2.0 KiB
2.0 KiB
Lord’s Day 36
99. Q. What is God’s will for us in the third commandment?
A. That we neither blaspheme nor misuse the name of God by cursing,1 perjury,2 or unnecessary oaths,3 nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.4 In summary, we must use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe,5 so that we may properly confess him,6 call upon him,7 and praise him in everything we do and say.8
1 Lev. 24:10–17 2 Lev. 19:12 3 Matt. 5:37; James 5:12 4 Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24 5 Ps. 99:1–5; Jer. 4:2 6 Matt. 10:32–33; Rom. 10:9–10 7 Ps. 50:14–15; 1 Tim. 2:8 8 Col. 3:17
100. Q. Is blasphemy of God’s name by swearing and cursing really such serious sin that God is angry also with those who do not do all they can to help prevent and forbid it?
A. Yes, indeed.1 No sin is greater or provokes God’s wrath more than blaspheming his name. That is why he commanded it to be punished with death.2