American Evangelicals, the President and the Third Commandment

President Donald Trump at the Greenville, NC July 17, 2019 Rally

By Angela Wittman

Perhaps I've been living in a cave this past week, but I heard little of an outcry from American Evangelicals over President Donald Trump taking the Lord's Name in vain during a political rally in North Carolina. Could it be they were drowned out by the political left's outrage over the crowd chanting "Send her back!" in reference to Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota? Or is it something worse like apathy or indifference toward our holy God?

Regardless of what led to some Christians silence on this matter, I think it would be wise for us to review what God and the historically respected Westminster Assembly  say on this serious matter of taking the Lord's name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 (KJV)
7 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.

Deuteronomy 5:11 (KJV)
11 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.

The Westminster Shorter Catechism teaches this regarding the third commandment:

Q. 53. Which is the third commandment?

A. The third commandment is, 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. [a][a]. Ex. 20:7; Deut. 5:11

Q. 54. What is required in the third commandment?

A. The third commandment requireth the holy and reverend use of God’s names, titles [a], attributes [b], ordinances [c], Word [d], and works[e].[a]. Deut. 10:20; Ps. 29:2; Matt. 6:9[b]. 1 Chron. 29:10-13; Rev. 15:3-4[c]. Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:27-28[d]. Ps. 138:2; Rev. 22:18-19[e]. Ps. 107:21-22; Rev. 4:11

Q. 55. What is forbidden in the third commandment?

A. The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known [a].[a]. Lev. 19:12; Matt. 5:33-37; Jas. 5:12

Q. 56. What is the reason annexed to the third commandment?

A. The reason annexed to the third commandment is, that however the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape his righteous judgment [a].[a]. Deut. 28:58-59; 1 Sam. 3:13; 4:11

The 1599 Geneva Bible which was written by exiled Reformers and carried to America by the Pilgrims says this regarding Exodus, chapter 20, verse seven:

Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in [a]vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain. 

Footnotes:
Exodus 20:7 Either by swearing falsely or rashly by his Name, or by contemning it.

 In the beginning our nation was founded on Biblical principles by Christians. Today our nation is in a moral free fall and Christianity has become marginalized with the evangelical church largely remaining silent on issues of sin. Friends, we are not to show partiality and this includes turning a blind eye to certain sins or certain people who are in power, such as the President.

You should watch this  brief clip of the president taking the Lord's name in vain at the North Carolina rally which is posted at The Charlotte Observer (please scroll down about mid page for the clip.)

 I don't know about you, but his blatant disrespect and disregard for the holiness of our God by a  supposedly "Christian friendly" president makes me sick to my stomach. My God means more to me than any political advantage of having a profane Republican in the White House. He should be soundly rebuked and led to repentance by leaders in the evangelical churches.

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Dear Father in Heaven,

You've told us to pray for our leaders and in response I ask that you forgive Donald Trump for his blatant disrespect and lack of Christian knowledge on how to use Your Name - the Name above all other names. I pray you will lead him to repent and confess his sin to You. I then ask if You will lead him to publicly proclaim there is only one King and His Name is Jesus Christ. I also ask you to humble those in power who treat you as a fable or fictional character.

Lord, please also forgive Your people who have kept silent on this matter due to indifference or fear of the unknown. Please give us courage to stand tall for You and the things of God.

In Lord Jesus Name, I pray, amen.