Forgery and God's Name
IllustrationAnalogy★★★★A FORM of forgery is the unauthorized use of someone else’s name. It is signing a document unapproved. It is caused by a name being written on a piece of paper when the actual person behind the name has not been consulted.
A person convicted of forgery can be thrown in jail due to unauthorized use of another person’s name. Businesses trademark their names. They legally establish ownership of their names so that they are in full control of their usage. Their trademarked name belongs to them.
Any other person or business desiring to use the trademark must first be licensed to do so. God’s name has been licensed to Christians to use because He’s the Lord our God. However, His license comes with a restriction.
His name can’t be used in vain.
The point
Forgery is unauthorized use of someone's name; God's name is trademarked and licensed to Christians through relationship with Him, but with restrictions—His name cannot be used in vain.