The Holy Name
Rev. G. van Popta, April 25, 2010 (Sunday AM)Text: Heidelberg Catechism LD 36
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| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « God gives us his fundamentals for worship | The gospel that was preached to you | Righteousness » |
Heidelberg Catechism LD 36
LORD'S DAY 3699. Q. What is required in the third commandment?
A. We are not to blaspheme or to abuse the Name of God by cursing,1 perjury,2 or unnecessary oaths,3 nor to share in such horrible sins by being silent bystanders.4 In short, we must use the holy Name of God only with fear and reverence,5 so that we may rightly confess Him,6 call upon Him,7 and praise Him in all our words and works.8
2 Lev. 19:12
3 Matt. 5:37; James 5:12.
4 Lev. 5:1; Prov. 29:24.
5 Ps. 99:1-5; Is. 45:23; Jer. 4:2.
6 Matt. 10:32, 33; Rom. 10:9, 10.
7 Ps. 50:14, 15; I Tim. 2:8.
8 Rom. 2:24; Col. 3:17; I Tim. 6:1.
100. Q. Is the blaspheming of God's Name by swearing and cursing such a grievous sin that God is angry also with those who do not prevent and forbid it as much as they can?
A. Certainly,1 for 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 Lev. 24:16.

