Book Reviews

Theological Book Reviews – The Lord’s Day
Reviewed by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon

The Lord’s Day
by Daniel Wilson D.D.
The Lord’s Day Observance Society, London, England:1988.
225 Pages, Paperback

The Rev. Daniel Wilson, D.D., was one of the founders of The Lord’s Day Observance Society. He was for a number of years vicar of St. Mary’s, Islinton, and later became bishop of Calcutta. He wrote this little book (literally small in size but not in pages) that men may come to a fuller understanding of what it means to keep the Lord’s Day. The moral law of God, a reflection of God’s attributes to us, are the standard by which we are to live. Transgression of these laws, or want of conformity to them, is sin. These laws are binding for all time. Included in these laws is the observance of the Sabbath, or now, the Lord’s Day. What does it mean to observe the Lord’s Day? It is a day wholly devoted to God for worship, praise and prayer. Wilson explains why this is so, and how the Jewish Sabbath changes to the Lord’s Day under the New Covenant.

This is probably one of the best, if not the best, exposition and explanation of the Lord’s day which is not part of a bigger work. For instance, Jonathan Edwards gave 4 sermons on the Lord’s Day which are excellent, but part of a larger work in his two volumes. Wilson here compiles a great amount of information through very responsible exegetical work, and biblical insight. He begins by working through Genesis 2:1-3 and the institution of the Sabbath before the fall. Then he covers Exodus 20:8-11 and the Law of Moses. Next he queries the Sabbath under the Gospel, and then Revelation 1:10 showing the transfer from one day to another. He ends with Practical Considerations for the Lord’s Day.

If anyone is desiring to supplement what they already know about he Lord’s Day, or if they are studying it for the first time, then this is the book to buy. The Lord’s Day is such a neglected topic today that many dismiss it thinking that “we are not under law but under grace.” This is a red herring question in consideration of the topic. Due weight should be given to how the moral law applies to us today (Would any steal, kill, or commit adultery today as a Christian? Why then profane the Sabbath Day which is instituted by Jesus himself when he says “Pray that your flight be not in winter, nor the Sabbath?” This would have been applied 40 years later after Jesus ascended into heaven. It is important aspects of the day such as this which helps Wilson explain the case for Lord’s Day observance.

If you have been looking for a well documented and easy to follow book on the subject, this is it.

(See also the Controversial Section of this site to find a list of other resources on this subject.)

Some Quotes:
“Sunday has become a fun day. Empty pews have been replaced by bingo queues.”

“The whole controversy hinges here; for the universal obligation of the Sabbath is not disputed, if it be proved that it had its origin in paradise.”

“Yes, the Sabbath stretches through all ages; affects all men in every period of time; distinguishes the true servants of God from the wicked, more than any other ordinance; upholds the visible profession of religion before the eyes of mankind; keeps up the face and aspect of Christianity in the world; is the most direct honour that a man can pay to the name and will of the ever-blessed God; and will never cease in its authority here, till our Sabbaths on earth give place to that eternal Sabbath of which they are the pledge, the preparation, the end.”

“The more they argue against the Sabbath, the more they condemn themselves.”