III. We shall prove that the Augsburg Confession does deny the divine appointment of the Christian Sabbath or Lord’s Day.

In establishing this position, we shall first prove from the other writings of Luther and Melancthon, that they both rejected the divine appointment of the Christian Sabbath or Lord’s day; secondly, show from the Augsburg Confession itself, as well as the Apology to it, both written by Melancthon, that its divine appointment is there denied.

Let us listen to the declarations of Luther on this subject.  In his Commentary on the Pentateuch, speaking of the decalogue, he says:  “Saint Paul and the entire New Testament have abolished the Sabbath of the Jews, in order that men may understand that the Sabbath concerns the Jews alone.  It is therefore unnecesssary [sic] that the Gentiles should observe the Sabbath, although it was a great and rigid command among the Jews.” [Note 1] “Among Christians, under the New Testament, every day is a holy day, and all days are free.  Therefore, says Christ, the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.  Matt. xii. 8.  Therefore Paul, at different places, admonishes the Christians, not to suffer themselves to be bound to any particular day.  Ye observe days and months, and times and years.  I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.  Gal. iv. 10, 11.  And still more clearly in Colossians ii. 16, 17.  Let no mint therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of Sabbath days:  which are a shadow of things to come.”  “But although the Sabbath is now revoked, and the consciences of men are free from it, it is nevertheless good and necessary that some particular day of the week be observed, in order that the word of God may be dispensed on it, may be heard and learned; for not every one can attend to it every day.  Moreover, nature demands that both man and beast rest one day in the week, and abstain from labor.  Hence, if any one desires to make a necessary command out of the Sabbath, as a work required of God, he must observe Saturday and not Sunday, for Saturday was enjoined upon the Jews, and not Sunday.  But Christians have hitherto observed Sunday, and not Saturday, because on that day Christ, arose.  Now this is a certain evidence to us that the Sabbath, yea the entire Moses (Mosaic dispensation) no longer concerns us, else we would be under obligation to observe Saturday.  This is a great and strong proof that the Sabbath is revoked; for throughout the whole New Testament we find no place in which the observance of the Sabbath in enjoined upon Christians.”