As we confess that vain and rash swearing is forbidden Christian men by our Lord Jesus Christ and James His apostle, so we judge that the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that a man may swear when the magistrate requireth, in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done according to the prophet's teaching, in justice, judgment, and truth.

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Swearing an oath is just another way of saying that you are making a promise. As such, this Article distinguishes between the haphazard oath-swearing that the Holy Scripture forbids and the times when a vow is proper. The vows to follow Christ, to love our spouse in marriage, and to be faithful to our Church in membership are all examples of these appropriate oaths. Likewise, this Article asserts that to vow a solemn oath by promising to tell the truth in a court of law for the sake of justice and mercy, or to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, are both entirely appropriate oaths for Christians.

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Reflect on the following Biblical texts. What are your thoughts on the way they reveal this doctrine to us? Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader.

Exodus 20:1-17 (cf. Leviticus 5:4-6 / Numbers 30:1-16 / Psalm 61:1-8) 

Numbers 6:1-21 (cf. Acts 18:18-22) 

Deuteronomy 17:6-7 / Deuteronomy 19:15-20 (cf. Matthew 18:15-20 / 1 Timothy 5:19) 

Joshua 2:1-24 (cf. Micah 6:8 / 1 Thessalonians 5:20) 

Matthew 5:33-37 / James 5:12 

1 Peter 2:12-17

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Use the following questions to summarize what you have learned about this Article of Faith. Discuss your answers with your pastor/group leader. 

If taking an oath to give testimony is okay, then why does Jesus clearly say not to make a vow in Matthew 5:33-37? 

How do we properly discern when to take an oath and when not to?

How does this doctrine affect the practice of our faith? 

Notes: