Which is the third commandment?
The third commandment is, 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.
Proofs
- The third commandment is, 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)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
By Godβs name are we to understand his nature?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: My name is in him, (speaking of Christ) (Exodus 23:21)
And his essential properties?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I will make all my goodness to pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord, (Exodus 33:19)
And his titles?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: If they shall say, what is his name? What shall I answer? And God said, I am that I am, (Exodus 3:13β14)
And any thing whereby he maketh himself known?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I have manifested thy name unto the men thou gavest me, (John 17:6)
Practical response
Should we reverence the name of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: That thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, the Lord thy God, (Deuteronomy 28:58)
And trust in it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and is safe, (Proverbs 18:10)
And walk in it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: We will walk in the name of the Lord our God, for ever and for ever, (Micah 4:5)
And should we do this by no other means?
Answer: No.
Proof: I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, (Hosea 2:17)
Section 3
Hath God a great regard for his own name?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For how should my name be polluted, (Isaiah 48:11)
Is it therefore a great sin for us to be careless of it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God, I am the Lord, (Leviticus 18:21)