The Da Vinci Code, the Sabbath, and Sunday by Eric Lyons, M.Min.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=1877

The Da Vinci Code, the Sabbath, and Sunday

by	Eric Lyons, M.Min.

Many outlandish accusations and assertions have been made through the centuries. Some have claimed that Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime never murdered millions of Jews (see Harwood, 1974). Others have concluded that one way a man can rid himself of the AIDS virus is to have sexual relations with a virgin (see Govender, 1999). Enemies of America have accused the U.S. of being uncaring and insensitive to the suffering that takes place around the world when, in truth, few if any countries on the planet do as much to help the distressed following various catastrophes than America. [Although the U.S. certainly has lost its way in regard to promoting certain biblical and Christian values (e.g., the value of an unborn child’s life, heterosexual marriages, etc.), America is always at the forefront of helping the afflicted.]

Unfortunately, more lies have been told (and believed!) about God and Christianity than perhaps anything or anyone else on Earth. This, of course, is not surprising since “the ruler of this world” (John 14:30) and “the father” of lies (John 8:44)—Satan—wants nothing more than to deceive people regarding the one true religion. One of Satan’s recent outlets has been Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code. Millions of readers have been mislead by this allegedly “historical” (Brown, 2003b), “fact-based” novel (MacEwen, 2003). It casts suspicion and purports several lies about early Christianity, the integrity of the Bible, and the deity of Christ.

One of the many wild assertions in Brown’s book is his criticism of the day on which Christians assemble to partake of the Lord’s Supper and worship God. According to one of Brown’s main characters, Robert Langdon,

Originally...Christianity honored the Jewish Sabbath of Saturday, but Constantine shifted it to coincide with the pagan’s veneration day of the sun.... To this day, most churchgoers attend services on Sunday mornings with no idea that they are there on account of the pagan sun god’s weekly tribute—Sunday (Brown, 2003a, pp. 232-233).

Supposedly, Christians worship God on Sunday because in the fourth century A.D. Constantine decided that the church should worship on Sundays rather than Saturdays, and thus follow the pagan sun god’s day of tribute. What is the truth of the matter?

Long before the time of Constantine, Christians were gathering together on the first day of the week to worship God. Both inspired Bible writers and non-inspired, early (pre-Constantine) Christians viewed Sunday as the day to eat the memorial feast, as well as engage in other acts of worship. The apostle Paul instructed the Christians in Corinth (as he had earlier taught the churches of Galatia) to lay a portion of their income aside “on the first day of every week...that no collections be made when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2, NASV, emp. added). Luke later wrote how the disciples in Troas came together “on the first day of the week” to break bread in remembrance of the Lord’s death (Acts 20:7, emp. added; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:17-26). Ignatius wrote in his letter to the Magnesians (believed to be penned around A.D. 110) how Christians “have come to the possession of a new hope, no longer observing the Sabbath, but living in the observance of the Lord’s Day” (1:62, emp. added; cf. Revelation 1:10). In chapter 67 of his First Apology (written around A.D. 150), Justin Martyr noted how Christians would gather together “on the day called Sunday” to read the writings of the apostles and prophets, instruct, pray, give, and eat of bread and wine (emp. added). It simply is a blatant lie to assert that 300 years after Christianity was born the Emperor Constantine “shifted” the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday. Christians have been worshiping God on the first day of the week since the first century, when about 3,000 Jews were converted to Christ on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)—which was a Sunday.

But why did the early Christians meet on Sunday, and why do God’s people still assemble on this day? Is it, as Brown indicates, “on account of the pagan sun god’s weekly tribute”? Absolutely not! Christians have met on Sundays to worship God for the past 2,000 years because this is the day that God has set aside for us to worship Him, including eating the memorial feast. We know that it was on the first day of the week that Jesus rose from the grave (Matthew 28:1-6; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-3; John 20:1-2), that the church was established on this day (Acts 2), and that the early Christians met on this day (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Furthermore, early non-inspired preachers repudiated any connection between paganism and worshiping God on “the Lord’s day” (Sunday). Around A.D.200, Tertullian twice dealt with this matter (“Ad Nationes,” 1:13; “Apology,” 16). In his “Apology,” he indicated that Christians “devote Sun-day to rejoicing” for a “far different reason than Sun-worship” (XVI). “Sunday is the day on which we all hold our common assembly,” wrote Justin Martyr (nearly two centuries before Constantine), because “Jesus Christ our Saviour on the same day rose from the dead. For He was crucified on the day before that of Saturn (Saturday); and on the day after that of Saturn, which is the day of the Sun,” he “appeared to His apostles and disciples” (“First Apology,” 67).

Once again, an outlandish assertion about Christianity is proven to be false. Faithful Christians never worshiped God on Sunday in any age because that day coincided with the pagan’s veneration of the Sun. What’s more, Constantine had nothing to do with saints assembling on the first day of the week. Christians have been worshiping God “on the Lord’s day” ever since the establishment of the church of Christ in the first century.

REFERENCES

Brown, Dan (2003a), The Da Vinci Code (New York: Doubleday).

Brown, Dan (2003b), “Today,” NBC, Interview with Matt Lauer, June 9.

Govender, Prega (1999), “Child Rape: A Taboo With the AIDS Taboo,” [On-line], URL: http://www.aegis.org/news/suntimes/1999/ST990401.html.

Harwood, Richard (1974), Did Six Million Really Die? (England: Historical Review Press).

Ignatius (1973 reprint), “Epistle of Ignatius to the Magnesians,” The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

Justin Martyr (1973 reprint), “The First Apology of Justin,” The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

MacEwen, Valerie (2003), “Try Putting This Book Down,” [On-line], URL: http://www.popmatters.com/books/reviews/d/da-vinci-code.shtml.

Tertullian (1973 reprint), “Ad Nationes,” The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

Tertullian (1973 reprint), “Apology,” The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans).

From Mark Copeland... Authority In Religion

                  "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

                         Authority In Religion

INTRODUCTION

1. The Lord’s church can expect to confront many challenges...
   a. Opposition by Satan was foretold in the parable of the tares -      Mt 13:24-30,36-43
   b. Attacks from within and without foretold by Paul - Ac 20:29-30
   c. Apostasy was foretold, and began very early - 2Pe 2:1-3; 

      Jude 4

2. Previously, we suggested that the local church will be at the 

    front of the confrontation...

   a. As the church universal is a spiritual entity well preserved by Jesus
   b. But the church local is subject to many things that can threaten
      its existence
   c. How can the church local stand strong and firm in the service of Christ?

3. I believe the key is respecting the proper authority...
   a. How shall we determine what is right or wrong, good or evil?
   b. What shall be our authority in matters of religion?
   c. Is a particular doctrine or practice from heaven or from man?
      - cf. Mt 21:23-25

[Using the proper authority in matters of religion, most challenges
confronting the church can be easily overcome.  What is the proper
authority in religion?  Let’s first consider...]

I. WHAT MANY CHURCHES ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY

   A. THE OLD TESTAMENT...
      1. From the beginning of the church, many have appealed to the OT
         - e.g., Ac 15:1-5
      2. The OT has its place, when properly handled - Ro 15:4; 1Co 10:11; 2Ti 3:14-17
      3. But it can be misused, to authorize things no longer required
         - Ga 5:1-4; 1Ti 4:1-3
      -- We cannot assume that just because something is in the OT, it
         is authorized!

   B. TRADITIONS OF MEN...
      1. The handing down of traditions was common in Rabbinic Judaism
         - e.g., Mk 7:1-5
      2. Traditions of God are not wrong - 1Co 11:2; 2Th 2:15; 3:6
      3. But Jesus condemned the traditions of men...
         a. When they are taught as doctrines of God - Mk 7:6-7
         b. When they displace the commands of God - Mk 7:8-13
      -- Uninspired traditions cannot be equated with or replacements
         for the Word of God!

   C. MODERN DAY PROPHETS...
      1. Throughout church history, many have claimed to be prophets of
         God - e.g., Re 2:20
      2. Christ and His apostles warned against false prophets -

         Mt 7:15; 2Pe 2:1; 1Jn 4:1
      3. The OT gives us two ways to test the prophets
         a. Do their prophecies come to pass? - Deut 18:20-22
         b. Even if they do, is their doctrine consistent with God’s
            Word? - Deut 13:1-5
      -- Since the 1st century A.D., all "prophets" have failed either
         one or both tests!

   D. MAJORITY RULE...
      1. Many people and church councils decide doctrine or practice
         based on majority rule
      2. Yet Jesus warned of the danger of following the majority - Mt 7:13-14
      3. If we had followed the majority...
         a. In Noah’s day, we would have perished in the flood
         b. In Joshua’s day, we would have perished in the wilderness
      -- Following the majority is not a good guide for authority in
         religion!

   E. CONSCIENCE...
      1. "Let your conscience be your guide" is the motto of many
      2. But our conscience cannot always be reliable
         a. Paul had served God with a good conscience throughout his
            life - Ac 23:1
         b. Even at a time when he was persecuting Christians! - cf. Ac 26:9-11
      3. The conscience is like a clock, which works properly only if
         set properly
      -- Our conscience is not always a reliable guide in matters of religion

   F. HUMAN WISDOM...
      1. Many feel that through their own wisdom they can determine
         right and wrong
      2. But God’s thoughts and ways are not always our own - cf. Isa 55:8-9
      3. In fact, God has chosen to save man in a manner specifically
         designed to confound those who depend solely upon human wisdom
         - cf. 1Co 1:18-29
      4. For us to know God’s will, it was necessary for Him to reveal
         it to us - 1Co 2:9-12
      5. This He has done through His Spirit-inspired apostles - Ep 3:1-3
      6. Who in turn shared it with us through their writings - Ep 3:4-5
      -- Human wisdom is often the exact opposite of God’s wisdom!

   G. FEELINGS...
      1. This is often the standard of authority for many people and churches
         a. Who go by whatever ‘feels right’
         b. Who place stock in a religion ‘better felt than told’
         c. Who will follow societal trends that may seem good and right
      2. Yet the Bible declares the danger of trusting in feelings
         a. "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is
            the way of death." - Pr 14:12
         b. "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool..." - Pr 28:26
         c. "O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not
            in man who walks to direct his own steps." - Jer 10:23
      -- Such subjective feelings are from the heart of man, not the
         mind of God!

[These seven "standards of authority in religion" are from men, not from
heaven, and are the main reason for much religious confusion and
division that exists today.  Allow me to suggest...]

II. WHAT CHURCHES SHOULD ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY

   A. THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST...
      1. Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth - Mt 28:18
      2. He expects us to observe all things whatsoever He commanded
         - Mt 28:19-20
      3. He is the head of the church, which is to be subject to Him
         - Ep 5:23-24
      -- As the body of Christ, we must submit to our Head!

   B. THE DOCTRINE OF THE APOSTLES...
      1. To receive Christ, we must receive His apostles - Jn 13:20
      2. They were sent as His ambassadors - 2Co 5:20
      3. To ensure reliability, Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit - Jn 14:26; 16:12-13
      4. The apostles’ wrote so that we might have their understanding
         - Ep 3:1-5
      5. They wrote their epistles that we might always be reminded
         - 2Pe 1:12-15; 3:1-2
      6. Their writings were "the commandments of the Lord" - 1Co 14:37
      7. They received their word as "the word of God" - 2Th 2:13
      8. Thus the early church "continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine" - Ac 2:42
      -- Any true local church of Christ respects the doctrine of the
         apostles as their authority

   C. THE FAITH REVEALED ONCE FOR ALL...
      1. The faith or doctrine of Christ was delivered "once for all
         time" (NLT) - Jude 3
      2. The apostles did not hesitate to proclaim the "whole counsel" of God - Ac 20:27
      3. They proclaimed "all things" pertaining to life and godliness
         - 2Pe 1:3
      4. The Scriptures therefore provide everything needed to make one
         "complete" - 2Ti 3:16-17
      -- With the Scriptures as an all-sufficient guide, we need no other authority!

CONCLUSION

1. The only proper authority in religion...
   a. Is that which emanates from Jesus as the head of His church
   b. Which has come to us through the doctrines of His Spirit-inspired apostles
   c. Which has been preserved in the form of the New Testament

2. All other authority in religion comes from...
   a. Either misapplication of the Scriptures (e.g., the Old Testament)
   b. Or uninspired men (and women) who usurp authority based on feelings, etc.

3. When confronted with any challenge, the church today needs to...
   a. Look to the words of Christ, and the writings of His apostles
   b. Observe all things He commanded, and continue steadfastly in their doctrine

Our next study will examine a challenge that has confronted the church
throughout its history:  Denominationalism!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Gary... I wonder

I wonder what she is thinking about?  Does she see something particular or has the underwater spectacle just mesmerized her?  Ever find yourself like this? And then there is this passage from the New Testament...

Luke, Chapter 2

 1 Now in those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.  2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.  3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city.  4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;  5 to enroll himself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him as wife, being pregnant. 

  6  While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.  9 Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.  11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.”  13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying, 

  14 “Glory to God in the highest,

on earth peace, good will toward men.”

  15  When the angels went away from them into the sky, the shepherds said one to another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.  17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.  18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.  19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

We read our Bibles and sometimes forget that the events recorded in them happened to real, genuine human beings.  Mary, the mother of Jesus is a prime example.  Although her role in the Bible has been down-played by many, nonetheless, it is significant.  And I wonder... what she must have thought about all the events that happened to her and to her oldest son. I wonder, I wonder!!!  Today, give a little thought to the mother of Jesus, how she must have felt and what might have been important to her.  Who knows, you might just find yourself looking like the girl in the picture above.