Q&A 101 But may we swear an oath in God's name if we do it reverently?

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 oaths are approved in God's Word¹

and were rightly used by Old and New Testament believers.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

Q&A 102 May we swear by saints or other creatures?

No.

A legitimate oath means calling upon God

as the one who knows my heart

to witness to my truthfulness

and to punish me if I swear falsely.¹

No creature 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

 

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