Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, oaths hold significant importance as solemn promises or affirmations made before God, often invoking His name as a witness to the truthfulness of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions. The lawful purpose of oaths is deeply rooted in the desire to uphold truth and integrity within the community of God's people.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides numerous instances where oaths are employed to affirm truth and establish trust. In Deuteronomy 6:13, the Israelites are instructed, "Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name." This directive underscores the sanctity of oaths, emphasizing that they should be made in the name of the Lord, thereby invoking His authority and presence as a witness. Oaths were often used to confirm covenants and agreements. For example, in Genesis 21:23-24, Abraham swears an oath to Abimelech to deal truthfully and kindly, highlighting the role of oaths in ensuring honesty and fidelity in relationships. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 20:16-17, Jonathan and David make a covenant before the Lord, with Jonathan swearing an oath to protect David, demonstrating the use of oaths in solidifying commitments and alliances. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of oaths in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37, He teaches, "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.' But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor should you swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." Jesus' teaching emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity without the need for oaths. His instruction suggests that one's word should be sufficient, reflecting a life of honesty and reliability that does not require additional affirmation through oaths. Apostolic Teachings The apostle James reiterates Jesus' teaching in James 5:12, stating, "Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,' so that you will not fall under judgment." This reinforces the call for Christians to live with such integrity that their simple affirmation or denial is trustworthy. Lawful Use of Oaths While the New Testament encourages a life of integrity that transcends the need for oaths, it does not entirely prohibit their use. The lawful purpose of oaths remains in situations where they serve to affirm truth and ensure accountability, particularly in legal or formal settings. Hebrews 6:16 acknowledges, "Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument." In this context, oaths continue to serve a lawful purpose by providing a means to resolve disputes and establish trust, especially in matters requiring formal validation. The key is that oaths should be made with reverence, truthfulness, and a recognition of God's presence as the ultimate witness to one's words. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:16For men truly swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Covenanting a Duty. A Table of the Chief Things. On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. The Morality of the Gospel. Exposition of the Moral Law. Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ... Directions to Sinners. Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... Resources Is it wrong to swear to God? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus rebuke the scribes and Pharisees so harshly in Matthew 23:13 36? | GotQuestions.org Oaths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Any Particular Act Oaths used for Binding to Performance of Sacred Duties Oaths used for Confirming Covenants Oaths used for Deciding Controversies in Courts of Law Oaths used for Pledging Allegiance to Sovereigns Oaths: Custom of Swearing by the Life of the King Oaths: Expressions Used as As the Lord Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as As Thy Soul Liveth Oaths: Expressions Used as Before God I Lie Not Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Fear of Isaac Oaths: Expressions Used As by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God do So to Thee, and More Also Oaths: Expressions Used as God is Witness Oaths: Expressions Used as I Call God for a Record Oaths: Expressions Used as I Charge You by the Lord Oaths: Expressions Used as The Lord do So to Me, and More Also Oaths: God Used, to Show the Immutability of his Counsel Oaths: Judicial from of Administering Oaths: Often Accompanied by Placing the Hand Under the Thigh of The Oaths: Often Accompanied by Raising up the Hand Oaths: Rash: The Jews Who Sought to Kill Paul Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for False Oaths: The Jews: Condemned for Profane Oaths: The Jews: Fell Into Many Errors Respecting Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take False Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take in the Name of Any Created Thing Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take Rash, or Unholy Oaths: The Jews: Forbidden to Take, in Name of Idols Oaths: The Jews: Generally Respected the Obligation of Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Falsely Taking Oaths: The Jews: Often Guilty of Rashly Taking Oaths: The Jews: To Take, in Truth, Judgment Oaths: The Jews: To Use God's Name Alone In Oaths: The Lawful Purpose of, Explained Oaths: To be Taken in Fear and Reverence Related Terms |
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