Today’s devotion comes from James 5:12.
“But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.” James 5:12.
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Oath is defined in part as “a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says”.
Oaths are often pompous, filled with man’s pride and pageantry. Oaths are often about trivial, even irreverent matters, and yet they dare invoke God’s holy name.
With singular focus, today’s Scripture rightly commands us to avoid oaths: “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath …” Verse 12. Instead of oaths, we are commanded to speak the humble, simple truth: “… your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.” Verse 12.
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.” Matthew 5:33-37.
Although neither today’s Scripture nor Matthew 5:33-37 expressly refers to the third commandment, the following part of the Heidelberg Catechism teaches us that part of the reason why we should not makes oaths comes from the third commandment which is: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” Exodus 20:5.
Question 99. What is required in the third commandment?
Answer. That we, not only by cursing or perjury, but also by rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence; so that he may be rightly confessed and worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.
Question 100. Is then the profaning of God’s name, by swearing and cursing, so heinous a sin, that his wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?
Answer. It undoubtedly is, for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God, than the profaning of his name; and therefore he has commanded this sin to be punished with death.
However, the Heidelberg Catechism also teaches us that there are times when we may swear religiously by the name of God.
Question 101. May we then swear religiously by the name of God?
Answer. Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm fidelity and truth to the glory of God, and the safety of our neighbor: for such an oath is founded on God’s word, and therefore was justly used by the saints, both in the Old and New Testament.
Question 102. May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?
Answer. No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the only one who knows the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish me if I swear falsely; which honor is due to no creature.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 