The Sabbath is not introduced as a new institution but as having been founded at creation. It is to be remembered and observed as the memorial of the Creator's work. Pointing to God as the Maker of the heavens and the earth, it distinguishes the true God from all false gods. All who keep the seventh day signify by this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus the Sabbath is the sign of man's allegiance to God as long as there are any upon the earth to serve Him. The fourth commandment is the only one of all the ten in which are found both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by whose authority the law is given. Thus it contains the seal of God, affixed to His law as evidence of its authenticity and binding force.

Sabbatten omtales ikke som en ny forordning; men der står, at den blev indstiftet ved skabelsen. Den bør huskes og helligholdes til minde om skaberværket. Den viser hen til Gud som himmelens og jordens skaber og adskiller derved den sande Gud fra alle falske guder. Alle de, der helligholder den syvende dag, viser derved, at de tilbeder Gud. Sabbatten er tegnet på menneskets troskab mod Gud, så længe der er nogen, der tjener ham på jorden. Det fjerde bud er det eneste af de ti bud, der indeholder både lovgiverens navn og titel. Det er det eneste, der viser, ved hvis myndighed loven er givet. Det indeholder således Guds segl, der er fæstnet til hans lov som bevis på dens ægthed og bindende kraft.