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The Third Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe third commandment addresses the sanctity of God's name, His character, His office, and His position as the great sovereign Ruler of the universe: 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. In biblical terms, personal names carry meaning, often describing aspects of a person's character, and so it is with God's name, which reveals distinct virtues and characteristics of His nature through various names in the Bible. A person is deemed clean or unclean based on how they use God's name, whether in truth or in vanity. Using God's name in a way that denies His true meaning and character constitutes a violation of this commandment. God is deeply concerned with how His name is used, as seen in the abominations of the heathen nations in Canaan who defiled themselves and the land by taking His name in vain. Israel, too, profaned God's name through deceitful offerings, keeping the best for themselves while offering blemished ones to Him. To hallow God's name, as taught in prayer, means to set it apart for holy use and respect it greatly through obedience in all conduct. Conversely, prayer without obedience or praise offered in rebellion against His way is considered vanity and contemptible. The faithful are called to exalt, praise, and love God's name, placing their trust not merely in what He is called, but in His character and nature, experienced through living His way. Blaspheming or cursing God's name carries severe consequences, and Jesus instructs not to swear by His name, emphasizing that a simple affirmation from a God-fearing person holds more weight than numerous oaths from a liar. Salvation does not hinge on the pronunciation of God's name but on doing His will, which is essential in truly fearing His name. God's truth, as revealed by Jesus declaring the Father's name, guards against evil through His Word. Bearing God's name from baptism imposes a profound duty to uphold all that it represents, acting as witnesses that our God is God. Failing to live up to this reputation breaks the third commandment and profanes His name. Yet, those faithful in obeying Him are promised the reward of receiving God's own name in His Kingdom, designating their existence, nature, and responsibility for eternity.
The Third Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the Third Commandment merely prohibits profane speech. In reality, it regulates the purity and quality of our worship of the great God.
The Third Commandment (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMany think the third commandment deals only with euphemisms and swearing, but it goes much deeper. It regulates the quality of our worship and glorifying God.
The Third Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the the Third Commandment, God's name describes His character, attributes, and nature. If we bear God's name, we must reflect His image and His character.
The Commandments (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is a period of time God purposefully sanctified and set apart for the benefit of mankind, a time dedicated to God's spiritual creation.
The Commandments (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe prohibition against taking God's name in vain is the least understood commandment. When we bear God's name, we are to bear His character and nature.
The Fourth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAt creation, God sanctified only one day, the seventh, as a day of rest. At Sinai, He again sanctified it as a holy day, tying it to creation and freedom.
The Fourth Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, not man, created, sanctified and memorialized the seventh day Sabbath from the time of creation, intending that man use this holy time to worship God.
Taking God's Name in Vain
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's prohibition against taking His name in vain covers a broad array of words and behaviors that reflect negatively upon Him.
The Fifth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe fifth commandment stands at the head of the second tablet of the Decalogue, which governs our human relationships. It is critical for family and society.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is a special creation, a very specific period of holy time given to all of mankind, reminding us that God created and is continuing to create.
The Model Prayer (Part Three): Hallowed Be Your Name
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughHallowing God's name, part of Jesus' Model Prayer, occurs when Christians obey God's instructions and seek to transform into His character image.
What's in a Name Anyway?
Article by David F. MaasNames not only identify but they also arouse associations. Biblically, a person's name held his reputation, a thing to be guarded and enhanced.
Flavorless Salt
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonThe metaphor of properly flavoring our speech with salt applies to how we speak to those who have not yet been called, which reflects on the family name of God.
Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTo appropriate the name of God means to represent His attributes, character and nature. Our behavior must imitate Christ just as Christ revealed God the Father.
Extremes of Idolatry: Graven Images and Sacred Names
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSome stretch the second commandment to condemn the use of all paintings, photographs, and sculptures. Others claim only Hebrew names for God can be used.
Where God Places His Name (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause we would die from exposure to God's glory, the name of God, reflecting His characteristics, is the only way we can approach God.
Holiness (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHoly things are set apart from the rest, consecrated, sanctified, and transcendentally separate. God wants to transform us into that very image.
Matthew (Part Twenty-Seven)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecies. The crowds welcoming Jesus were actually choosing the Paschal Lamb of God on Abib/Nisan 10.
Keeping God's Standards
Sermon by John O. ReidGod's law will be the spiritual weights and measures in the Kingdom, but until then, we must glorify God by keeping these standards as a bright light.
'But I Say to You' (Part Five): Oaths
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must grow in personal integrity, providing a witness for the truth to those around them, not needing the crutch of an oath to guarantee our integrity.