Lesson 35: The Second Commandment
"Kings of the earth and all people:  princes and all judges of the earth:  Young men and maidens:  let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord:  for His name alone is exalted."  (Psalm 148:11-13)
"But [Our Lord] emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.  He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.  For which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name which is above all names:  That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth:  And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father."  (Philippians 2:7-11)

  1. What is the Second Commandment?

    2.    Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
    "For the Lord will not hold him guiltless that shall take the name of the Lord His God in vain."    (Exodus 20:7)

  2. What does the Second Commandment oblige you to do?

    3.    Always to use the Name of God and of Jesus reverently.
    "Holy is His name."    (Luke 1:49)

  3.  What are the sins against the Second Commandment?

    1. Misusing the Name of God or of Jesus Christ.
    2. Blasphemy.
    3. Breaking an oath or lying under oath.

  4. How may you misuse the name of God?

    5.    By using it without good reason and without respect.
    This is generally a venial sin.

  5. What is blasphemy?

    6.    An expression insulting to God or religion.
    It is a mortal sin when the blasphemer really intends to insult God.

  6. What kind of sin is it to use vulgar language?

    7.    To say "hell" or "damn" or to use vulgar language usually is no sin at all, unless you mean what you say or say it out of anger or impatience.  However, these expressions are not fitting for a Christian.
    "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not to be so."    (James 3:10)

  7. What is an oath?

    8.    Calling on God to be witness to the truth.

  8. What kind of sin is it to lie while under oath?

    9.    A mortal sin, called perjury.
    It is mortal, even in a small matter, because an oath calls upon God to witness the lie.