The Bible instructs us to go to church on the seventh day of each week.

The Sabbath commandment found in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-14 shows us that we are not to do any work but rather we are to rest on the seventh day. However, in addition to being a day of rest from our regular work, the seventh day is a day we are commanded to gather together for a “holy convocation” (Leviticus 23:3).

The phrase seems a bit old-fashioned, but “holy convocation” simply means a public assembly for a godly purpose. In other words, it is a day to “go to church.” In the New Testament, "church" is the English translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which means a public assembly.

So, to fully keep the fourth commandment, we are expected to set aside our day-to-day labors and "go to church” on the seventh day of each week. It is a time set aside for us to worship, receive instruction and fellowship in a community setting. The Sabbath was created for the benefit of human beings, who need both physical rest and spiritual focus on a regular basis (Mark 2:27-28).

Gathering together on the seventh day Sabbath in this way was the practice of Jesus, the apostles, Paul and still remains for the Church established by Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:9; Hebrews 10:25).

If you would like to learn more about the seventh day Sabbath, request our free Bible study guide Sunset to Sunset: God’s Sabbath Rest.

You might also want to find a Sabbath keeping congregation near you.