Question: Dear Greg,

What do you think about swearing (I don’t mean foul language). I mean swearing on the Bible, God’s name, etc.? I hear a lot of people saying this without any regard of the significance of taking God’s name in vain. I believe the 10 Commandments are still in effect and these laws are living laws, for our own good, not to control us or have rule over us. What would this world be like without God’s laws? If I was to go to court and I refused to swear on the Bible, I would tell the truth but not swear. What would be done about this? (Matthew 5:34-35).

David

Answer: Dear David,

During the past 2000 years there have been small groups of Christians who have interpreted this passage literally – and insisted that any use of the word "swear" was disobedient to what Christ said. For this reason many nations allow such individuals to simply "affirm" their testimony or their intention when a ceremony or a courtroom calls for swearing.

The background of this passage is not about a prohibition of the use of the word "swear" – this is one of the antithetical statements that Jesus used in Matthew 5 to show his authority and superiority over the old covenant, and to point toward his own divinity.

These antithetical statements begin with a formula:

"You have heard that it was said [meaning, under the old covenant and the rabbinic teachings that had been added to the old covenant]" – and then is followed by a quote from the old covenant. Then Jesus shows that his teaching is far more demanding – far more rigorous – and that the old covenant simply focused on externals, but did not and could not focus upon the heart.

In the Old Testament swearing was allowed – so if a person lives by any of the old covenant, he should be able to swear or offer a vow. But Jesus said, under the new covenant, not to swear at all. What did he mean?

Jewish teaching at the time taught that oaths, vows and swearing that used God’s name were binding – but those that did not – were not. Jesus simply exposes the double standard in such a focus on words and externals by saying that those who follow him – Christians – are to simply say "yes" and "no" – without any formula to make such a statement true or more true. Jesus simply taught us to tell the truth at all times – under oath or not under oath. It should not be necessary for a Christian to offer an oath to convince others that they are telling the truth. Jesus is not saying the offering of an oath is a sin – but rather pointing to a higher and more profound teaching – that telling the truth at all times is a goal for Christians.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht