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. That’s our Sunday. It feels just like Sunday, it looks just like Sunday, it smells like Sunday. In every respect it’s a Sunday there’s no difference to us at all. The day is Friday, but it’s 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]. We’re 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. It’s 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 - ------------------ 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. That’s our Sunday. It feels just like Sunday, it looks just like Sunday, it smells like Sunday. In every respect it’s a Sunday there’s no difference to us at all. The day is Friday, but it’s 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]. We’re 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. It’s 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 ************************ To subscribe to gdm Digest, send the command: subscribe gdm-digest in the body of a message to "majordomo@xmission.com". If you want to subscribe something other than the account the mail is coming from, such as a local redistribution list, then append that address to the "subscribe" command; for example, to subscribe "local-gdm": subscribe gdm-digest local-gdm@your.domain.net A non-digest (direct mail) version of this list is also available; to subscribe to that instead, replace all instances of "gdm-digest" in the commands above with "gdm". 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