The Third Commandment

Using the name of God in vain was Punishable by death Leviticus 24:16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death.

A. “In vain” means to use God’s name in a way that is deceitful or in a way that is unworthy. Exodus 32:1-4

B. False prophecy is the second way God’s name was profaned. In Jeremiah 28 Jeremiah was told to use a yoke as a symbol.

C. False oaths was another way the people took God’s name in vain. Deuteronomy 10:20 Thous shalt fear the Lord thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.

D. God’s name is taken in vain in more ways-casual irreverent use of God’s name-profane Hebrews 12:15 “diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defile. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person...”

E. God’s name can be taken in vain by what one does. Proverbs 30:7-9 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Let I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord: or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain.

II. The Consequences Explained

A. The idle words that come from man are recorded. Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned

B. The believer’s sin is under the blood of Jesus Christ but those who are not born again will be judged for their sin. For the believer they will be out of fellowship with God until they confess and forsake their sin. I John 1:9

C. God’s name should not be taken in vain Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

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