1.6 KiB
1.6 KiB
Lord’s Day 37
101. Q. But may we swear an oath in God’s name if we do it reverently?
A. Yes, when the government demands it, or when necessity requires it, in order to maintain and promote truth and trustworthiness for God’s glory and our neighbor’s good. Such oath-taking is grounded in God’s Word1 and was rightly used by the saints in the Old and New Testaments.2
1 Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Jer. 4:1–2; Heb. 6:16 2 Gen. 21:24; Josh. 9:15; 1 Kings 1:29–30; Rom. 1:9; 2 Cor. 1:23
102. Q. May we also swear by saints or other created things?
A. No. A legitimate oath is calling upon God as the one who knows my heart to witness to the truth and to punish me if I swear falsely.1 No created thing is worthy of such honor.2
1 Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:23 2 Matt. 5:34–37; 23:16–22; James 5:12