WLC 111

Westminster Larger Catechism

Q111. Which is the third commandment?

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.

Proof texts

For discussion

  1. The Assembly cited Ex. 20:7 in support of this answer. Read it in context — how does it bear on what is claimed here?
  2. WSC Q45 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
  3. HC Q92 treats the same ground. What does it add, and why might it put things differently?
  4. The Assembly divided over this: Justification and the Antinomian Crisis. How do you secure sola fide without letting the law fall away? What turns on the answer?

Read alongside

WSC Q45 · HC Q92

Leader's notes

A Body of Divinity (Thomas Ridgley): Quest. CXI., CXII., CXIII., CXIV. QUEST. CXI. Which is the third Commandment? ANSW. 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. QUEST. CXII. What is required in the third Commandment? ANSW. The third Commandment requires, that the name of God, his titles, attributes, ordinances, the word, sacraments, prayer, oaths, vows, lots, his works, and whatsoever else there is whereby he makes himself known, be holily and reverently used in thought, meditation, word, writing, by an holy profession, and answerable conversation, to the glory of God, and the good of ourselves and others. QUEST. CXIII. What are the…