Oaths and Vows

What Is a Lawful Oath?

An oath solemnly calls God to witness that what we say is true. We must never use his name lightly.

People take oaths in court and sometimes in public office. Scripture also records lawful appeals to God as witness (Genesis 24:2-9 (opens in a new tab), Hebrews 6:13-17 (opens in a new tab)). Westminster Confession 22 (opens in a new tab) teaches that an oath is an act of religious worship and must be taken with reverence, truth, judgment, and righteousness.

Jesus forbids rash and dishonest swearing and requires plain truthful speech (Matthew 5:33-37 (opens in a new tab)). James gives the same warning (James 5:12 (opens in a new tab)). The Confession understands these commands as prohibitions of sinful swearing, rather than a rejection of all solemn lawful oaths. The apostle Paul called God to witness in a solemn matter (2 Corinthians 1:23 (opens in a new tab)).

When Must an Oath Be Refused?

No oath may bind a person to sin. If an office requires a promise that conflicts with allegiance to Christ, the Christian mustn't take it. An oath's solemnity doesn't make an unlawful promise good (WCF 22.3-4 (opens in a new tab)).

Don't enter an oath without understanding its terms. A Christian must speak truthfully in ordinary conversation, contracts, and testimony. Swearing can't repair dishonesty of heart. It adds the weight of an appeal to God and makes falsehood more serious.

What Is a Religious Vow?

A vow is a solemn promise made to God concerning lawful duties and things within his providence (WCF 22.5-7 (opens in a new tab)). Scripture warns against careless vows (Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 (opens in a new tab)). An obligation made to God mustn't be treated as an emotional gesture that can be forgotten tomorrow.

The Confession rejects monastic vows of perpetual single life, professed poverty, and regular obedience as higher states of perfection. Those aren't Christian obligations appointed by God. We must never promise an unlawful thing or make a vow that depends on strength we don't possess.

What About Church Membership Vows?

A profession of faith and a lawful commitment to live under the church's oversight are solemn matters. Their wording and administration belong to the church's lawful officers, and a candidate should understand what he is promising. Don't borrow membership vows from another denomination and pretend they're binding words of the original Westminster Confession.

Before making such promises, speak with your elders about the requirements of your own congregation and examine them by Scripture. Read Church Membership and Visiting and Joining an RP Church for practical help.