This study was first taught on May 5, 2010

Topic: God’s Standard for Oath Taking

No audio available for this study.

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Background
Two weeks ago, we saw that God’s standard for permitting divorce is that either spouse had been sexually active before the marriage; and that this was previously unknown to either. We noted, however, that the moment it is discovered that the man or woman had, prior to being married, been engaged in sexual activity, only then can there be grounds for divorce (this would essentially be on the night of the wedding). If nothing is done after the disclosure or discovery, the issue of divorce becomes mute!

We said further, that where a spouse becomes a Christian and the other is not, the Christian is not to divorce the non-Christian spouse. If, however, the non-Christian spouse chooses to leave the marriage, the Christian may try to dissuade his or her spouse against it; failing which he or she should let the spouse go. But can the Christian who is divorced in such a manner remarry? It is clear from scripture that remarriage is considered an act of adultery, except after the death of a spouse.

We observed that God hates, and is opposed to, divorce (and remarriage under such circumstances). Reconciliation is thus God’s word to every Christian in marriage. God, the Father, who is espoused to Israel by an everlasting covenant (which signifies marriage), is not divorced from her, even till this day!

To help us avoid divorce, we must submit our hearts to the Holy Spirit to deal with every hardness (stubbornness, rebellion, disobedience, etc.) therein. We saw that if we are to be able to fulfill the injunctions to wives and husbands, every form of hardness of heart must be gotten rid of.

We concluded by noting that marriage is an honourable and lifelong union, and must not be entered into in a hurry, or just because one burns with lust. Rather, it must be thoughtfully and prayerfully entered into by those concerned.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 5:33-37
According to the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, to ‘forswear’ as used in the KJV is “to take an oath to fulfill an event before the event occurs, yet being unable to fulfill the vow when the event does happen.” Our scripture text is thus admonishing Christians not to swear by anything that they do not have control over, which is pretty much everything: heaven, earth, Jerusalem, your life, the life of your child, and time inclusive.
From our scripture text, every swearing is an oath or vow. And since every oath or vow must be performed, we are admonished not to make oaths or vows. If we must for any reason, we must carefully and cautiously make them, knowing that we must perform them.
Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2-15; Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Ecclesiastes 5:1-6; James 1:19; Proverbs 29:20; 10:19; Psalm 15:1, 4b; 24:3-4; Luke 14:28-32; Proverbs 6:1-5; 22:26-27; Genesis 43:9; 44:32; Judges 11:29-39; Genesis 28:20-22; Deuteronomy 26:1-15; Genesis 22:15-18; Hebrews 6:13-18; Deuteronomy 8:18; Luke 1:67-75; Numbers 23:19; 2 Corinthians 1:15-20; James 5:12.

Conclusion
God’s standard for oath taking is simple: “Do not swear ahead of time what you may not be able to fulfill.” [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance]. Since you don’t know what may happen in the period between when the oath is taken and when it is to be performed, do not make vows! If you have made any vow in the past, however, please do not delay to perform it. Talk to God about it and ask for His help in performing your oath or fulfilling your vow or promise.

Swearing by people or things that you do not have control over is forbidden for the Christian; and this includes anything to do with any life form, nature, and time. And in any case, every vow or oath must be promptly discharged, including appointments, guarantees, debts owed, etc.; even if it means that it will cost you all, including your life! For this reason, Christians must listen carefully, and not be hasty to speak. We must literally, sit down to count the cost (and even sleep over matters) before making promises. Oath taking, even as an elected officer or a political appointee, must be taken seriously, lest you sin against God, when you are found to be unable to perform what you had sworn to. The same holds true in civil oath taking such as Age Declaration, Affidavits, testifying in court, etc.

The Christians code of living as it concerns oath taking, vows, and promises should be: listen carefully, think deeply, and tread cautiously, before you utter any word (spoken or written). If you must speak, let your words be few and relevant. We must note that non-performance of our oaths and vows is one of the factors that can take us away from God’s presence. God does not Himself say things that He is unable to do, or that He does not intend to do. This is why we have confidence in His word. And if we are indeed His children, then our word should be our bond, no matter the intervening circumstances: let us learn the lessons of the hasty vow of Jephthah.

May the Lord help us all, Amen.

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