“THE THIRD COMMANDMENT” (An Article by Christian Henry) ~ 6/5/25

“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)

The Third Commandment contains two parts. First, there is a negative aspect: we must not take God's name in vain, both literally and by casting any dishonor upon God's Holy name. Secondly, there is an affirmative aspect implied: we should take care when using God’s name to use it with utmost respect and highest reverence. James warns about the deadliness of an unbridled tongue. The tongue, of all our members, is hardest to tame, and though very small, can bring great devastation. It is never more “set on fire of hell” than when it takes the name of God in vain, whether in irreverence or in out and out blasphemy. This commandment requires, among other things, that we control our tongues, binding them against cursing, and loosening them for blessing.

This prohibition not to take the Lord’s name in vain comes with a strong warning. “The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Men of place and eminence (kings, generals, rulers, etc.) may take offence to have their names abused; they will inflict heavy penalties on the offenders. Similarly, God looks upon those who disrespect His name as criminals to be punished. Needless to say, there is immeasurable difference between the respect that is due to men of rank and the reverence that is due to the Almighty and thrice holy God. When we take the name of God upon our lips it must be with the respect that is due to the Infinite Majesty of Heaven. To speak slightly of God or His work is contemptuous for it is to take His name in vain.

When we profess God's name, but do not live answerably to it, we are essentially taking his name in vain. In words, one may profess Christ, but in works deny Him. In other words, taking God’s name in vain isn’t always literal; sometimes it’s done in heart.

When we use God's name in idle discourse, we are guilty of breaking the Third Commandment. God is only to be spoken of with holy awe in our hearts. We take God’s name in vain when we worship Him with our lips, but not our hearts. The heart is the chief thing in religion because it draws our wills and affections after it. When we seem to worship God, but withdraw our hearts from Him, or pray to Him in unbelief, this is not to mix faith with our prayer and thus to take His name in vain. We also offer disrespect when we in any way profane or abuse His Word.

We take God's name in vain when we attribute God's name to any wicked action, as to baptize it with the name of religion. Another way we disrespect God's name is when we use our tongues in any way to dishonor God. Even if it’s something seemingly small or done without thinking. It’s still disrespectful to the Lord.

We take God’s name in vain when we make rash vows. For example, if someone who is gravely ill vows to mend their ways and live for the Lord if He will show them mercy and deliver them from their sick bed, forgets the vow once they have recovered. Finally, when we speak evil of God in any way, especially by murmuring at His providences (stemming from pride and discontent), we blaspheme our Lord. Great heed must be taken when using God’s name in our lives, because there are many ways to break this Third Commandment. It is a matter that must be treated with reverence and careful consideration.