Heidelberg Catechism: 'But may we not swear by the name of God in a religious manner?'
LORD’S DAY 37
101. But may we not swear by the name of God in a religious manner?Yes; when the magistrate requires it, or it may be needful otherwise to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to the glory of God and our neighbor’s good. For such swearing is grounded in God’s Word,1 and therefore was rightly used by the saints in the Old and New Testaments.2
1 Deut 6:13, 10:20; Jer 4:1-2; Heb 6:16; 2 Gen 21:24, 31:53; Josh 9:15; 1 Sam 24:22; 1 Kgs 1:29-30; Rom 1:9; 2 Cor 1:23
102. May we swear by the saints or any other creatures?
No. A lawful oath is a calling upon God, who alone knows the heart, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely;1 which honor is due no creature.2
1 Rom 9:1; 2 Cor 1:23; 2 Mt 5:34-37, 23:16-22; Jas 5:12
