Bible Question:
Recently I was told that taking the name of God in vain is blasphemy, i.e. profanity. Is that true? If so, then how can a Christian still curse using God's name in vain and claim to have the Holy Spirit? Is that person doomed to the point that no form of repentance can save him? What makes that person think they can simply say God forgive me when they curse using His name and think everything is alright? Thank you for your time.
Bible Answer:
God has warned us to not take His name in vain or curse Him.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. (NASB) Exodus 20:7
You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people. (NASB) Exodus 22:28
Yet, people do it anyway. People also curse government leaders even though God has warned us to not do that either. They seem to escape, but God has promised that they will not go unpunished. I would not want to be punished by God. That is a fearful thought. So how does God respond to Christians?
New Christians who as a pattern of life used to curse God and took His name in vain sometimes find it difficult to change initially after they have believed that Jesus Christ is God and/or their Savior from sin. Yet, God will forgive their cursing and blasphemy when they admit their sin. Old habits die hard sometimes, but the Holy Spirit will convict them if they are followers of Jesus. The Holy Spirit will work in their lives to transform them.
If a person claims to be a Christian and still curses God, takes the name of God in vain, or blasphemes His name, that person may not be a Christian. That is the message of 1 Corinthians 12:3 which says that a person who curses Jesus does not have the Holy Spirit.
Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. (NASB) 1 Corinthians 12:3
If the person does not have the Holy Spirit, he or she does not belong to God according to 1 Cor. 12:13. Yet, the apostle Paul indicates that the person might be a Christian. If so, God will discipline him or her until he or she stops. That is the message in 1 Timothy 1:20.
Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. (NASB) 1 Timothy 1:20
Conclusion
We may not know if a person truly belongs to God, but we can pray for and warn him or her. I would encourage you to pray for him/her.
Suggested Links:
Seated In HeavenFilled With the Spirit
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