2LCF Chapter 23 - Of Lawful Oaths and Vows

Cameron Porter

The lawful use of oaths and vows — their definition, sanctity, necessary care, and required clarity — is examined through 2LCF Chapter 23 against the backdrop of three historical abuses: Roman Catholic monastical vows, state imposition on conscience, and the Anabaptist and Quaker rejection of oaths altogether. The chapter is read in full and then expounded paragraph by paragraph, demonstrating from Deuteronomy, Matthew 5, Matthew 26, and Hebrews 6 that oaths are a legitimate element of religious worship reserved for matters of weight and moment, taken only in the name of God with holy fear and reverence. The session concludes by connecting the call to truthfulness with the person of Christ, who as the only one who ever spoke in perfect truth, stands as the substitute for those who break their word.