The Third Commandment

*The following post was originally written as a meditation for our Confession of Sin during Lord’s Day worship.

Confession of Sin

Acknowledging our guilt; resting in His grace.

The Third Commandment:

7 “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 name of any person is as worthy and valuable as the person to whom that name belongs, and whom that name represents.

What then is the reverence due to the name of God?

For our God is the Creator of all things; by the Word of his power, in the space of six days, he spoke and brought all things into existence.

Yet, how often is God’s name spoken by our lips as a careless word, a sarcastic jest, or even as an angry response to circumstances? It is commonplace for mankind to take the priceless name of the God of all glory, and belittle it to the place of irreverent banter.

Some will now say, “I do not speak God’s name in these ways.” Yet, we must realize that God’s name exists not only where it is spoken aloud, but even in the quietness of the thoughts of our hearts.

How often have our sinful hearts harbored vain thoughts of God?

How often have we grumbled against the duties he requires of us?

How often have we considered his Word and his works a bore, a trifle, even a bother?

How many are the suspicions we have raised against his character in the depths of our souls?

Yes, even here, in the secret place of the heart, we are woefully guilty of disparaging the glorious name of our most worthy God. Yet there is still more.

For we, his people, who are called by his name, represent his name to the world not only in what we say and think, but also in what we do. What is the testimony this world is receiving about the worth and splendor of the name of your God by the attitudes and actions you express in your everyday life?

Do the actions and attitudes of your life tell the world that the name of your God is glorious and worthy?

Beloved, if we are humble and honest we see by even a brief reflection upon a single command of God’s, that we are broken sinners in need of the mercy of our great Savior.

God welcomes every sinner who comes to him in repentance and faith in his Son, Jesus Christ.

Let’s go to him in prayer now.

We invite you to privately confess your sins before the Lord now. — (A TIME OF SILENT CONFESSION)

Assurance of God’s Forgiveness

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:11-13)