Renewing Your Mind: The Lord's Day as Sabbath

Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Featured Teacher: Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey explores the biblical foundation and theological significance of "the Lord’s Day" as it relates to the Christian Sabbath. Drawing from both the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Godfrey examines the relationship between Sunday worship, the Fourth Commandment, and the continuing relevance of Sabbath principles in the New Covenant. The teaching challenges listeners to view the Lord’s Day not as a burden, but as a gift and blessing for worship and rest.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Distinctiveness of the Lord’s Day

[00:00–02:30]

• The Lord’s Day is highlighted in Revelation 1:10, emphasizing its special status among all days.
• Dr. Godfrey distinguishes between ordinary days and the “Dominical Day,” a term echoing the Lord’s Supper’s special nature.
• The textual argument:
  • The Greek “Kyriakos” (“of the Lord”) is used only for the Lord’s Supper and the Lord’s Day, indicating these are uniquely set apart for God.
• Notable Quote:

  “If all days are alike, no one day can be a Lord's Day.”
  — Dr. Godfrey [01:19]

2. Biblical Case for Christian Worship on Sunday

[02:30–08:15]

• The New Testament does not provide a single explicit verse prescribing Sunday worship, similar to the debate over infant baptism; understanding requires considering the biblical evidence as a whole.
• Revelation 1:10 is foundational—John was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day,” implying a specific sacred day distinct from others.
• Common objections (e.g., the Lord’s Day being Saturday or Easter) are addressed:
  • Saturday as the Lord’s Day conflicts with Colossians 2:16 and early church practice.
  • Easter as a special day does not align with the New Testament emphasis on a weekly rhythm.
• The consistent New Testament pattern:
  • References to the resurrection on the first day (Matt. 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:19).
  • Evidences of Christian gatherings on the first day: John 20:26, Acts 2:1, Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:2.
• Notable Quote:

  “Taken together, [these verses] begin to point to a pattern of Christians...acknowledging something special about the first day, pointing us then, I think, to the conclusion that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day.”
  — Dr. Godfrey [07:35]

3. Apostolic Practice and Early Church Tradition

[08:15–09:45]

• The apostolic church’s established and universal pattern of Sunday worship is seen not as mere custom, but as authoritative practice.
• Thomas Aquinas’s view (that Sunday is only a church observance) is critiqued—Dr. Godfrey asserts apostolic precedent carries prescriptive weight.
• Sunday gatherings are a celebration of Christ’s resurrection and the fulfillment of the Old Testament Sabbath.

4. Theological Reflection on Rest and Sabbath in Hebrews

[09:45–16:30]

• Hebrews 3–4 offers a deep meditation on entering God’s rest, drawing from Psalm 95.
• The “rest” motif is traced from the promised land to the ultimate rest in heaven, and from the Sabbath day to its fulfillment in Christ and eternity.
• Hebrews 4:9: “There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.”
  • Dr. Godfrey references John Owen, who interprets this as continuation of a weekly Sabbath obligation. Godfrey disagrees: Hebrews centers on eternal rest, but does affirm ongoing significance for Sabbath principles.
• Sabbath is presented as a foundational biblical theme (“from creation to consummation”)—not just Mosaic Law but rooted in the very order of creation.
• Notable Quote:

  “From the beginning of history till the end of history, it's all about Sabbath...Sabbath in the Old Testament as shadow, but also Sabbath in the New Testament being substance.”
  — Dr. Godfrey [15:53]

5. Moral and Ceremonial Aspects of the Sabbath

[16:30–18:15]

• There is both a ceremonial (seventh day) and moral (appointed day to meet with God) dimension to the Fourth Commandment.
• In the New Covenant, the moral imperative (“a day appointed for worship”) continues, although transformed from Saturday to Sunday.

6. Why the New Testament Isn’t More Explicit

[18:15–20:10]

• Dr. Godfrey explains the apparent lack of explicit Sabbath restatement:
  • The early church was already practicing Lord’s Day worship; it didn’t need constant reiteration.
  • The first table of the Ten Commandments (worship-related commands) may seem less repeated than the second, but this doesn’t diminish their ongoing relevance.
• Notable Quote:

  “We’re meeting every day on the Lord’s Day...how often do we need to say that’s what we are, that’s what we do, that’s who we are?”
  — Dr. Godfrey [19:43]

7. Jesus and the Sabbath: Correcting Misunderstandings

[20:10–22:38]

• Jesus was not abolishing the Sabbath, but rejecting Pharisaical abuses:

  • The Sabbath was never about strict legalism, but about mercy, doing good, resting, delighting in God, and blessing others (Isaiah 58).

• Sabbath is described as a gracious gift—a day for rest, worship, caring for others, and “putting aside the cares of the world.”

• Memorable Illustration:
  Godfrey evokes histories of societies with no days off, highlighting the tragedy of “never to have relief, never have a time set apart for something different” [22:15].

Conclusion and Takeaway

[22:38–22:54]

• Dr. Godfrey encourages listeners to embrace the Lord’s Day as a blessing—a God-given opportunity for weekly worship, spiritual rest, and joy.

“I believe it’s what apostolic practice models for us. And I believe it’s what will be a blessing for us.”
— Dr. Godfrey [22:38]

Important Quotes & Timestamps

• “If all days are alike, no one day can be a Lord’s Day.” — Dr. Godfrey [01:19]
• “Taken together, [these verses] begin to point to a pattern of Christians...that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day.” — Dr. Godfrey [07:35]
• “From the beginning of history till the end of history, it's all about Sabbath...Sabbath in the Old Testament as shadow, but also Sabbath in the New Testament being substance.” — Dr. Godfrey [15:53]
• “We’re meeting every day on the Lord’s Day...how often do we need to say that’s what we are, that’s what we do, that’s who we are?” — Dr. Godfrey [19:43]

Suggested Timestamps for Reference

• 00:00 – Introduction: Lord's Day vs. other days
• 01:27 – What does the New Testament say about Sunday worship?
• 05:55 – Early church practice and Sunday as the special day
• 10:21 – Hebrews and the concept of rest
• 15:53 – Sabbath as foundational, from creation to consummation
• 18:15 – Why not more explicit Sabbath commands in the NT?
• 20:10 – Jesus and the positive vision for the Sabbath/Lord’s Day
• 22:38 – The Lord’s Day as a blessing

Tone and Style

Dr. Godfrey’s tone is thoughtful, measured, and deeply rooted in biblical exposition. He blends careful textual analysis, historical perspective, and pastoral application, inviting the listener to see the Lord’s Day as a joyful obligation and a gracious blessing rather than a legalistic burden.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the biblical and theological case for the Lord’s Day as the Christian Sabbath, including its spiritual purpose and practical importance for believers today.