LORD'S DAY 36

99. What is required in the third Commandment?

That we must not by cursing,^[1] or by false swearing,^[2] nor yet by unnecessary oaths,^[3] profane or abuse the name of God; nor even by our silence and connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and in summary, that we use the holy name of God in no other way than with fear and reverence,^[4] so that He may be rightly confessed^[5] and worshiped^[6] by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.^[7]

^[1]Lev. 24:10-16. ^[2]Lev. 19:12. ^[3]Mt. 5:37; Jas. 5:12. ^[4]Isa. 45:23. ^[5]Mt. 10:32. ^[6]I Tim. 2:8. ^[7]Rom. 2:24; I Tim. 6:1; Col. 3:16-17; *I Pet. 3:15.

100. Is the profaning of God's name, by swearing and cursing, so grievous a sin that His wrath is kindled against those also who do not help as much as they can to hinder and forbid it?

Yes, truly,^[1] for no sin is greater and more provoking to God than the profaning of His name; wherefore He even commanded it to be punished with death.^[2]

^[1]Lev. 5:1 ^[2]Lev. 24:15-16; *Lev. 19:12; *Prov. 29:24-25.<