Catechisma

Q54. What is required in the third commandment?

The third commandment requireth the holy and reverent use of God's names, titles, attributes, ordinances, word, and works.

Scripture Proofs — King James Version

1

Matthew 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

2

Psalm 68:4

Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

3

Revelation 15:3–4

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

4

Malachi 1:11, 14

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. … But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the LORD a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

5

Psalm 138:1–2

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

6

Job 36:24

Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold.

CommentaryThomas Vincent (1674)

Question 1. What are we to understand by the name of God which we are forbidden in this commandment to take in vain?

Answer. The name of God which we are in this commandment forbidden to take in vain, is to be taken generally and comprehensively for any thing whereby God maketh himself known.

Question 2. By what is it that God doth make himself known?