The Lord’s Name Is Taken in Vain by Those Who Use It Profanely and by Those Who Use It without Authority
Doctrine and Covenants 63:60–62
60 Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, even Jesus Christ.
61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—
62 For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.
President Spencer W. Kimball wrote:
“As regards profanity or taking the name of the Lord in vain, the names of Deity should be used only in prayer or in dignified address or speech, and certainly never in needless or careless utterance. To use the usual swear words is bad enough—they brand one as crude and careless—but to use profanely any of the names of our Lord is absolutely inexcusable. Should one ever slip in this way he should repent in ‘sackcloth and ashes,’ the same as if he had committed any one of the other serious sins. Closely linked to this cursing is being ungodly, irreverent, profane, idolatrous or blasphemous, denying the Holy Ghost, ‘speaking evil of dignities.’
“In the category of taking the name of the Lord in vain, we might include the use by unauthorized persons of the name of Deity in performing ordinances. In modern scripture the Lord warned:
“‘Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—
“‘For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority’ (D&C 63:61–62).
“Presumptuous and blasphemous are they who purport to baptize, bless, marry, or perform other sacraments in the name of the Lord while in fact lacking His specific authorization. And no one can obtain God’s authority from reading the Bible or from just a desire to serve the Lord, no matter how pure his motives.”
(The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 54–55.)
