WELS teaches that the Sabbath commandment was part of the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, which was fulfilled and abrogated by Christ. The ceremonial laws were given to regulate Israel's worship and pointed forward to Christ; they are no longer binding on Christians as direct commands to be obeyed.

Instead, Christians celebrate Sunday (the Lord's Day) as the day when the church gathers to worship and commemorate Christ's resurrection. This practice is grounded in New Testament teaching and practice (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10) and reflects the shift from Jewish to Christian worship centered on Christ's resurrection. Sunday worship is encouraged as the primary day for corporate worship and study of God's Word.

However, WELS does not bind Christians to strict Sabbath-keeping or enforce Sunday rest as a matter of doctrine. Christian liberty is affirmed; believers are free to worship on other days and to work on Sunday if necessary. The ceremonial regulations of the Old Testament are not binding on Christians. WELS rejects Sabbatarian movements that insist on literal Sabbath observance and contrasts its position from Seventh-day Adventism and Seventh-day Baptism.