Question 265: What does the Third Commandment teach you?

Answer:

The Third Commandment teaches me to honor God’s name in all I say and do. I must not speak His name carelessly, falsely, or irreverently, but use it with reverence in worship, prayer, and witness. It reminds me that my words matter, and that calling on God requires truth, sincerity, and holy fear. (Exodus 20:7, Psalm 29:2, Matthew 6:9, James 3:10, Colossians 3:17)

Full Scripture References

“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses His name.” – Exodus 20:7 (BSB)

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” – Psalm 29:2 (BSB)

“So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.’” – Matthew 6:9 (BSB)

“Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!” – James 3:10 (BSB)

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The Third Commandment teaches me to treat God’s name as holy—never using it lightly, falsely, or for selfish purposes. To take His name “in vain” means to misuse it—whether through careless speech, false promises, blasphemy, or hypocrisy. Fr. Keith Allen (AMiA, St. Brendan’s Anglican Church, AL) writes, “Our words are windows into our worship. If we speak of God thoughtlessly, we have not yet feared Him rightly.” (The Commandments and the Christian Life, 2019)

This commandment warns me not only against profanity, but also against using God’s name to manipulate others or support lies. Bishop Stephen Wood (ACNA, Diocese of the Carolinas) explains, “To invoke God’s name falsely in oath or witness is to make Him a party to our deceit. That is nothing less than spiritual perjury.” (Catechetical Sermons, 2020)

It also calls me to integrity and consistency in my Christian witness. If I bear the name of Christ, then I must live in a way that honors that name. Canon George Grant (ACNA, Parish Presbyterian Church, TN) says, “The most common way Christians break this commandment is by calling Jesus Lord with their lips while denying Him by their lives.” (Recovering Anglican Piety, 2019)

This command shapes how I pray, worship, and speak every day. Gerald Bray (ACNA-affiliated, Beeson Divinity School) teaches, “We are not forbidden from using God’s name—we are commanded to use it rightly. When we pray in Jesus’ name, we stand on holy ground.” (God Has Spoken, 2014)

Fr. William Beasley (AMiA, Anglican Awakening) reminds us, “The Third Commandment teaches that reverence is not formality—it is love. To honor God’s name is to treasure His presence and to reflect His truth in every word.” (Teach Us to Pray, 2015)

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

“He who calls on God’s name must do so with a clean heart, for the name of the Lord is holy and not to be taken upon polluted lips.” – Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lectures, c. 350 AD

“Let us fear to speak His name vainly, and love to speak it truly. The name of God is peace, power, and truth.” – Basil the Great, Homily on Psalm 33, c. 370 AD

“The Lord taught us to hallow His name. That is, to keep it pure in our thoughts, our prayers, and our lives.” – Augustine of Hippo, On the Lord’s Prayer, c. 395 AD

“Do not adorn your speech with God’s name while your life denies Him. The name is holy; let your lips and life agree.” – John Chrysostom, Homily on the Gospel of Matthew, c. 390 AD