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What Taking God’s Name In Vain Really Means
Originally published at https://www.rethinknow.org
You have probably heard that taking God’s name in vain is a sin. And if you grew up in Christian circles that meant saying Oh my goodnessrather than Oh my god and not using God’s name as a curse word when you stubbed your toe. The problem is we’ve oversimplified the 3rd commandment and have missed the real meaning of not taking God’s name in vain. So, what does it mean to take the lord’s name in vain? Let’s start with what the Bible says.
What The Bible Says About Taking God’s Name In Vain
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. Exodus 20:7
When we approach something familiar to us we tend to just read it quickly and move on. But in order to understand what it means to take God’s name in vain, we have to slow down and read it again.