I've heard the name of God and the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, taken in vain countless times. It seems to be the most popular name around! But, by the way His name is used, usually in cursing, I can see that the users don't love the precious Savior and God His Father. In fact, they despise Him.
Why is this? Why can't the name of Buddha or maybe Adolf Hitler or just plain John Doe be used in that way? Psa. 139:2020For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain. (Psalm 139:20) says, "Thine enemies take Thy name in vain." Why? "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Rom. 8:77Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7).
It has been said that "every man, woman and child has a Christ-shaped void in his heart that only the Son of God can fill." Could it be that when the precious name of Jesus or God is spoken, even in ignorance, that the poor soul is acknowledging his or her Creator in a way, although not realizing their need of forgiveness of sins through that same precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ?
We read in Acts 4:1212Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12) that, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Consider that after more than 1900 years His name is still being used. But how sad that instead of praise and adoration coming from these lips, there is indifference, contempt, and so often even mockery.
What's in a name? The precious name of Jesus speaks of truth, life, peace and most blessed forgiveness of sins. Won't you trust Him? "Jesus saith unto him [Thomas], I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me." John 14:66Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).
His name may be used with indifference and contempt, but Christ is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" to those that know Him as their Lord and Savior. All of His redeemed, including myself, who once took that name in vain, are now praising and adoring that precious One who died for our sins—"Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures." 1 Cor. 15:33For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; (1 Corinthians 15:3).
"God is love," but also, "God is light." No sin can enter into His presence. If you reject Him now and die in your sins, your eternity will be spent in hell apart from Him who loves you so very, very much. Won't you come to the Lord Jesus now, while there is still time?