Is saying “God damn” the unforgivable sin or a violation of the third commandment?

Author: BibleAsk Team


Is Saying “God Damn” the Unforgivable Sin?

Using the name of the Lord in a cuss word is a violation of the third commandment that states: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). The main purpose of the third commandment is to instruct reverence (Psalms 111:9; Ecclesiastes 5:1, 2). The third commandment applies not only to words we should avoid but to the care with which we should use those words that are good (Matthew 12:34–37).

Media and television popularized “God’s name” by using it in disrespectful and improper ways. Centuries ago, the Jewish people feared even to speak the letters “Jehovah” because this was the holy name of God that should be uttered in all devotion and respect. Today, God’s name is used with no reverence.

Those who serve none but the true God, and serve Him in spirit and in truth, will avoid any careless, rude, or needless use of His holy name. They will not speak profanity, curses, or any insensitive language for that matter for it not only disturbs the spirit of religion but indicates a lack of holiness.

The careless use of God’s name denotes a lack of love to Him. In Philippians 4:8, Paul admonishes the believers for godliness in thought and word saying, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Saying a cuss word like “God damn” is not the unforgivable sin because the speaker can simply repent and ask for God’s forgiveness and cleansing. The Lord promised, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God wants moral perfection of His children (Matthew 5:48) and He has made every provision that every sin may be successfully resisted and overcome by His power (Romans. 8:1–4).

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

Categories Law

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