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The lack of a specific command in the new testament, especially from the epistles of Paul, for Christians to observe the seventh day Sabbath, or any other day as sacred, has generated two issues: arguments (proof) from silence, and arguments (events) from circumstance. (Jerusalem conference; and Paul's comments on "days“).

In the first four verses of Romans 14, Paul addresses those who apparently made religious distinctions concerning foods, which is relatively clear. However, beginning in verse 5, he apparently changes the object of his discussion to address the differences of opinions regarding days considered sacred. His comments seem to merge with consideration of the matter of abstaining or eating of foods. He puts foods and days in the same category as to how Christians should conduct themselves with each other. Christians must not judge other Christians about the food they eat, or the days they consider sacred. He groups foods and days together, and gives the same instruction concerning both.

Could it be that the Holy Spirit is simply telling everyone its "either/or"? Either Saturday or Sunday, or no “sacred” days?

Paul clarifies in Romans for newly converted Christians concerning foods considered in the Old Covenant by the Jews to be forbidden. There appears to no command in Paul’s writings, or any of the Apostles to indicate that a certain day of the week should be considered “holy”. Paul endorses the truth of the famous expression “it is if he think it is”. Otherwise, the Christian conscience is violated, and his faith undermined. Regarding days, whatever day is considered as sacred, if any, must be done with a clear conscience, and will be considered as sacred for the one who observes it as so, in the sight of God.

In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul commands to store up what would logically be considered a large amount of goods, foods, etc. to be taken to people in need a long distance away. This would logically involve a considerable amount of work on the first day (Sunday) of the week.

Why would Paul go to a rather lengthy effort concerning days and foods?

Paul must give these clarifications for a very good reason - the principle of freedom in Christ (Romans 6-8). He had a duel problem in addressing a diverse group of converts. Both Jews and Gentiles were being converted in large numbers. The church at Corinth was perhaps the largest of the Gentile churches. Paul’s instructions in Romans 6-14, and other letters also, was to bring the two groups together into one understanding of the Christian faith. All was laying the foundation of a grand reality, almost impossible for both groups to believe.

All - Jew and Gentile - eventually will become one "tree". The tree that was Israel was pruned of certain aspects of the Old Covenant. Then the Gentile "grafted in" to the pruned tree, eventually becoming one tree when the "times of the Gentiles come in" (Romans 11) The rejection of Christ by the mainstream Jews was meant by God to be only temporary - until the Gentiles could be included (“grafted in”). Then the Church of Jesus Christ becomes one harmonious "tree". Jew and Gentile will eventually be known simply as the "Israel Of God". The day to keep for any religious purpose is clearly a matter of choice.

But the choice of what day to observe for specific purposes must be a conviction toward God, with a clear conscience, and is accepted as sacred between Him and the individual, as faith toward Him. To do otherwise would be considered as being a judge of the conscience of another. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “…it is before his own Master that he stands or falls”. (Romans 14:4)

The new covenant in Christ allows each individual freedom of choice, according to conscience, regarding foods, and days. May God speed the day when all the peoples of the world will be one in worshiping God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Savior of all…

"Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and regulate their lives by this principle], even upon the [true] Israel of God!" - Galatians 6:16 (AMP)

"God's Words For US" from Cecelia Lester

Yahweh Shammah,