THIRD COMMANDMENT: HALLOWED NAME

“Holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound biblical principle of honoring God’s name with utmost reverence, exploring its implications for personal conduct, responsibilities toward God and others, worship practices, the proper use of oaths, and the eternal rewards for faithfulness in upholding divine holiness.

SACRED NAME ESSENTIALS!

The Bible emphasizes the sacredness of God’s name and warns against its misuse. Exodus 20:7 (KJV) declares, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” This commandment prohibits false oaths, casual swearing, and careless repetition of God’s name. It highlights the seriousness of treating God’s name with reverence and respect. Psalm 111:9 (KJV) adds, “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.” God’s name represents His character—His holiness, mercy, and justice—and is therefore to be honored. Ellen G. White affirms this reverence, stating, “The name of the Lord is holy and must not be used lightly, profanely, nor vainly. Often in the Scriptures the direction is given, ‘Neither shalt thou profane my holy name’” (The Signs of the Times, August 11, 1887). By appealing to God in trivial matters or using His name lightly, we dishonor His majesty and purity. The Bible further illustrates this in Leviticus 22:32 (KJV), “Neither shall ye profane my holy name; but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel: I am the Lord which hallow you,” and in Psalm 89:7 (KJV), “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” Sr. White further explains, “Reverence should be shown also for the name of God. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Even in prayer its frequent or needless repetition should be avoided” (Education, p. 243, 1903). Instead, we are called to meditate on His greatness, allowing His exalted character to inspire reverence and awe. To truly honor God’s name, it must be spoken with solemnity and respect, reflecting our recognition of His holiness. But what does this reverence mean beyond mere words?

The reverence required for God’s name extends beyond speech and reflects our recognition of God’s divine authority. It acknowledges God as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, and inspires humility, awe, and obedience. Reverence for God’s name fosters a sense of accountability, reminding us that our words and actions reflect our relationship with God. It also demonstrates faith and gratitude, inspiring us to meditate on God’s greatness and live in harmony with His will. Such reverence safeguards us from trivializing divine truths and helps others recognize the holiness and authority of God. The Bible also declares in Malachi 2:2 (KJV), “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart,” and in Deuteronomy 28:58 (KJV), “If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord Thy God.” Sr. White states, “Every child should be taught to show true reverence for God. Never should His name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Angels, as they speak it, veil their faces” (Prophets and Kings, p. 236, 1917). Sr. White adds, “The name of God is hallowed by the angels of heaven, by the inhabitants of unfallen worlds. When you pray, ‘Hallowed be Thy name,’ you ask that it may be hallowed in this world, hallowed in you” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 107, 1896). But what responsibilities do we owe to God in light of this reverence?

Recognizing the holiness of God’s name reveals the responsibilities we owe to Him, including reverence, obedience, and faithful representation of His character. Romans 2:24 (KJV) warns, “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you.” Similarly, Proverbs 30:9 (KJV) cautions, “Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” Sr. White states, “We are to reflect the character of Christ, keeping His commandments and glorifying His name in all we do” (Steps to Christ, p. 68, 1892). The Bible also teaches in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (KJV), “And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the Lord, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good,” and in Micah 6:8 (KJV), “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Sr. White states, “We are to reverence God and to represent Him in the character building, in the trained habits, and in the religious services” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 372, 1900). Sr. White adds, “The reverence which the people showed to the house of God in times past is not now manifest. A spirit of irreverence and carelessness in the observance of holy things is liable to come in” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 496, 1889).

We are called to worship sincerely, obey God’s commands, and share His love with others. Obedience reflects gratitude for God’s mercy and safeguards our relationship with Him. Faithful stewardship of God’s name reflects God’s holiness, pointing others toward Him. Sr. White adds, “By obedience to God’s commands, we acknowledge His authority, testify to our faith, and demonstrate our trust in His promises” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 307, 1890). The Bible further supports this in 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV), “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams,” and in John 14:15 (KJV), “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Sr. White writes, “The Lord has given us the privilege of being laborers with Him. It is our duty to obey His commands, and in obedience we shall find our highest joy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 150, 1909). Sr. White further explains, “Obedience to God is the highest evidence of our love for Him, and the result is eternal life” (The Desire of Ages, p. 219, 1898). Yet how does this extend to our interactions with others?

The reverence we show for God’s name also reflects the respect and love we owe to our neighbors. Romans 13:10 (KJV) explains, “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” Treating others with love and integrity mirrors the holiness of God’s name. Sr. White emphasizes, “The world will know that we are Christ’s disciples if we have love for one another. This love is the evidence that God’s law is written in our hearts” (The Desire of Ages, p. 505, 1898). The Bible also reveals in Leviticus 19:18 (KJV), “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord,” and in Matthew 22:39 (KJV), “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Sr. White states, “We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. This means a great deal more than many suppose” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 523, 1875). Sr. White adds, “The love of God is broad as the firmament, and pure as the flames of fire. It heals the wounded and binds up the broken-hearted” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 87, 1882).

We are called to speak truth, avoid slander, and build others up. Ephesians 4:29 (KJV) instructs, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Sr. White writes, “True Christians will manifest gentleness, patience, and love, showing by their lives the sanctifying influence of the truth” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2, p. 136, 1868). The Bible further illustrates this in Galatians 5:14 (KJV), “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” and in James 2:8 (KJV), “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.” Sr. White explains, “The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men” (Education, p. 16, 1903). Sr. White further states, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 505, 1898).

In honoring God, we are compelled to honor others, treating them with kindness and respect. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and character, fostering unity and peace. Sr. White states, “To love others is to honor God, for love is the fulfilling of His law” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 384, 1900). The Bible also teaches in 1 John 4:21 (KJV), “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also,” and in Romans 15:2 (KJV), “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” Sr. White writes, “The love of Christ is to constrain us, melting our hearts, and subduing our souls to His service” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 24, 1868). Sr. White adds, “We are to seek to bless, to do good to all with whom we come in contact” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 521, 1875). The community demonstrates God’s holiness and compassion by caring for others, fulfilling their duty to God and their neighbors. How then is God’s holiness manifested in our worship and prayer?

WORSHIP WISDOM WARRIORS!

God’s holiness is central to worship and prayer. Matthew 6:9 (KJV) begins the Lord’s Prayer with the words, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” This teaches us to approach God with reverence, recognizing His holiness. Sr. White explains, “To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words we use in reference to Him should be spoken with reverence. Holy and reverend is His name” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 106, 1896). This contrasts with careless invocations of “God Almighty,” which the text warns are displeasing to Him. The Bible further supports this in Psalm 95:6 (KJV), “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker,” and in John 4:24 (KJV), “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Sr. White states, “Both in public and in private worship it is our privilege to bow on our knees before God when we offer our petitions to Him” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 311, 1958). Sr. White adds, “In the house of God a solemn silence should prevail” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 492, 1889).

Moses’ encounter with God in Exodus 3:4-5 (KJV) illustrates this principle: “Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” Similarly, Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:1-4 (KJV) reveals God’s majesty, as angels cry out, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.” These examples emphasize the necessity of humility and reverence when approaching God. The Bible also declares in Psalm 100:4 (KJV), “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name,” and in Hebrews 12:28 (KJV), “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Sr. White writes, “True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence” (Education, p. 242, 1903). Sr. White further explains, “Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252, 1890).

Prayer and worship honor God’s holiness by aligning our heart with His will. Reverence in worship acknowledges God’s authority and invites His presence, leading to spiritual transformation. Sr. White writes, “Those who walk humbly before God, beholding His purity and reverence, will be drawn into closer fellowship with Him” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 21, 1900). The Bible further illustrates this in Philippians 2:13 (KJV), “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure,” and in James 4:8 (KJV), “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” Sr. White states, “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend” (Steps to Christ, p. 93, 1892). Sr. White adds, “In prayer for the sick the name of Christ is to be spoken reverently and earnestly” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 225, 1905). True worship reflects faith, gratitude, and surrender, leading us to experience God’s peace and holiness. These passages and commentaries demonstrate that an encounter with God’s presence compels humility and reverence, inspiring us to approach Him with awe and respect. What does the third commandment reveal about oaths?

OATH INTEGRITY INSIGHTS!

The third commandment does not forbid all oaths but draws a line between careless swearing and solemn judicial oaths. Matthew 26:63-64 (KJV) provides an example of Jesus honoring a judicial oath: “But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said.” Jesus acknowledged the authority of the judicial oath, demonstrating that it can be used to affirm truth under lawful circumstances. The Bible also teaches in Hebrews 6:16 (KJV), “For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife,” and in Numbers 30:2 (KJV), “If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Sr. White expands on this, “Christ Himself, when placed under oath by the high priest, answered. This shows that there is nothing sinful in a judicial oath when it is required by law” (The Desire of Ages, p. 706, 1898). Sr. White states, “The example of Christ therefore is in favor of the judicial oath. But both His example and His word are against all other oaths” (The Signs of the Times, August 11, 1887).

Sr. White expands on this, “Christ Himself, when placed under oath by the high priest, answered. This shows that there is nothing sinful in a judicial oath when it is required by law” (The Desire of Ages, p. 706, 1898). While the Bible opposes false oaths and dishonesty, judicial oaths are portrayed as acts of integrity that call upon God as a witness to truthfulness. This distinction emphasizes that honoring God’s name involves upholding truth and justice. The Bible further supports this in Matthew 5:33-34 (KJV), “Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne,” and in James 5:12 (KJV), “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” Sr. White writes, “The third commandment condemns the profane swearer, who takes the name of the Lord in vain” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 306, 1890). Sr. White adds, “I saw that the words of our Lord, ‘Swear not at all,’ do not touch the judicial oath” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 202, 1855).

Judicial oaths reflect God’s expectation that we demonstrate honesty and sincerity. They are reminders of the accountability we have to God, whose name is invoked as the ultimate judge of truth. The use of such oaths also reflects God’s grace in providing means to uphold justice and protect innocence. The Bible also declares in Deuteronomy 6:13 (KJV), “Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name,” and in Jeremiah 4:2 (KJV), “And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.” Sr. White explains, “The Scriptures forbid profane swearing, and in this direction much good can be done” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 320, 1875). Sr. White further states, “Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 202, 1855). In honoring judicial oaths, we affirm our respect for God’s holiness and commitment to truth, reflecting our faith in God as the foundation of moral order. What ultimate transformation awaits those who honor God’s name faithfully?

FAITHFUL TRANSFORMATION TALES!

Finally, the Bible speaks to the transformative power of God’s name for those who live faithfully. Exodus 34:5-7 (KJV) proclaims God’s merciful and just character: “And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord… The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” Jesus glorified God’s name through His earthly ministry, as stated in John 17:6 (KJV), “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.” In John 17:26 (KJV), Jesus adds, “And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.” Sr. White affirms this, writing, “To know God is eternal life. Those who honor His name and character through their lives will receive the seal of His approval” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 114, 1900). The Bible further illustrates this in Romans 12:2 (KJV), “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” and in 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV), “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Sr. White writes, “The Scriptures plainly show that the work of sanctification is progressive. When in conversion the sinner finds peace with God through the blood of the atonement, the Christian life has but just begun” (The Great Controversy, p. 470, 1911). Sr. White adds, “The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts” (Steps to Christ, p. 57, 1892). For those who remain steadfast, God promises victory and transformation. Revelation 3:12 (KJV) assures, “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God… and I will write upon him the name of my God.” Revelation 22:4 (KJV) further declares, “And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” Sr. White connects this promise to faithfulness: “All who prove their loyalty to God by observing His law and holding fast to their faith will be granted eternal victory” (The Great Controversy, p. 648, 1911). This sacred inheritance underscores the eternal significance of honoring God’s name and living in obedience to His will.

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THIRD COMMANDMENT: HALLOWED NAME

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