Q. 103. What doth God require in the fourth command?

Question. What doth God require in the fourth command?

Answer. First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained (2 Tim. 2;2); and that I, especially on the Sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently frequent the Church of God (Heb. 10;25); to hear his word, to use the sacraments, publicly to call upon the Lord (Acts 20;7), and to contribute to the relief of the poor, as becomes a Christian (1 Cor. 16;2). Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy Spirit in me, and thus begin in this life the eternal Sabbath (Heb. 4;9-11).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] 2 Tim. 2;2.—And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.—1 Cor. 9;11, 14.—Deut. 12;19.
• [proof-2] Heb. 10;25.—Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another.— Acts 2;42, 46.—1 Cor. 14;19, 29, 31.
• [proof-3] Acts 20;7.—And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them.— Ps. 68;26.—Acts 1;14.—1 Tim. 2;1-3.—Acts 17;2.
• [proof-4] 1 Cor. 16;2.—Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.—Ezek. 20;12.— Isa. 58;13, 14.
• [proof-5] Heb. 4;9-11.—There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God......Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.— Isa. 66;23.