The Lord's Day: Its Presuppositions, Proofs, Precedents, and Practice

by Samuel E. Waldron

The Lord’s Day is a thoroughly up-to-date consideration of the Fourth Commandment and its ramifications for modern Christianity. Its four sections include the Presuppositions that influence our thinking; Proofs at creation, by Moses, and in the New Testament; Precedents in the Apostolic Fathers and John Calvin; and finally its Practice. While precise and careful, the author avoids extremes and makes the nuances and complexities of the theological issues clear for most Christians.

Dr. Sam Waldron is the dean of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary in Owensboro, Kentucky, and its professor of Systematic Theology. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books, including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur’s Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response.

Genres: Theology, Christian

134 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Dr Sam Waldron is the academic dean of MCTS and professor of Systematic Theology. He is also one of the pastors of Heritage Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI.

Reviews

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I disagree with his exegetical conclusions on passages such as Col. 2 (though we come to similar conclusions as a whole), I believe he has written a wonderful defense of the puritan view of the Lord's Day Sabbath. A downside may be that Waldron is not as good writer as some. However, the content was far more important than the style. Also, I was not able to ascertain if his audience was for the layman, the student, or the wider theological community where debate takes place. If the latter, it was insufficiently argued concerning its depth. If the former, then there were too many technical terms and unhelpful ways of saying things. My guess is that Dr. Waldron wrote this for seminary students. If that is the case, it is perfect!

[Johnny Zacchio jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful introduction to the Lord's Day Sabbath! It is ruthlessly biblical and therefore, convincing. I took each Lord's Day to read it which helped prepare my heart for what God would do on this wonderful day each week. The Sabbath ought to be viewed as a gift, not a burden. God's commands are never burdensome to the one who has received rest through the death and resurrection of the Savior! Four stars because it is just a pretty dry read (at moments). It's not super well-written as far as style but that's because I believe these were seminary lectures converted into text.

[Cliff Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waldron makes clear the relevance of the 4th commandment to the Christian. Likewise, he continually points to the Holy Scriptures and leaves room for thinking. In effect, I will be worshipping God more whole-heartedly (and my mind and soul, of course) on Sunday mornings when I gather with my congregation.

[Mitch Bedzyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and persuasive argument for the Lord’s Day as the Christian Sabbath. After reading a lot of NCT work, this book and “Getting the Garden Right” by Richard Barcellos have helped me understand and appreciate the importance and relevance of the Lord’s Day for NT believers.

[Doug Van Meter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent exegesis