Lord’s Day 37
Q101. May we make a promise using God's name if we do it respectfully?
Yes, when the government requires it, or when it is necessary to uphold truth and trustworthiness for God's glory and our neighbor's good. The Bible allows such oaths and believers in both the Old and New Testament used them rightly.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Deuteronomy 6:13
“Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.”
Deuteronomy 10:20
“Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.”
Jeremiah 4:1–2
“If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove. And thou shalt swear, The LORD liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.”
Hebrews 6:16
“For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation to them an end of all strife.”
Genesis 21:24
“And Abraham said, I will swear.”
Joshua 9:15, 19
“And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them. But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.”
2 Samuel 3:35
“And when all the people came to cause David to eat meat while it was yet day, David sware, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or ought else, till the sun be down.”
Romans 1:9
“For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;”
2 Corinthians 1:23
“Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
When is it acceptable to make a promise using God's name?
- 2
Why do you think the Bible allows oaths in serious situations but warns us against swearing casually?
- 3
What does it tell us about God that he cares about truthfulness?
Illustration
In a courtroom, a witness puts a hand on the Bible and promises to tell the truth. That is a solemn moment because the person is calling on God as a witness. The seriousness of the setting matches the seriousness of using God's name.
Application
Practice being a person of your word this week. When you say you will do something, follow through. Because God values truthfulness, keeping small promises trains you to take all promises seriously.