{"id":2951,"date":"2017-02-21T15:15:58","date_gmt":"2017-02-21T21:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thewaywesee.com\/religiondetoxnetwork\/?page_id=2951"},"modified":"2025-07-11T07:06:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T12:06:35","slug":"third-commandment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thewaywesee.com\/religiondetoxnetwork\/mystery\/gods-written-word-and-gods-spoken-voice\/the-law\/third-commandment","title":{"rendered":"Third Commandment"},"content":{"rendered":"

GOD’S NAME IS HIS CHARACTER<\/strong>
\nBefore we get to the issue of the 3rd Commandment<\/a>, it is necessary to first discuss the concept of “name” as it appears in the Bible. Lacking a clear understanding of what God means by “name,” it is impossible to understand the commandment.<\/p>\n

Names in the Bible are much more than a way of identifying someone. Actually, we see in the Bible that names (“shem” in Hebrew)<\/a> of people refer to their reputations. Since reputations are based on historical performance (i.e. behaviors, actions, etc.), and since historical performance will always be consistent with basic character qualities, it can be reliably said that a person’s name, in Biblical terms, reveals a person’s true nature, essence or character. This is no less true for God than any other Biblical personality.<\/p>\n

Proof of this truth regarding God is found in his multiple names<\/a> which describe his many character qualities. While there is some dispute among Biblical scholars regarding God’s many names, there is no dispute about his seven names <\/a>that are clearly articulated in the Bible. Each name reveals a distinct character aspect of God that is revealed in First Covenant scripture. And beyond these there are other scriptures that tell us about God’s character by telling us what he does<\/a> because what he does absolutely agrees with his character (i.e. name).<\/p>\n

STUDY TIP: The character of God is revealed in messiahs<\/a>\u00a0(i.e. true prophets<\/a>) who only speak what the father tells them to say and only do what God tells him to do.<\/a><\/p>\n

This pattern continues with Jesus, the Messiah, in New Covenant scripture where several names and titles are used to identify him<\/a>. Although Jesus had many names, the title “son of God<\/a>” was the most important one because it conveyed the truth that Jesus is the image of the living God.<\/a> And those who follow Jesus are similarly called children of God<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But being created in the image of God is an elusive concept. Obviously it does not mean a physical image because God is invisible and has no form. Therefore, the only ways that God reveals himself are through his spoken word which accomplishes life-changing miracles<\/a> when he changes impure hearts<\/a> to pure hearts.<\/a><\/p>\n

Because only God has the power to change hearts, people do not represent him by doing miracles, or by obedience to religious laws. Thus, the only way that anyone can represent God (i.e. be in his image) is when God speaks through that person as he did through true prophets<\/a> and as he continues to speak through modern day true prophets who are created in his image (i.e. are his sons\/children\/heirs).\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

The principle of the child taking on the character qualities and authority of the father, just like Israel and Jesus took on God’s character, is affirmed in many New Covenant scriptures<\/a>. Even the name “Christian” that Jesus’ followers have ascribed to themselves indicates that his name (i.e. character, nature) is established in their nature.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Finally, we must recognize that God has an evangelical purpose for his children who are called <\/a>(i.e. recognized) by his name (i.e. character) being present in their hearts\/spirits. <\/a> This is a very important principle so we will repeat it: God has an evangelical purpose for his children who represent his character to others.<\/a><\/p>\n

This purpose applies, however, only to people who remain in covenant relationship with God <\/a> by keeping his commandments<\/a>. It does not apply to people who self-identify as Jew or Christian. Such labels mean something in the world, but mean nothing to God who looks only at the heart.<\/p>\n

The problem for God that creates the need for this commandment is this: If God’s children do not accurately represent his name\/character to the world, the world will not see God as he really is and will not be drawn to him. That is why God insists that people do not take his name in vain.<\/p>\n

Putting all these scriptures together, we come to these conclusions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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