Vows/Oaths

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Roughsoul1991

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
#1
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
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#1
Oath definition is - 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.

Vow definition is - a solemn promise or assertion; specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition.

For those who hold a judicial seat, office in government, military, law enforcement, medical professionals, or committed to marriage, we took an oath or vow to uphold the promise we are committing to. It is our faith in God that we are held to a higher commitment.

God holds us eternally accountable. We are taught not to lie, cheat, or steal. We are to be wise, seek what is just, protect life, and be faithful to those we take the oath to serve, protect, or care for. Without the God of the Bible, what morality are we vowing to? Self? Culture? Momma? Favorite pop star? Buddha? Muhammad? Or Stalin? Who we take our vows or oaths to, makes all the difference.

A corrupt morality leads to unjust decisions, corrupt governments, law enforcement abuse, medical misuse, or broken marriages. Our words are only as valuable as the actions behind them. Vow to save a life but we take innocent life is ultimately making a mockery of such a vow/oath. Let our words have value!
 
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presidente

Senior Member
#2
May 29, 2013
9,164
1,794
113
#2
Roughsoul1991 said:
Oath definition is - 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.

Vow definition is - a solemn promise or assertion; specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition.

For those who hold a judicial seat, office in government, military, law enforcement, medical professionals, or committed to marriage, we took an oath or vow to uphold the promise we are committing to. It is our faith in God that we are held to a higher commitment.

God holds us eternally accountable. We are taught not to lie, cheat, or steal. We are to be wise, seek what is just, protect life, and be faithful to those we take the oath to serve, protect, or care for. Without the God of the Bible, what morality are we vowing to? Self? Culture? Momma? Favorite pop star? Buddha? Muhammad? Or Stalin? Who we take our vows or oaths to, makes all the difference.

A corrupt morality leads to unjust decisions, corrupt governments, law enforcement abuse, medical misuse, or broken marriages. Our words are only as valuable as the actions behind them. Vow to save a life but we take innocent life is ultimately making a mockery of such a vow/oath. Let our words have value!
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Jesus said to swear not at all. Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. James wrote above all things, swear not at all.
 
Roughsoul1991

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
#3
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#3
presidente said:
Jesus said to swear not at all. Let your yea be yea and your nay be nay. James wrote above all things, swear not at all.
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In context of culture is this the same type of oath?
 
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presidente

Senior Member
#4
May 29, 2013
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#4
Roughsoul1991 said:
In context of culture is this the same type of oath?
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As what?


The US allows people to affirm the truth in court. The standard Protestant so-called 'wedding vows' do not require the participants to say an oath, vow, to swear, etc. The husband and wife accept one another as husband and wife. I have heard Roman Catholics say that they swear to their vows.

The idea that marriage is based on husband and wife reciting a vow is not in the Bible anyway. A man would give a father the bride price for a virgin in the Bible. The Romans had a ceremony where husband and wife would stand before a priest. The bride would say, 'Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia', wearing a ring on her ring finger. Apparently, the Romans adapted their customs a bit when Christianity became the dominant religion.
 
Roughsoul1991

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
#5
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#5
presidente said:
As what?


The US allows people to affirm the truth in court. The standard Protestant so-called 'wedding vows' do not require the participants to say an oath, vow, to swear, etc. The husband and wife accept one another as husband and wife. I have heard Roman Catholics say that they swear to their vows.

The idea that marriage is based on husband and wife reciting a vow is not in the Bible anyway. A man would give a father the bride price for a virgin in the Bible. The Romans had a ceremony where husband and wife would stand before a priest. The bride would say, 'Where you are Gaius, I am Gaia', wearing a ring on her ring finger. Apparently, the Romans adapted their customs a bit when Christianity became the dominant religion.
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No in context of ancient Israel. Many believe Jesus was speaking about the use and meaning of swearing then.
 
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presidente

Senior Member
#6
May 29, 2013
9,164
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#6
Swearing oaths is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Many societies have the concept of swearing an oath.
 
Roughsoul1991

Roughsoul1991

Senior Member
#7
Sep 17, 2016
8,863
4,513
113
#7
presidente said:
Swearing oaths is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Many societies have the concept of swearing an oath.
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The word and action is but not the meaning of the word or action. Oaths are listed in the OT at least 20+ times related to the Mosiac law and people's dedication to God. Paul calls the law holy and able to edify the church. Christ taught from the law but the Jews had perverted the law. Christ fulfilled the law but the law still provides wisdom and truth on matters of morality, God's character, and living as a believer. Train up your youth and keeping God's Word all around you ( on your doorposts or gates [your life]) are OT truths.
 
stand2

stand2

Senior Member
#8
Dec 6, 2017
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#8
I'm wondering if the "sinner's prayer" is a vow or an oath. I tend to think it is a vow which creates a personal bond with Christ. My father raised us to simply remember that our word was our bond and a handshake was good enough to seal any promise.
 
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