LORD’S DAY 36
Q. 99. What is required in the third commandment?
A. That we, not only by cursing1 or perjury, but also by rash swearing,2 must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence;3 so that He may be rightly confessed and worshiped by us,4 and be glorified in all our words and works.5
- Lev. 24:11. Lev. 19:12. Mat. 5:37. Lev. 5:4.
- Isa. 45:23, 24.
- Mat. 10:32.
- 1 Tim. 2:8.
- 1 Cor. 3:16, 17.
Q. 100. Is then the profaning of God’s name by swearing and cursing so heinous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?
A. It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God than the profaning of His name; 1 and therefore He has commanded this sin to be punished with death.2
- Lev. 5:1.
- Lev. 24:15.
LORD’S DAY 36
Taking God’s Name in Vain
1. What is the third commandment?
“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain.” Exodus 20:7; Deuteronomy 5:11.
2. What is forbidden by the third commandment?
God forbids that we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash swearing, profane or abuse the name of God. Leviticus 19:12; 24:11-16, 23.
3. In what subtle way can we violate the third commandment?
When we by silence or connivance are partakers of the horrible sin of cursing in others. Romans 1:32.
4. What is required in the third commandment?
That we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence. Psalm 111:9
5. What is the result of using God’s name with reverence?
God will be rightly confessed and worshiped by us, and glorified in all our words and works.
6. How heinous a sin is the profaning of God’s name?
God’s wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing. Leviticus 5:1.
7. What must we remember when speaking to or about God?
There is no sin greater or more provoking to God than the profaning of His name, and therefore He has commanded this sin to be punished by death. Leviticus 24:10-16.