Download What does it mean to “take God`s name in vain

What does it mean to “take God’s name in vain?
Exodus 20:7 " 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.
Imagine that a man was given a special hotline able to connect him directly to the
Whitehouse. Suppose that he then used his privilege insincerely - to show off to
onlookers at times mockingly calling the line for help just for laughs or when offended
calling for a nuclear strike or other military intervention. If such behavior is offensive,
how much more repulsive it is to call on God in a mocking or insincere way? This is
why scripture commands people to not use God’s name in vain. God who made people
in His own image has given people the ability to call on Him and understand His Word –
a far greater privilege than a hotline to the Whitehouse. In the culture where the Bible
was written the meaning of names was very important – expressing the character or title
of the person. God’s name is an expression of His person and power. And scripture
commands us to use it with reverence.
If you have been calling on God insincerely or thoughtlessly. God invites you to
communicate with Him, yet your sins prevent you from doing so. Calling upon God in
sincerity must begin with Jesus who can wash away sins. Until you are cleansed from sin
through faith in Jesus’ shed blood every attempt to approach God will be futile. For
those who have Jesus as Savior, calling on God in reverence is a joyful privilege.