And GOD spake all these words, saying, I AM the LORD thy GOD, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy GOD am a jealous GOD, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My Commandments. 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. (Exo 20:1-7)
In this sermon on Mount Sinai; GOD gives what we call the Ten Commandments, an expansion of the greatest Commandments, to love GOD with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength; and your neighbour as yourself. These first three concern the acknowledgement that GOD alone is God, above all others, and no others are to be worshipped, made, prayed to, created or revered. Nor, are we to misuse the Name of GOD, any of them and all of them, neither as a curse or in blasphemy. Nor are we to use His Name, to legitimize or characterize that which is not of GOD, or against His character and Holiness. God is very jealous, and rightfully so, of His character, His Name, His Holiness, and His attributes: all that pertains to Him, for He alone is GOD; the Creator, Judge, and King.
GOD will Judge all, either in Christ for what they have done, or without for all their sIn, but will defend Himself and His Name because of His Holiness. He will not count even His own as blameless in misusing His Name, for it is Holy. As His people, we are to revere Him, and live in and through Him, that our character and behaviour reflects the Name by which we are called. Living for ourselves, when we are His, is also taking His Holy Name in vain. Nor can we who have placed our hope and trust in His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary, turn to anyone or anything else in worship, for Salvation, or even our needs. Our GOD is above all, and alone is worthy of praise, the only way of Salvation, and will provide according to His Will and in His time.
While we rest in Him, and keep His Name Holy, and lift Him above all else, we are to minister in His Name and according to His Will to those around us in need. We are to disciple one another to be more like Him from His Word, loving one another to provoke to good works. We are to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ as we go, and in His Name share the message of repentance and faith in Him to those who hear that they might believe, and believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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