“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

Exodus 20:7

The third commandment was taken so seriously by Israel that at one time the scribes wouldn’t even write the name Yahweh (Jehovah) until they had first taken a bath and changed their clothes. Then after they had written it, they would take another bath and change their clothes again.

Their focus on the word itself, however, often overlooked the broader implications of the com- mandment. J. I. Packer says, “What is forbidden is any use or involvement of God’s name that  is empty, frivolous, or insincere.” This includes any kind of irreverence, because it fails to take seriously God’s character and reputation which is represented by His name. Nor are we to use the name of God or Jesus Christ as profanity because this expresses neither praise, worship, nor faith.

The commandment also relates to breaking a promise when God’s name is used to back one’s word. But even when no reference is made to God, every promise we make to another is done in God’s presence and is therefore as binding as if we had invoked His name.

How the third commandment condemns us all. But thank God for the name Jesus, which means Savior. He provides the forgiveness and help we need to keep the third commandment and become men and women known for being true to their word.

The name of God means the person of God, if you care about God, handle His name with care.

If you have been blessed by this edition Kindly share this resource with your family, friends and loved ones. For Comments and Prayer Request, you can send an email to thelivelystonesministry@gmail.com.

Garment of Praise

Monthly Insights for Spiritual Growth, Encouragement and Personal Victory.

Oluyemisi Onanuga

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

Cover design by Fotologue Limited Lagos Island , Lagos ISBN 13: 978-1-60683-046-8 Copyright © 2020 by The Living Stones Ministry thelivelystonesministry@gmail.com

Published by Fotologue Limited. Lagos , Nigeria. www.fotologue.com

Printed in the Nigeria . All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the Publisher.

 

 

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