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Lord's Day 37

Topics: Third Commandment, Oath, Government, Word, Saints

101. Q.

But may we swear an oath
by the name of God
in a godly manner?
A.
Yes, when the government demands it
of its subjects,
or when necessity requires it,
in order to maintain and promote
fidelity and truth,
to God's glory and for our neighbour's good.
Such oath-taking is based on God's Word 1
and was therefore rightly used
by saints in the Old and the New Testament. 2
  • 1. Deut 6:13; 10:20; Jer 4:1, 2; Heb 6:16.
  • 2. Gen 21:24; 31:53; Josh 9:15; 1 Sam 24:22; 1 Kings 1:29, 30; Rom 1:9; 2 Cor 1:23.
102. Q.

May we also swear by saints
or other creatures?
A.
No.
A lawful oath is a calling upon God,
who alone knows the heart,
to bear witness to the truth,
and to punish me if I swear falsely. 1
No creature is worthy of such honour. 2
  • 1. Rom 9:1; 2 Cor 1:23.
  • 2. Mt 5:34-37; 23:16-22; Jas 5:12.
Copyright 2010, Standing Committee for the Publication of the Book of Praise of the Canadian Reformed Churches.
Used by permission.
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