Sabbath

The LCMS teaches that the Sabbath commandment (keeping the seventh day holy) was part of the ceremonial law of the Old Testament, which has been fulfilled in and abrogated by Christ. The ceremonial laws were given specifically to regulate the worship of ancient Israel and prepared the way for Christ's coming; they are no longer binding on Christians as direct commands.

Instead, the LCMS affirms Sunday (the Lord's Day) as the day when Christians gather to worship and commemorate Christ's resurrection. The shift from Saturday Sabbath to Sunday worship is grounded in New Testament practice (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10) and reflects the fulfillment of the Old Testament types and shadows in Christ. The principle of a regular day of worship is affirmed, and Christians are encouraged to gather together for worship and study of God's Word.

However, the LCMS does not bind Christians to Saturday Sabbath-keeping and rejects Sabbatarian movements that insist on literal Sabbath observance. Sunday worship and the Lord's Day are valued for their spiritual significance, not as matters of binding law. Christians are free to worship on other days as well and are not bound to rest from work on Sunday in the way that the Old Testament Sabbath required. The emphasis is on the gathering of believers for worship and the proclamation of the Word.