Introduction
    When we look at today’s society, we must admit that customs have come and gone. Changes occur with time. History is full of information concerning how these changes have taken place. One such change is the weekly Sabbath, also known as the 7th day.
   Today, many Christians go to church on Sunday. They say they are keeping “the Lord’s Day.” Some may even think Sunday was set apart from creation. When they find that the facts, that both the Bible and history support the 7th Day Sabbath, they often say, “It doesn’t matter what day we keep, Yahweh knows our hearts.”
   Yes, He does know our hearts (Jer. 17:9-10), that’s the problem. He knows that we tend to reason the plain truth away in our hearts. He knows that unless we are shown the right way, it’s the wrong way that we’ll automatically take. Scripture tells us the right way to go:
   And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of Yahweh doth man live, Deuteronomy 8:3. (See also Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4; the King James Version 1900, is used throughout unless otherwise noted.)
   Let’s go back to the beginning to determine how the weekly Sabbath can’t be reasoned away to Sunday (the 1st day of the week) or to some other day, for that matter.

From Creation
    Going back as far as we can to see what is said about the weekly 7th day Sabbath, we find the following creation account:
   Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day Elohim ended His work which He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had made. And Elohim blessed the Seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all His work which Elohim created and made, Genesis 2:1-3.
   Here, we find that the seventh day was “sanctified,” which means it was set apart and made holy for a special purpose. It is a day of rest or cessation from work that one would normally do the rest of the week. In this case, we know that Yahweh had rested, but then He tells His people to do the same on the “7th day.”
   As a good Father always does, He first sets an example for His children and will remind His children to do certain things. He rested and expects us to rest on the day He set aside.
   It’s also important to understand that only Yahweh can sanctify a day or a certain time period. Man does not have the power to override what Yahweh sanctifies. Yahweh reinforces that by telling us not to forget the day He made holy:
   Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the Seventh day is the Sabbath of Yahweh thy Elohim: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the Seventh day: wherefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it, Exodus 20:8-11.
   The fourth commandment makes it undeniably clear that we are to keep this particular day, the seventh day, holy. Yet, how do we know that the day called, Saturday, is the seventh day?

Seventh Day Unchanged
    Several changes have taken place, but we can easily look at the pages of history and realize that Saturday is indeed the seventh day, the last day in the seven-day weekly cycle.
Reviewing the creation account of Genesis gives us an irrefutable answer (Gen. 2:1-3), keeping in mind that John 10:35 tells us, “Scripture cannot be broken.” However, over the years, there have been changes to the calendar.
   The Julian calendar, introduced in 46 BCE by Julius Caesar, was widely used until the fall of 1582, when the Gregorian calendar was developed by Pope Gregory XIII. England continued to follow the Julian calendar until September of 1752. Though in doing, so required the removal of 11 days – the third through the 13th of that month – in order to come into conformity. Turkey, Russia, Serbia, and Greece continued to use the Julian calendar until the early 20th century. Today, however, with few exceptions, the Gregorian calendar is followed by most every country. Nevertheless, though the calendar had undergone this revision, it retained the order of days, did not disturb the weekly cycle and thus, preserved the 7th day Sabbath.
   The Biblical Calendar starts in the Springtime (the one Yahshua kept, as is evident by the Passover that He also kept), and the Roman calendar – both the Julian and the Gregorian – started in the dead of winter. But the seventh-day cycle was undisturbed.
Even with the documented change-over from Julian to Gregorian, these new national calendars configured with an extra day during leap years kept the Sabbath in the correct day-order during the weekly cycle. It’s a matter of historical fact.
   Historically speaking though, we still need to go back to the Messiah’s time and look closer to confirm if the weekly Sabbath of today, that the Jews keep, is the true seventh-day Sabbath that Yahshua kept.

The Savior Observed the Sabbath
    Going back to the time that Yahshua our Savior walked the earth, we find that He indeed kept the Sabbath day and on the day the Jews kept it. And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: and, as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read, Luke 4:16.
   The Jews, to this day, have not kept another day of worship. Going back even further to the Jewish Babylonian captivity, we find that the Jews learned two major lessons that have stuck with them over all these years. First and foremost, there is One to be worshipped, and His Name is Yahweh. He is the Mighty One of Israel (all 12 tribes) not just the Jews. Yahweh will bring both Judah (the dominant tribe of the south, including Benjamin and Levi, though Levi didn’t receive land) and Ephraim (the dominant tribe of the 10 northern tribes, those now assimilated into today’s nations, Hos. 8:8) together back into the land of Israel as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:21-22. Secondly, they learned that there is one day a week that man is to set aside for worship and rest. That day is the 7th day weekly Sabbath.
   When Yahshua walked the earth, the Pharisaical Jews criticized Him for doing certain things contrary to their oral, added rules that distorted and changed His Father’s Law. Of them, He said, Howbeit in vain do they worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of Elohim, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And He said unto them, ‘Full well ye reject the commandment of Elohim, that ye may keep your own tradition,’” Mark 7:7-9. But they could not accuse Him or His disciples, for that matter, of not keeping the correct day. He would have rebuked the Pharisees of His day had they been keeping another day holy, and He Himself would not be going to the places of worship (synagogues, Luke 13:10) on the Sabbath had He not approved of that day being the correct one.
   Yahshua and His followers taught the Sabbath day and kept the correct day holy, according to the 4th Commandment, as others who have maintained this day throughout history. We, too, follow in Yahshua’s footsteps. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path, Psalm 119:105.
   Yahshua kept His Father’s laws and did not distort them, but rather taught them clearly to others, even bringing out the Spiritual intent (Matt 5:27-28). He taught that there were consequences for not keeping them … even one of them. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, “That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven,” Matthew 5:19-20.

The Sabbath Will be Kept in the Kingdom
    Reflection with prayer can bring a much deeper understanding of what Yahweh wants for us. In considering what has taken place from the beginning of creation, down through the giving of the Law and further, to the fulfillment of Yahshua’s death and resurrection to our current time at the end of the age, we find prophecy is yet to be fulfilled with Yahshua’s return in all power and glory and the establishment of the Kingdom of Yahweh upon the earth.
    What does the Bible tell us concerning the keeping of the 7th day Sabbath in the future? We should keep in mind, while looking at the following Scriptures, that the weekly Sabbath was sanctified from creation, given to all of Israel, and kept by Yahshua, our Savior, and His disciples.
   The Book of Isaiah, which is replete with prophecy, says, “And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before Me,” saith Yahweh, Isaiah 66:23.

Showers of Blessings for Obedience
    Worship before Yahweh is a good thing and obedience is a must. To reiterate, there are consequences for not obeying. The Bible tells us that if people do not come to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, for example, they will not receive rain (Zech. 14:16-19). Rain is synonymous with blessings. One could relate the disobedience today to a lack of rain being given to the people, as well. Therefore, some who refuse to celebrate one of the Holy Days of Yahweh can forfeit the blessings that would otherwise come their way. Nevertheless, Isaiah says all will come to worship before Yahweh from one Sabbath to the next in the soon-coming Kingdom (Isaiah 66:23).
   What kind of blessings will be given from Yahweh in the Kingdom during the weekly Sabbath and other times? And many people shall go and say, “Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the Elohim of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths:” for out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of Yahweh from Jerusalem, Isaiah 2:3 (emphasis, ours). (See also Malachi 4:2.)
   Many reject Yahweh’s written instructions today, but they will obey them in the Kingdom. Or, as already mentioned, they will not receive rain. Rain can also be a description of the Spirit coming from Yahweh. There are descriptions such as “former and latter rains” in which this Spirit-outpouring was initially given, as in Acts chapter two, a metaphorical “former rain.”
   Notice that we cannot even receive the blessing of this rain or living waters (i.e., the Spirit) unless we are striving to obey Yahweh, And we are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom Elohim hath given to them that obey Him, Acts 5:32. (See also Hebrews 5:9.)
   Ezekiel prophesied about a “new Spirit” (a change in heart’s disposition or attitude) being given. It is an ongoing process that started at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Spirit and will continue into the Kingdom:
   Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them. And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be My people, and I will be your Elohim, Ezekiel 36:25-28. (See also Ezekiel 11:19.)
   Notice why the Spirit is given: to “… cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them.” The New Living Translation is written a little clearer as to why the Spirit is given, by stating, “… so you will obey My laws and do whatever I command.” Of those laws, the weekly Sabbath will be kept in the coming Kingdom. It is also kept now by Yahweh’s people who follow in Yahshua’s footsteps.

From Sabbath to Sunday
    In the past, and even today, there has been mixture with pagan rituals, combining false worship with true. It’s called syncretism, which is at the root of many false teachings today, including Sunday worship. Under powerful pagan rulers, such as Hadrian and Constantine I, who both exercised great influence, believers had difficulty maintaining purity in the doctrine, as many embraced falsehood under their leadership.
   Sun worship itself has influenced not only Sabbath-keeping but also Scripturally-appointed times, such as Passover which has become identified with Easter Sun-day. In the book called From Sabbath to Sunday author Dr. Samuele Bacchiocchi states the following:
   “The repressive measures adopted by the Romans against the Jews – particularly felt in the capital city – apparently encouraged the predominant Gentile membership of the Church in Rome to clarify to the Roman authorities their distinction from Judaism by changing the date and manner of observance of characteristic Jewish festivals such as the Passover and the Sabbath which most Christians still observed. We found, in fact, that the Church of Rome took a definite stand against both festivities. The (14th Day) Quartodecimen Passover was substituted by Easter Sunday apparently at the time of Hadrian (A.D. 117-138), as suggested by Irenaeus’ reference to Bishop Sixtus (ca. A.D. 116-126) and by Epiphanius’ statement regarding the origin of the controversy at about A.D. 135. The sources attribute explicitly to the Bishop of Rome, the role of pioneering and championing Easter Sunday, in order to avoid, as later stated by Constantine, ‘all participation in the perjured conduct of the Jews.’ The close nexus existing between Easter Sunday and the weekly Sunday (the latter being viewed by many Fathers as an extension of the former) gives us reason to believe that both festivities originated contemporaneously in Rome because of the same anti-Judaic motivations.”
   Historical details give us a clear view of what has happened and why there needs to be a restoration of correct Biblical teachings and observance within, and among, those who claim to follow the “God,” as they say, “of the Bible,” but, keep a pagan day claiming to be observing “the Lord’s day.” Just what this particular day is, may shock some, as it’s Scripturally neither Saturday nor Sunday.

The True Meaning of “the Lord’s Day”
    The term “Lord,” or more specifically “the Lord,” is like a stamp covering the Sacred Name of Yahweh in most Bible translations. We also find the term “Lord” is, at times, used instead of a more correct title of “Master” or “Sovereign” for Yahshua the Messiah. These things can easily be proven with most any reliable Bible concordance or interlinear and so we will not be going into further detail here. (There is much already written on the subject that can be requested.)
   It might surprise some that in the New Testament, there is only one place where the term “the Lord’s Day” is found. In Revelation chapter 1:10, it says, I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. We can correctly translate the passage with the transliterated name in place: I was in the Spirit on Yahweh’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.
   The Greek wording for “Lord” in verse 10 is Kurios instead of Theos. Kurios is normally placed in the Greek, where Yahweh’s name should appear. This can be proven by looking at some of the more than 200 quotes from the Old Testament found in the New Testament.
   Nonetheless, the question would be, “What is this ‘Yahweh’s day’?” The context of verse 10 is the end time. Verse 3 says, “for the time is near.” Verse 7 says, “Behold, He is coming.”
   There is a tendency, due to the conditioning of years of false teachings, to think that verse 10 is in reverence to Sunday. Even some commentators on this specific verse recognize that there is an alternative and better meaning. The Complete Biblical Library, by World Library Press Inc., states the following:
   “The ‘Lord’s day’ may mean Sunday, but this verse more probably means that the Holy Spirit projected John into the future Day of [Yahweh] that is ahead of us. While experiencing the special move of the Spirit, a voice came like a trumpet blast.” The “Day of Yahweh” is mentioned numerous times in Scripture, and it is a time ahead of us. There is also more evidence that “the Lord’s day” is better rendered the “Day of Yahweh.”

Trumpet Blast
    The idea of a voice like a trumpet mentioned in verse 10 is significant, the blowing of trumpets indicative of end time events and even sounding a warning beforehand.
    Trumpets mentioned in Revelation precede great tribulation coming upon the earth (Rev. 8:7-9:14). The last trump shows the Messiah taking full command over all nations (Rev. 11:15-19).
   For the Master Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of Elohim: and the dead in Messiah shall rise first, 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
   The day of Yahweh is the ultimate climax, just before the Messiah’s return, as we read in the following:
   Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of Yahweh is coming. It is close at hand – a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness. Like dawn spreading across the mountains a large and mighty army comes, such as never was of old nor ever will be in ages to come, Joel 2:1-2, NIV.
   Mark your Bible with cross-referencing verses and underline significant parts of verses that parallel Revelation 1:10. This may help you to help someone who says, “I keep ‘the Lord’s day,’” to see the error of what they’ve always held to be true. Invite someone to study on the 7th day, not to argue, but to look into Yahweh’s Precious Word with meekness.

The Identifying Sign of His People
    One of the identifying marks of Yahweh’s people is the weekly Sabbath. The world steps out of sync with Yahweh’s ways, but His children walk the course that Yahweh sets before them:
   Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, “Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am Yahweh that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, Holy to Yahweh: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the Seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.” And He gave unto Moses, when He had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of Elohim, Exodus 31:13-18.
   Israel didn’t walk according to the ways Yahweh had set before them, and therefore they incurred His wrath and were prevented from entering the promised land. They lacked the indwelling Spirit to bring to remembrance what had been commanded them (Heb. 8:10; John 14:26).
   It is the Spirit that helps His people today to overcome themselves, the world, and the evil one who deceives the world. Many of the descendants of Israel today are still failing to see their history, neither have they learned from it. Yet, as already mentioned, there will be a time soon when they will understand, and for them who are now called, understanding is being given (Matt. 16:13-17). Look at what happened to ancient Israel and let us not repeat their mistake of disobedience:
   I gave them My laws so they could live by keeping them. Yes, all those who keep them will live! And I gave them My Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and Me. It was to remind them that I, Yahweh, had set them apart to be holy, making them My special people. But the people of Israel rebelled against Me, and they refused to obey My laws there in the wilderness. They wouldn’t obey My instructions even though obedience would have given them life. And they also violated My Sabbath days. So I threatened to pour out My fury on them, and I made plans to utterly consume them in the desert. But again I held back in order to protect the honor of My Name. That way the nations who saw Me lead My people out of Egypt wouldn’t be able to claim I destroyed them because I couldn’t take care of them. But I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land I had given them, a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful place on earth. I told them this because they had rejected My laws, ignored My will for them, and violated My Sabbath days. Their hearts were given to their idols. Nevertheless, I pitied them and held back from destroying them in the wilderness. Then I warned their children and told them not to follow in their parents’ footsteps, defiling themselves with their idols. “I am Yahweh your Elohim,” I told them. “Follow My laws, pay attention to My instructions, and keep My Sabbath days holy, for they are a sign to remind you that I am Yahweh your Elohim.” But their children, too, rebelled against Me. They refused to keep My laws and follow My instructions, even though obeying them would have given them life. And they also violated My Sabbath days. So again I threatened to pour out My fury on them in the wilderness. Nevertheless, I withdrew My judgment against them to protect the honor of My Name among the nations who had seen My power in bringing them out of Egypt. But I took a solemn oath against them while they were in the wilderness. I vowed I would scatter them among all the nations because they did not obey My laws. They scorned My instructions by violating My Sabbath days and longing for the idols of their ancestors. I gave them over to worthless customs and laws that would not lead to life, Ezekiel 20:11-25, NLT.
   Today, we have an opportunity through Yahshua’s sacrifice to be brought back in good standing with Yahweh in the Second Covenant. His shed blood brings forgiveness of the sins we’ve committed. We are told saints will be they who have their faith in Yahshua. Moreover, they also keep the commandments of Yahweh (Rev. 12:17, 14:12). One of these commandments is to keep the seventh day Sabbath holy. It is the fourth Commandment and a sign that identifies His people. Will we be the people He has called us to be? Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it Holy, Exodus 20:8.