---
title: "Keeping the Lord’s Day"
description: "Explore the Christian Sabbath as a day for worship, holy rest, and works of necessity and mercy, with Scripture and the Reformed standards."
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf"
---

EXPLORE THE REFORMED FAITH

# Keeping the Lord’s Day

The Lord’s Day gives a weekly rhythm of worship and holy rest, turning our attention toward God and making room to serve others.

[Study by topic](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/) · [Common questions](https://ctkrp.org/learn/rpcna-questions/) · [Reformed glossary](https://ctkrp.org/learn/glossary/)

On this page
- [Start with Scripture](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#scripture)
- [A day set apart for God](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#a-day-set-apart-for-god)
- [Worship, rest, and mercy](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#worship-rest-and-mercy)
- [Preparing for Sunday](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#preparing-for-sunday)
- [Read the standards](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#standards)
- [Reflect and discuss](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#reflect)
- [Keep exploring](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#next)[← Resource library](https://ctkrp.org/resources/)

## Start with Scripture

Read these passages in context before moving to the explanation.

- Exodus 20:8–11
- Isaiah 58:13–14
- Mark 2:23–28
- Acts 20:7[Open the first passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Exodus%2020%3A8%E2%80%9311)

## A day set apart for God

The fourth commandment calls God’s people to keep the Sabbath holy. The Westminster Confession teaches that, from Christ’s resurrection, the first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath, called the Lord’s Day. The RP Testimony affirms the continuing obligation of the commandment and the blessings God promises to those who keep the day holy. This is a regular part of discipleship, not merely a choice of when to attend a service.

## Worship, rest, and mercy

The standards describe setting aside ordinary work and recreation to spend the day in public and private worship. They also recognize works of necessity and mercy. Jesus’ teaching helps us see that care for people belongs with Sabbath obedience. The day calls us away from treating productivity or entertainment as our highest good and invites us to receive God’s Word and serve Him with joy.

## Preparing for Sunday

Think ahead about ordinary tasks so that they need not crowd out worship. Plan to gather with the congregation, and make room for prayer, Scripture, rest, and hospitality. A visit to someone who is lonely or practical care for someone in need can express the day’s purpose. If work or caregiving creates difficult questions, talk them through with your elders. The aim is faithful, thoughtful obedience shaped by Scripture.

## Read the standards

Follow the topic into the church’s confessional texts. The chapter readers include Scripture proofs and an optional Confession–Testimony comparison.

- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 57](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-57-which-is-the-fourth-commandment/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 58](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-58-what-is-required-in-the-fourth-commandment/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 60](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-60-how-is-the-sabbath-to-be-sanctified/)
- [Reformed Presbyterian Testimony · Chapter 21](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/)

## Reflect and discuss

- What reasons does Exodus 20 give for keeping the Sabbath?
- How does Jesus’ teaching help us understand mercy on the Sabbath?
- What could you prepare ahead of time to make room for worship?

## Keep exploring

[Church membership and life together →](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/church-membership/)[Salvation by grace through faith →](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/salvation-by-grace/)[Look up an unfamiliar word →](https://ctkrp.org/learn/glossary/)

[Talk with us about your questions](https://ctkrp.org/contact/)

[↑ Back to contents](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/#contents)

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf)

## Related reading

- [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/)
- [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-end-of-man/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-and-highest-end-of-man/)
- [Why We Worship This Way](https://ctkrp.org/worship/scripture/)
- [Find teaching on worship](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=worship)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/