THE SABBATH IS SATURDAY, NOT SUNDAY
We will begin by reminding ourselves that Christianity is an extension of Judaism. When God sent His Son to be born of a woman (Galatians 4:4), He chose a Jewish woman. God had, long before, declared the Hebrew (Jewish) nation His people. Jesus was born in the flesh to, “…save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) The Jews who believed in Jesus as the Messiah, the Christ, were the first Christians. It is by God’s love and grace that gentiles (non-Jews) are allowed, invited, permitted, privileged, to receive the gift of salvation. God gives salvation to whoever (John 3:16) has faith, and confesses, that Jesus is God’s Son and that He (God) raised Him (Jesus) from the dead. (Romans 10:9-10) With all of that in mind, Judaism and Christianity, despite differences in worship, should not be seen as two separate religions. The Christ is Jewish.
Fast forward about 300 years. The emperor Constantine has accepted Christianity and declared it to be the official religion of the Roman Empire. What had been a Roman custom for many centuries, they now had to make the Christian religion a good Roman religion. When they adopted the Greek religion, they simply changed all the names and called it Roman. Because the Gospels were historical records of real people and events, the task would not be that easy this time. The Empire and their newly formed Catholic Church took several actions to make the new religion Roman. Some of the actions were specifically designed to separate Christianity from Judaism. One action was to move the important Sabbath to the day of the sun.
History records 312 A.D. as the year of Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity. He was previously a sun god worshiper. Although he professed to be Christian, he did not completely turn away from the influence of the pagan religion. In 321 A.D. he designated the first day of the Jewish week as the day of the sun, then declared Sunday as a day of rest. He stated, “On the venerable day of the sun let the magistrate and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed.” The gentile Christians in Rome at that time observed the day named Saturday as the Sabbath. The Jewish Sabbath was observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening in accordance with their day being recognized as the evening and the morning. The gentile Christians simply attached themselves to the Saturday portion. Most Jewish Christians continued to observe the Jewish Sabbath. Some, however, switched to the all-day Saturday observance. After the Emperor’s declaration, some gentile Christians began to rest on both Saturday and Sunday. That could have been the beginning of what we call the weekend.
The Roman Catholic Church later made a direct statement to discourage observing Saturday as the Sabbath. At the Council of Laodicea in 364 A.D it was declared in canon29, “Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday, but shall work on that day; but the Lord’s Day they shall especially honour, and, as being Christians, shall if possible, do no work on that day. If, however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ.” The Lord’s Day was another name for Sunday. This declaration shows they viewed Christianity as a Roman religion. They wanted to totally ignore the fact the majority of early Christians were of Jewish heritage. Creating the separation was more political than religious. Making the religion truly Roman was more important than following the Word of God. The Christ, while in the flesh, followed the God established Jewish Sabbath.
The ruling of that council was sufficient until the Protestant Reformation was taking place. The Catholic Church then felt it necessary to establish concrete rules for their parishioners to follow. That is when they convened the Council of Trent (1545-1563). The catechism that was written by that council stated, “But the Church of God has thought it well to transfer the celebration and observance of the Sabbath to Sunday.” The fact they used the term ‘transfer’ shows they knew what was prescribed in scripture. A few years later (1566) the official Catechism of the Catholic Church was written. They made it a point to clearly establish the Sunday Sabbath. After acknowledging that Jesus rose on the first day of the week it was written, “We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day [after the Jewish sabbath, but also the first day]…” Although this was over 1200 year after Constantine, they still used the pagan description of the day, “the day of the sun”. It was still more about Roman tradition. Also, their acknowledgement of the Jewish Sabbath shows they viewed the two religions as being separate.
All of this matters during the Resurrection Day celebration (Easter). The biblical Sabbath is the seventh (last) day of the week. Jesus rose on the first day of the week. We now observe the Sabbath and celebrate the resurrection on the same day. That should not be. Although Resurrection Day is not a biblically prescribed holiday, if we call it religious, or Christian, it should still be biblically based. The Bible says Jesus rose the day after the Sabbath. We should observe and celebrate it that way. In general, the Sabbath should be observed the seventh day of the week. Scripture even tells us we should get together (worship) that day. “Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation… it is the Sabbath of the Lord…” (Leviticus 23:3)
Jesus, the Christ, is of God’s chosen Hebrew/Jewish people and is God’s Son. If we are true followers of the Christ (Christians), we should observe the “Sabbath of the Lord” on the day He observed it, the seventh day of the week, named Saturday. That is the commandment of God. By accepting the move of the Sabbath to the first day of the week, we have left off following the Christ. By doing so we are, “…laying aside the commandment of God”, and holding to, “the tradition of men…” (Mark 7:8) We should get away from the Roman Catholic Church so called “Christian Sabbath”. Judaism and Christianity are related religions. That is how we should recognize them. The biblical Sabbath is on the seventh day of the Jewish week, the day the Romans named Saturday, not the first day of the week, Sunday.
JESUS DID NOT RECEIVE WORSHIP DURING HIS EARTHLY MINISTRY
Trinity believers see people paying respect to Jesus, as the Son of God, as worship. They want the worship to be true so they can continue to claim He is God. Their rationale is that since He accepts the worship, He is acknowledging Himself as God. They would have us ignore who Jesus says He is, and who God says Jesus is.
There are a few other important points that need to be made before a true discussion of this subject can be had.
First: Jesus, Himself, stated that only God should be worshipped. When Satan tried to bribe Jesus into worshipping him (Matthew 4:8-9), Jesus replied, ]“…Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Matthew 4:10) (referring to Deuteronomy 10:20) Jesus did not say only me shall you serve. His statement clearly shows He did not consider Himself to be God. He was not referring to Himself when He said “the Lord your God”. Jesus also made a direct statement to the people. “I do not receive honor from men.” (John 5:41) And to His disciples He said, “…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 20:28) Knowing He made the statement to Satan, and the other statements to the people, it should not be said that Jesus accepted worship while in the flesh. Saying so means you wish to call Him a hypocrite. Ironically, the conversation with Satan also shows Satan knew Jesus was not God. Satan had, in times past, been in the presence of God. “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them”. (Job 1:6) He knew Jesus was not God. Satan would not have tried to bribe God to worship him.
Second: It is important to remember, the Jewish people knew the scriptures and, therefore, would not have worshipped Jesus unless they thought He was God. The ones who knew Him best, and believed, only called him the Son of God. {Peter, Matthew 16:16; Mark, Mark 1:1; John the Baptist, John 1:34; Nathaniel, John 1:49; Peter (and the disciples), John 6:69; Martha, John 11:27; John, John 20:31} Some of the very verses Trinitarians use to portray worship clearly express they did not consider Him to be God. New Testament times were not times when God’s people were being disobedient. All of this is especially true of the disciples and others who were close to Jesus.
Third: We must have a true understanding of the various definitions and appropriate applications of the Greek term that is translated “worshipped”. The Greek term used is “proskyneo” (some use proskuneo). The word can be transliterated as “to worship” or “do obeisance”. The common understanding and application of worship is praying to and serving God, while professing that he is the only true God. That is the only translation of proskyneo Trinitarians wish to use. However, obeisance may be the more appropriate translation when read in context. Obeisance is a gesture that expresses deferential respect or submission, acknowledges the superiority or importance of another, shows homage or reverence. Despite which word is used in the various translations of scripture, the understanding and meaning of proskyneo must be taken from the context in which it is used.
Fourth: Examples used to say Jesus was worshipped during His Earthy ministry should only be taken from the Gospels and Acts prior to His crucifixion and resurrection. After His resurrection he was given, by God, the authority to be our Lord. “ And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.(Matthew 28:18) His ministry was no longer limited to Earth.
Let’s look at some of the verses, in context, Trinitarians use to make the claim Jesus received worship during Hi Earthly ministry and beyond.
Matthew 2:11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.
When the wise men came to find Jesus, He would have been an older infant or a toddler. He would most likely not have had the foresight to refuse worship. But that would not have been necessary. The wise men were not worshipping one they saw as God. They were paying homage to the King of the Jews. (2:2) saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Jesus was not being worshiped as, or accepting worship as God. The wise men’s title for Jesus as King of the Jews definitely cannot be changed to mean God. They were paying homage to the future king.
Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ Hosanna in the highest!”
John 12:13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
Hosanna is a term that was used to express praise, adoration, and joy. The people were expressing joy and praising the one who was coming to save them. Their own words show they were not worshipping Him as God. They said, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” They knew He had come in the name of God but was not God. The people, who probably knew the scripture, would not have been worshipping someone who came from the Lord and was not seen as the Lord. This was not worship. It was praise.
Matthew 14:33 then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Knowing that the disciples knew scripture and understood the restrictions to worshipping someone other than God, obeisance is the more appropriate translation of proskyneo in this verse. They had just witnessed Jesus’ walking on water. In their state of amazement, they were paying homage, showing respect, and acknowledging His superiority. As Jesus’ followers, they already believed in Him as the Son of God. The event they had just witnessed strengthened their faith “Truly”.
Matthew 28:9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him.
The two Mary’s referred to here are Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph. Mary Magdalene never referred to Jesus as God. She called him “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).” (John 20:16) She was a faithful follower of Jesus. Although this was after the resurrection, as a close follower, she would not have worshipped Him as God. As a matter of fact, according to the gospel of John, Jesus’ words to her would not have allowed it. “Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” (John 20:17) This was another case of obeisance, or paying homage, to the one they had faith in.
Side note: Jesus said He was ascending “to My Father…, and to My God…” That statement says His Father is His God. Does God have a God? NO. Jesus did not consider Himself God.
In the next three verses, the KJV uses the word worshipped where other translations describe the action, in parenthesis, that was taken.
Matthew 8:2 And behold, a leper came and worshiped (knelt before) Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.
Matthew 9:18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped (knelt before) Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.”
Matthew 15:25 Then she came and worshiped (knelt before) Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”
Notice, in all three verses the person speaking was asking for something from Jesus. The traditional understanding of what worship is would not involve asking a favor of the one being worshipped. Worship is bowing down to serve. They were all asking Jesus to serve them as He said (I came to serve.). The action of kneeling was showing obeisance to Jesus. They were acknowledging His superiority and submitting to Him as a great healer. Their actions were a plea for service, not a pledge to serve. The same show of reverence to Jesus by kneeling is shown in Matthew 20:20 and Mark 10:17. Continuing to Mark 10:18, Jesus rejects even being called “good”, and His words show He does not consider Himself to be God. “So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God.”
Mark 5:6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him.
The KJV says worshipped while other translations say bowed down, fell on his knees, etc. This is the case of the man possessed with the demons named Legion. Not only were they, the demons, not worshipping Jesus as God, they called Him, in their fear, “Son of the Most High God”. The demons were, in fact, showing submission (obeisance) to Jesus and begging for leniency. This is another example of a verse that must be read in context to get a true understanding.
John 9:38 He said, “Lord, I believe,”
and he worshiped him.
Again, teachers of the Trinity would have us read this verse alone and out of context. This is the man Jesus had given sight to, who had been blind from birth. In verses 35 through 37 Jesus had just asked the man if he believed in the Son of God and introduce Himself as He. “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” 37 And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Having recently received his sight, the man was showing gratefulness, homage, and deep respect while acknowledging Jesus’ superiority as the Son of God. Trinity teaching uses a single verse to contradict Jesus by calling Him God when, in the same conversation from which the verse was taken, Jesus had just identified Himself as the Son of God.
Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him
they worshiped him, but some doubted.
This occurred after the resurrection. The “they” are the eleven disciples. They had gone to the appointed place to meet Jesus. We do not know what or why some doubted. Whatever the reason, it is improbable they would have truly worshipped someone they had doubts about. Whatever actions they did perform was not to worship Jesus as God.
Hebrews 1:6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.”
When read in context, obeisance is the more appropriate application. It had just been stated in verse 4 that Jesus was higher than the angels and obtained a more excellent name. Therefore, God instructed the angels to show the “superiority and importance” of Jesus. Saying the acts make Jesus God contradicts other statements in the same passage. Verses 1 & 2 tell us God has spoken to us through His Son. Verse 4 says Jesus became, or was made, better than the angels. If He was God, He would have already been better. Verse 5 tells us God said to Jesus, “You are my Son”. Also, God said of their relationship, “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”.
There may be other verses that are used to show Jesus receiving worship, but they will not change the truth. The Trinitarian practice of picking out single verses creates what appears to be contradictions in the teaching of scripture. Knowing “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…”, there should be no contradictions. We must be careful not to accept teachings that directly contradict the words of God and/or Jesus, even if scripture is used for the teaching. Jesus’ own words make it clear He does not consider Himself God. He also says directly, only God should receive worship. Man uses faulty teaching to create an understanding that makes Jesus’ words untrue. Jesus calls His Father His God. God calls Jesus His Son. Men are the ones who try to say otherwise. We must go with THE TRUTH AS WRITTEN.
JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, NOT GOD
The Trinity titles God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit come from extra-biblical sources. The only one the Bible calls God is the Father. Jesus and the Holy Spirit were given the titles for the purpose of maintaining a tradition of men. Yet, the doctrine has been accepted and taught for seventeen centuries.
Before we begin this discussion, we must identify the source of scripture. 2 Timothy 3:316 tells us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” Even though there are many writers, there is only one author, God. That is important because we must hold true to who God says Jesus is and not who man can only imply Jesus is.
Jesus was never called God by the Judeo-Christians prior to Christianity becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire. There were, however, some Roman citizen converts, not all, who called him a man-god. That was a concept, within the pagan Trinity doctrine, that was carried over from previous pagan religions. The two differences of opinion about who and what Jesus was led to open debates that was called the Arian Controversy. To settle the divide, the emperor Constantine assembled the Council of Nicaea (325 AD). It was at that council the Jesus was first officially called God. Although the pagan term Trinity was being used, the Holy Spirit wasn’t officially called God until the Council at Constantinople (381 AD). Then the polytheistic concept was embedded in the monotheistic religion.
Certain scriptures were deliberately re-interpreted to justify the teaching. The most popular scripture used to say Jesus is God are John 1:1 and 14. The phrases “the word is God” and “the word became flesh” are used to say Jesus is the Word and thus is God. The definition of the Greek term ‘logos’, which is translated ‘the word’ in English, has more to do with God’s character and abilities, not the person. The definition is: the divine wisdom; reason; reasoned discourse. It is derived from the Greek word legein; to speak. In Hellenistic Judaism it would be translated “the uttered word”. In short verse 1 tells us God’s wisdom and reasoning are divine and He has the power to make things happen by speaking (uttering). An example is a person who is always doing for others. You might say of that person, “That is just who he/she is”. Verse 14 tells us God used His wisdom, reasoning, and power to have Jesus born in the flesh. The Trinitarian explanation, that vs. 14 says God became flesh, directly contradicts verse 18 (and others). “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” Galatians 4:4 verifies verse 14 is talking about Jesus, through God’s abilities (logos, the word) becoming flesh, not God Himself. “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman…”
Another popular verse is 1 John 5:7. “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” The wording of this verse, as it appears here, was first added to the Latin translation (Vulgate) in the early 400’s AD. That was after the two Roman councils made the Trinity an official doctrine. It did not appear in a Greek translation until the early 1500’s, through manipulation by the Catholic Church. The King James Version was the first English language translation it was added too, in the early 1600’s. Most translations that are not influenced by trinitarian teaching simply read, “for there are three that testify.” The Trinity teaching version was not in the original text.
What does the Bible teach us directly? God said of Jesus: “This is my beloved son” (Matt. 3:17, 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter 1:17); “You are my beloved son” (Mark 1:11); “You are my son” (Acts 13:33, Hebrews 5:5); “This is my son” (Luke 9:35). Jesus called God His Father over 70 times in the Gospels. Jesus said of His Father (God): “ My Father… is greater than all” (John 10:29); “…My Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28); “…that they may know You, the only true God” (John 17:3). Jesus said of Himself: “…I said I am the Son of God”. (John 10:36) “…Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!...” “It is as you said…” (Matthew 26:63-64) “…Are You then the Son of God?” …“You rightly say that I am.” (Luke 22:70) “Do you believe in the Son of God?” … it is He who is talking with you.” (John 9:35, 37) There are no direct statements in scripture that call Jesus God. Trinity teaching only implies the idea by using chosen verses and creative interpretations.
What does scripture say about the relationship between God and Jesus? “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (2 Corinthians 1:3) (1 Peter 1:3) (Ephesians 1:3) “…I (Jesus) am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” (John 20:17)” We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…” (Colossians 1:3) As shown here, scripture clearly says Jesus’ Father is His God. Does God have a God? NO. Jesus is not God.
Trinity teachers say Jesus must be God because only God can save. That statement tells us they do not believe what is written and the method God chose to save us. One of the best known verses of scripture is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Salvation does come from God (Ephesians 2:8 {“it is the gift of God”}), but His Son, Jesus, is the conduit He chose to use. We must believe and have faith in Him (Jesus) and His death and resurrection. “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9) That verse says God raised Jesus. He did not raise Himself. Scripture says God gave His Son. No scripture says God gave himself, or a part of himself. Some teachers say God came down. Scripture says Jesus came down. Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38) I refer you again to Galatians 4:4. “…God sent forth His Son…”
A doctrine of men, based on an ancient Roman pagan tradition, supported by mis-interpreted scripture, tells us Jesus (the Son) is God. Holy scripture, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), directly teaches us JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD.
To read a much more in-depth discussion on this subject, with many mor scriptural references, you should read my book, “THE CONCEPT OF THE TRINITY IS NOT BIBLICAL”.
WHO DOES THE BIBLE SAY JESUS IS?
The Bible makes direct
statements identifying Jesus as the Son of God.
God said of Jesus:
“This is my beloved son” (Matt. 3:17, 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 3:22, 2 Peter 1:17);
“You are my beloved son” (Mark 1:11);
“You are my son” (Acts 13:33,
Hebrews 5:5); “This is my son” (Luke
9:35).
Jesus
called God His Father over 70 times in the Gospels.
Jesus said of God:
My Father… is greater than all (John 10:29)
My Father is greater than I. (John 14:28)
Jesus said of himself:
"...I said I am the Son of God." (John 10:36) "Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God..." "It is as you said..." (Matthew 26:63-63)
"...Are you then the Son of God?" ..."You rightly say that I am." (Luke 22:7)
"Do you believe in the Son of God?" ..."it is He who is talking with you" (John 9:35, 37)
As shown here, scripture clearly says Jesus’ Father is His God. Does God have a God? NO. Jesus is not God. His Father is.
There are no direct statements in scripture that call Jesus God. That is a Roman Empire/Catholic Church insertion into the Christian religion. We have all been taught to interpret certain verses to make that reference. To have a true understanding of John 1:1 & 14 the literal definition/meaning of ‘logos’ (the Word) must be applied. John 10:30 should be understood in the full context of the conversation Jesus was having with the Pharisees. That conversation continues through verse 36. Those are just two examples of scripture we were taught to interpret in a way to infer Jesus is God. Many other verses have been mis-interpreted to serve that purpose.
These four verses cannot be ignored. (NKJV)
But He (God) said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” (Exodus 33:20) Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.” (Exodus 33:23)
No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18)
No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12)
Jesus was seen (including His face) by multitudes prior to His crucifixion and more than 5oo after His resurrection. He cannot be God.
The bottom line:
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten SON, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) Jesus is the begotten Son that God sent forth, born of a woman (Galatians 4:4), by whom we receive the gift of salvation.
JESUS WAS CRICIFIED ON THURSDAY, NOT FRIDAY
Jesus said in Matthew 12:40 (NKJV) “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three NIGHTS in the heart of the earth.” He clearly indicated here that three nights are included with the three days. He was telling the disciples the amount of time He would be buried (in the heart of the earth), not the time from His crucifixion to His resurrection. Our current celebration, which has been carried over from the pagan Easter holiday, falls one night short.
Let’s begin by counting three nights backward from the Sunday morning resurrection. Saturday night, Friday night, and Thursday night puts the crucifixion on Thursday Morning. Using our current measure of daily time, Jesus was crucified early in the day on Thursday (the third hour, @ 9:00 a.m.; Mark 15:25). He died during the afternoon (the ninth hour, @ 3:00 p.m.; Mark 15:34-37). However, He was buried on Thursday evening. This is recorded in both Matthew 27:57-58 and Mark 15:42,46. That fact is often overlooked.
The Jewish day at that time was described as the evening and the morning. The Hebrews measured a day in that manner because that is how it was described in the creation story of Genesis 1. The day that began that evening is described as the preparation day, the day before the Sabbath. (Mark 15:42). That preparation day would have been from 6:00 p.m. Thursday to 6:00 Friday evening. (Using our current time measurement) The day that followed, 6:00 Friday to 6:00 Saturday evening, was the Jewish Sabbath. It is written, some of the women who witnessed Jesus’ burial prepared spies and oils then rested on the Sabbath. (Luke 23:56) No work was to be done. The Sabbath was the last (7th) day of the Hebrew week (Leviticus 23:3). The two Mary’s and Salome bought spices after the Sabbath was finished (Mark 16:1). That would have been Saturday evening, after 6:00. The women went to the tomb early in the morning on the first day of the week. That is recorded in all four Gospels. (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1) That 1st day began at 6:00 Saturday evening, after the Sabbath was finished. They went to the tomb early in the morning on that first day of the week, the day the Romans named Sunday. That is when they found Jesus had risen. Thursday to Sunday includes all three days and, the otherwise forgotten, three nights.
Using our current Friday to
Sunday holiday, the three days (the three nights are ignored) are counted
starting with Friday. That also does not allow scripture to be
fulfilled. The four gospels each state the prediction slightly
differently. Matthew 17:23 says, “on the third day”. Mark
8:31 says, “after three days”. Luke 9:22 says, “on the third
day”. John 2:19 says, “in three days”. Knowing, “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16), all four
statements must be understood to have the same meaning. It is very
obvious, counting Friday as the day of the crucifixion, that Sunday does
not arrive “after three days” or “in three days. It is time to rebuke the pagan two-day
celebration and begin to teach and celebrate the Biblical three-day,
three-night truth.