules as listed in the Old Testament but believed that the Messiah they were waiting for had come. As the "movement" spread, other differences arose and the "sect" was no longer recognized by the Jews. To spread the word the new Christians began to codify the "New Testament" (writings from the apostles, letters from Paul). They believed that the new covenant was made possible because of Christ's death and resurrection. Christians celebrate this by worshiping on the first day of the week (Sunday). Because Christ died our sins were washed away and we don't have to make sacrifices or have someone intercede on our behalf anymore. So as believers of the new covenant we don't observe past holidays as outlined in the Old Testament such as Rosh Hassana (sp?) and Yom Kippor or observe the Sabbath as traditionally done by Jews who are still waiting for the Messiah to come and thus continue to operate on the old covenant, rules and regulations.
Its important to read the Bible as both a spiritual document (written with divine intervention) & as a historical one (taken into account the times it was written and what was culturally acceptable at the time). But as a practicing Christian its important to note that things were not randomly changed just for the heck of it.
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stardusttwin thank you for sharing your knowledge.
This is the explanation that I've received as well.
I believe that to be the truth, regarding the Sabbath, as well.
Where did you first learn of this information?