The Third Commandment – Part 2

The name of God has everything to do with all that God is. When His name is pulled down into the mass of human society, everything pertaining to His unique and sovereign ability is devalued. Think about this for a minute. The Bible tells us in John’s Gospel that Jesus came in the Father’s name (John 5:43), that Jesus performs miracles in the Father’s name (John 10:25), that we can ask anything in His name (John 14:13), and that we are kept safe in His name (John 17:11). In Acts 4:12, we are reminded that there is no other name under Heaven whereby anyone can be saved, and in Philippians 2:10, the Apostle Paul reminds us that it is at the name of Jesus that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

I have always believed this is the reason why everyone, from Hollywood to Wall Street, never uses as blasphemy the name of another person, president or prime minister, bishop, evangelist or religious leader from any religion near or far—only the Lord Jesus Christ. In a strange, reversed sort of way, every time I hear the name of Jesus used as a curse word, I think God is affirming the truth of His Word. He is using the very ones who defame and demean Him to demonstrate that He is the One who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NKJV).

This is what blasphemy does: First, it discredits God’s name. Remember, it was the Lord Jesus who taught us to say, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9, NKJV). Second, it denounces God’s character. In the Old Testament, God’s name was written only with consonants so that no one could pronounce it. If God’s name is unpronounceable, and His person is untouchable because of His holiness, how more so is His character unutterable? Third, the misuse of His name crucifies Jesus all over again. Blasphemers are simply allying themselves at the base of the cross alongside all who screamed at Him and demeaned Him. Fourth, it aligns blasphemers with Satan himself. The devil is the one who opposes God in every way and demands to spread the ultimate lie that Jesus is just another ordinary man who can be reviled and spat upon. Fifth, and most serious, blasphemy places a serious question mark on a person’s salvation. All of the commandments have to do with the heart. If our words are a reflection of what is in the heart, then surely a person who knows and loves our Savior cannot utter His name in such a manner.

And, what if you do blaspheme? Here it is again—my hope, your hope, every person’s hope—Jesus Christ loves you. Here are three things you can do. First, look in. Examine your own heart before the Lord Jesus. Next, look out. When you do look out you will see that God is exactly who He says He is—in word, name and deed. And finally, look up. Look into His face and live. He loves you. He died for you. He wants to forgive you. There is hope.

David Jones with excerpts by D.W.