Heidelberg Catechism: Lord's Day 36

Last week, the Heidelberg Catechism invited us to consider the second commandment's warning against images of God. We saw how Christ Himself is the only true and sufficient image of the Father, and that the works of our finite and fallen hands are powerless to capture or reflect God's infinite glory. Fittingly, the Heidelberg Catechism now leads us to consider a related concern: the third commandment's prohibitions regarding the use of God's name.

Question 99

What is required in the third commandment?

That we must not blaspheme or abuse the name of God by cursing, perjury, or unnecessary oaths, nor share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders. In short, we must use the holy name of God only with reverence and awe, so that He may be rightly confessed and glorified by us, and that everyone may be helped and saved by it.¹

¹ Leviticus 24:10–16; Matthew 5:33–37; James 5:12

Question 100

Is the blaspheming 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 it and forbid it?

Yes, indeed. No sin is greater or provokes God's wrath more than the blaspheming of His name. That is why He commanded it to be punished with death.²

² Leviticus 5:1; Leviticus 19:12

The Weight of a Name

We live in a culture that treats words lightly. Sarcasm, exaggeration, careless speech, crude speech, and casual profanity fill the air. Against this backdrop, the third commandment reminds us that God's name is not just another word among many. His name is holy (Psalm 111:9). It carries His very presence, His character, His reputation (Exodus 34:5-7). To misuse it is a grave sin.

In Scripture, names are never arbitrary labels. They express identity and purpose. When God reveals His name—"I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14)—He unveils His eternal, self-existent nature. To misuse His name is to treat lightly the One who is infinitely weighty (Isaiah 6:3).

From Curse to Confession

The Catechism highlights two wrong directions our speech can take. On the one hand, there is open blasphemy: using God's name in cursing, false oaths, or irreverent jesting (Ephesians 5:4). On the other hand, there is silent complicity: hearing His name dragged through the mud and remaining passive or indifferent (Leviticus 5:1). Both dishonor the God who is worthy of our awe and reverence.

But God's command doesn't merely prohibit sin. It points to God's glory and grace. To use God's name rightly is to confess Him (Romans 10:9), to glorify Him (1 Corinthians 10:31), to seek Him (Psalm 105:3), and to hold out His saving power to others (Acts 4:12). In other words, the third commandment invites us to turn from careless speech to careful words that build up others and glorify God (Ephesians 4:29).

A Gospel Word on God's Name

In one way or another, we have all broken this commandment. Who among us has not spoken casually of holy things, or remained silent when God's name was dishonored, or failed to glorify Him as we ought (Romans 3:23)? Yet here, too, the gospel speaks.

Jesus bore the weight of all our sins, even sins as grievous as this (Isaiah 53:6). As He hung on the cross, passersby mocked Him, soldiers ridiculed Him, and one criminal hurled insults at Him—all profaning the very name of God embodied before them (Matthew 27:39-44). And yet, from that same cross, Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). He carried our guilt so that we might be clothed in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Because of Christ, God places His name not in judgment upon us but in blessing over us: "The Lord bless you and keep you… the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you" (Numbers 6:24–25). Through faith in Christ, we bear His name as sons and daughters (1 John 3:1), marked with His Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), sent into the world as living witnesses (Matthew 28:19-20).

Bearing His Name with Joy

To bear God's name rightly is not a burden but a privilege (Deuteronomy 28:10). Every time we pray "in Jesus' name" (John 14:13-14), every time we sing with reverence (Psalm 96:2), every time we confess Christ before others (Matthew 10:32), we fulfill the very heart of this command. Our speech becomes a means of glorifying God and blessing our neighbors (Colossians 4:6).

The world desperately needs people whose words reflect truth, reverence, and love (Ephesians 4:15). The third commandment is God's gracious way of teaching us that how we speak about Him is inseparable from how we live for Him (Matthew 12:34).

A Closing Prayer

Father, Your name is holy. Forgive me for the careless words I have spoken, for the moments I have been silent when I should have confessed You, and for the times I have used Your name lightly. Thank You that Jesus bore my guilt and now clothes me with His righteousness. By Your Spirit, let my words honor You, glorify You, and draw others to Your saving name. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). Amen.

Daily Bible Readings

New Testament in a Year

September 7 – John 3:22–36
September 8 – John 4:1–26
September 9 – John 4:27–54
September 10 – John 5:1–30
September 11 – John 5:31–47
September 12 – John 6:1–21
September 13 – John 6:22–59

The Bible in a Year

September 7 – Proverbs 29–30; John 3:22–36
September 8 – Proverbs 31; John 4:1–26
September 9 – Ecclesiastes 1–2; John 4:27–54
September 10 – Ecclesiastes 3–5; John 5:1–30
September 11 – Ecclesiastes 6–8; John 5:31–47
September 12 – Ecclesiastes 9–10; John 6:1–21
September 13 – Ecclesiastes 11–12; John 6:22–59