Q. 99. What is required in the third command?

Question. What is required in the third command?

Answer. That we, not only by cursing (Lev. 24;15), or perjury (Lev. 19;12), but also by rash swearing, must not abuse or profane the name of God (Matt. 5;34-36); nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others (Lev. 5;1); and briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence (Mal. 4;2); so that he may be rightly confessed, and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works (1 Pet. 3;18).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] Lev. 24;15.—Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin.— Rom. 12;14.
• [proof-2] Lev. 19;12.—And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.— Zech. 8;17.
• [proof-3] Matt. 5;34-36.—Swear not at all: neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne: nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King: neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.— Lev. 5;4.—James 5;12.
• [proof-4] Lev. 5;1.—And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity.— Prov. 29;24.
• [proof-5] Mal. 4;2.—But on you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise.— Isa. 45;23.—Rev. 15;3, 4.
• [proof-6] 1 Pet. 3;15.—But sanctify the Lord in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.— Matt. 10;32, 33.—Col. 3;17.—1 Cor. 10;31.—1 Tim. 2;8.