How, then, should Christians apply the Fourth Commandment?

Behind the Fourth Commandment stands an eternal principle of love and wisdom, for “the Sabbath was made for humankind” (Mrk 2:27; see Q537): that human beings should be content with an appointed rhythm of labor and rest, resting, as far as possible, once a week, not only for the body’s sake, but to enjoy the things of “the Lord, the Spirit” (2Co 3:17; see Q107, Q162). As the Prophet Isaiah speaks for the Lord: “if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly, then you shall take delight in the LORD” (Isa 58:13–14; see Q549).

Accordingly, Christians are always “ready for any honest work” (Tit 3:1; see Q567), yet keep an appointed day of worship, which is also, as far as possible, a day of rest in the Lord, until the Day of which every Lord’s Day is the pledge: the Day without evening, the eighth day of the new creation, when the people of God enter fully into his rest (Heb 4:9–11; Rev 21:23–25; see Q537, Q144).