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No Other Name: The Third Commandment Part 03



How to Invoke God’s Name

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 — Exodus 20:7

Since penalties are severe for using God’s Name in vain, how are you to respond? As mentioned above, some might avoid using God’s Name at all, just incase they accidentally misuse it. There are Jewish people who write, ‘G-d,’ which is unpronounceable, just to make sure His name is not use in vain.

But is that the correct stance? No. You are encouraged to use God’s Name in a righteous manner. How can you call on the name of the Lord for salvation if your cannot say His name at all?

After the birth of Seth’s son Enos, then began me to call upon the name of the LORD - Genesis 4:26

Repeatedly Abraham, the friend of God, called on the name of the LORD - Genesis 12:8; 13:4; 21:33. Isaac did the same (26:25).

Solomon built a house for the Name of the LORD God of Israel - I Kings8:20.

When the Lord pours out mercy and favour on Zion, then the heathen (nations/Gentiles) will fear the name of the LORD and all the kings of the earth His glory - Psalm 102:13-15

We are commanded to praise the Name of the LORD — Psalm 135:1

A favoured passage is Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.

Here could be one of the most important verses of all: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved — Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13

In addition to salvation, there is also healing in the Name of the Lord. Of course, Christ’s ministry was replete with healings but He is the Son of God. How about mere believers? Do they have access to healing power? Yes … in the Name of the Lord. Peter made this point forcefully after the lame man was healed in the Lord’s Name at the Gate Beautiful. He says in Acts 3:16: And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all (emphasis mine).


In summary, for some well-meaning people, the non-use of God’s Name is the only way to prevent the misuse. As you can see, the best remedy is not the non-use, but right use, of God’s Name. It is the key to His manifold blessings.

Everything you do should be in the Name and for the glory of Jesus. Your prayers should be done ‘in His Name.’ And when it comes to praise and worship, the right use of God’s Name will quickly usher you into the throne of grace, where you may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him - Colossians 3:17



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