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1689 23.2 Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
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Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Section 23.2

The Name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all Holy Fear and reverence, therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious, and dreadful name; or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful and to be abhorred; yet as in matter of weight and moment for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an Oath is warranted by the Word of God; so a lawful Oath being imposed, by lawful Authority, in such matters, ought to be taken.

See also in WCF: 22.1, 22.2, 22.3, 22.4, 22.5, 22.6, 22.7 Compare: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
Matthew 5:34, 37
[34] But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, [37] Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.
James 5:12
[12] But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
Hebrews 6:16
[16] For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation.
2 Corinthians 1:23
[23] But I call God to witness against me — it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.
Nehemiah 13:25
[25] And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
See also in WCF
22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 22.7
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Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

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23.1 23.3

Chapter 23: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

The lawfulness and right taking of oaths and vows

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Section 23.1

A lawful Oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in Truth, Righteousness, and Judgement, solemnly calleth God to witness what he sweareth; and to judge him according to the Truth or falseness thereof.

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Section 23.2

The Name of God only is that by which men ought to swear; and therein it is to be used, with all Holy Fear and reverence, therefore to swear vainly or rashly by that glorious, and dreadful name; or to swear at all by any other thing, is sinful and to be abhorred; yet as in matter of weight and moment for confirmation of truth, and ending all strife, an Oath is warranted by the Word of God; so a lawful Oath being imposed, by lawful Authority, in such matters, ought to be taken.

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Section 23.3

Whosoever taketh an Oath warranted by the Word of God, ought duely to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act; and therein to avouch nothing, but what he knoweth to be the truth; for that by rash, false, and vain Oaths the Lord is provoked, and for them this Land mournes.

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Section 23.4

An Oath is to be taken in the plain, and common sense of the words; without equivocation, or mental reservation.

Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Section 23.5

A Vow which is not to be made to any Creature, but to God alone, is to be made and performed with all Religious care, and faithfulness: But Popish Monastical Vows, of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience, are so far from being degrees of higher perfection, that they are superstitious, and sinful snares, in which no Christian may intangle himself.