Did you know there is one sin men commit when God says just that, “He’s guilty as charged?” No, it is not the sin of murder, nor idolatry. It is not the sin of adultery. “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.” (Exodus 20:7). That is the sin where God says, “He’s guilty as charged!” The New International Version makes it a bit clearer: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”
Note well, “God will not hold ANYONE guiltless who misuses his name.” I know of no greater way to misuse God’s name than to use it in anger as a curse word. What a shallow, thoughtless way to use the name of Almighty God? I can think of no more despicable way to display an irreverent and disrespectful attitude toward one’s creator.
God warns “EVERY transgression and act of disobedience receives a just punishment.” (See Hebrews 2:2). But God in His great mercy delays the punishing of sin in a believer, allowing the offender ample time to repent and forsake their sinful way. If they do so, then the punishment thereof is placed on the Lord Jesus Christ and the guilty party goes free. If they do not confess and forsake their sin, then chastening from the Lord is as certain as the rising sun. If their continued sin does not bring corrective punishment, then the sinner is adjudged and pronounced a false convert. (See Hebrews Chapter 12).
A word to the wise is sufficient. A word to the rebel suffices only to stir greater anger in the heart of the sinful one. God help us all to understand.
Christ’s Faithful Servant (Galatians 1:10-12),
Donald Wiley