(Chapter 6)
If Not Sunday, What Then?
When asked why they sanctify Sunday, most Protestants answer
that it is a memorial of Christ's resurrection. They say that since
His death, Christians have always observed that day. But this is not
the case, as we have already shown. Sunday-keeping did not come into
existence for nearly 300 years after Christ's death. It was set up
purely on the foundation of paganism, not as a reminder of Christ's resurrection.
The resurrection is very important. If Christ had not risen, we would still be lost and without hope of ever entering Heaven. If Christ had not risen, it would mean that He failed in some point; therefore, needed a savior Himself! But, praise God, He did rise, and this certainly is an event worthy of remembrance. God definitely would not want us to lose sight of it.
So if Sunday is not the memorial of the resurrection, what is? Listen as Paul tells us.
"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead" Colossians 2:12. Emphasis supplied
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" Romans 6:3, 4.
The word baptizo means "to immerse," which is exactly how Christ was baptized (see Mark 1:9, 10). This is also the way the Apostles baptized (see Acts 8:36, 38, 39). Biblical baptism is a complete immersion in water. This type of baptism is a perfect reminder of Christ's death and burial (being lowered into the water), and of His resurrection (being raised up out of the water). This is a very solemn and important event, because it points back to the time Jesus paid the ultimate price for all. Baptism means death to sin, and resurrection to a new life in Christ!
NOTE:
On a smaller scale, the foot washing and communion services are also reminders of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. Both services call us to put away self, pride and sin. In communion, the unleavened bread symbolizes accepting Jesus Christ into the heart through prayer and His Word. The unfermented grape juice represents His shed blood, which means eternal life for you and me.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2006 by J. Lee