Becoming
The Second Commandment teaches reverence for God’s holy name, which represents His character, power, and identity, and calls believers to honor Him in speech, worship, and doctrine. The Third Commandment calls God’s people to holy rest, modeled after God Himself, and fulfilled in Christian worship on Sunday as the day of Christ’s resurrection. Together, these commandments shape a life of reverence, worship, and faithful participation in the life of the Church.
The Second Commandment
Deuteronomy 5:11
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
The Sacredness of God’s Name
God’s name is sacred because it represents who He is.
Unlike human naming practices, God’s names always carry meaning and identity.
Names such as Father and Jesus describe God’s nature and saving work.
“Jesus” (Yeshua) means “Yahweh is salvation.”
God’s name is inseparably connected to His character, power, and purposes.
Honoring the Name of God
God’s name must be held in honor and esteem because God Himself is honored.
All forms of God’s name are considered holy.
Proverbs 18:10 teaches that the name of the Lord is a place of refuge and safety.
The symbol of God’s name reveals the substance of who He is.
The Name of Jesus Christ
Philippians 2:9–11 teaches that the name of Jesus is exalted above every name.
“Lord Jesus Christ” represents the full identity of the second person of the Trinity.
The name is Trinitarian:
Lord — representing the Father
Jesus — representing the Son
Christ — representing the anointing of the Spirit
At this name, every knee will bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
What It Means to Take God’s Name in Vain
“Vain” means empty, meaningless, or void.
Taking God’s name in vain is treating it as unworthy or empty.
God’s name should never be used carelessly or profanely.
Profaning God’s Name
Profanation includes swearing by God’s name falsely (perjury).
Taking oaths in God’s name is permitted, but lying afterward dishonors Him.
Blasphemy is a direct assault on God’s holiness and person.
Saying Jesus is merely a good teacher or denying His divinity is blasphemy.
All heresy is a form of blasphemy because it attributes falsehood to God.
Reverence Within the Church
While secular society allows free speech, the Church must honor God’s name.
Everything connected to God should be treated as holy and sacred.
Worship gatherings should not be treated casually or as social events.
There should be sobriety and reverence when meeting with God publicly and privately.
The Third Commandment
Deuteronomy 5:12-14
“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
Meaning of the Sabbath
“Sabbath” (Hebrew shabbat) means rest.
It is a rest directed toward the Lord, not merely leisure.
“Holy” means set apart for God’s purposes.
God as the Model of Rest
Genesis 2:1–3 shows that God Himself rested after creation.
God does not expect behavior He has not first modeled.
If God rested, humanity is also meant to rest.
Sabbath rest acknowledges dependence on God rather than work or productivity.
Sabbath as Resistance to Idolatry
The Sabbath is a protest against idolatrous work and money.
Overwork and workaholism violate God’s moral order.
Breaking God’s law does not break the law—it breaks the person.
God’s moral law is unchanging, like gravity.
The Christian Sabbath (Sunday)
The Jewish Sabbath was Saturday, commemorating creation’s completion.
Christians observe Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection.
Sunday represents the first day of the new creation in Christ.
Early Christians gathered on Sunday:
Revelation 1:10 — “the Lord’s Day”
Acts 20:7 — gathering to break bread
Purpose of Sunday Worship
Sunday is for physical, mental, and spiritual rest.
It is a communal day of worship and celebration of Christ.
The Church gathers to encounter God’s presence and be strengthened together.
Hebrews 10:24–25 warns against neglecting gathering together.
Christianity requires communal worship, pastoral oversight, and shared faith.
The Church as the Body of Christ
St. John Chrysostom teaches that prayer in church surpasses prayer alone.
The local church reflects the universal Body of Christ.
Unity, shared worship, and mutual strengthening define faithful Christian life.
