Lord’s Day 37 Themes and Divisions

E. Kampen

As Christians guided by a Reformed Word and worldview we will not hesitate to swear oaths

We will consider how we come to this guided by:

1. A Reformed Word view

2. A Reformed world view

Bible readings: Numbers 30, Matthew 5:33-37, Romans 13:1-7

W. Bredenhof

The Third Commandment addresses our use of oaths

We’ll look at the use of:

1. Legitimate oaths

2. Illegitimate oaths

Bible readings: Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Matthew 26:57-75

C. Stam

The confession that the oath must be used to maintain and promote fidelity and truth

1. The special character of the oath

2. The two-fold purpose of the oath

Bible readings: Matthew 5:33-37, Matthew 26:57-64

B. Holwerda

The problem of the oath

1. The grace in the oath

2. The poverty of the oath

3. The triumph of the oath

Bible reading: Matthew 5:17-37

R. H. Bremmer

The great importance of the oath

With that in mind we will consider:

1. The oath in the Holy Scriptures

2. The oath in society

3. The oath in the church

Bible readings: Genesis 24:1-9, Matthew 5:33-48

J. Beeke

The Christian oath

1. Its historical context

2. Its scriptural legitimacy

3. Its experiential reality

Bible reading: Hebrews 6:9-20

S. t’Hart

Protect the honour of God’s name through the right use of the oath

1. The need for the oath

2. The significance of the oath

Bible readings: Deuteronomy 10, 2 Corinthians 1:12-24, Hebrews 6:9-20

J. Kok

The oath

1. Is necessary because of sin

2. May be used to maintain the truth

3. Must be done according to God’s will

Bible reading: Hebrews 6:17-18

The godly swearing of oaths

It is:

1. According to the will of God

2. In the Name of God

3. To the glory of God

Bible reading: Matthew 5:33-38

The oath

1. Its character

2. Its foundation

3. Its purpose

Bible reading: Isaiah 45:23

G. Van Popta

Vows must be fulfilled

1. We make our vows to God

2. Examples of vows in church life

3. Why vows must be kept

Bible reading: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

E. Rupke

Christian hope is anchored in God’s oath

1. God’s oath is the end of all discussion

2. God’s oath provides encouragement

3. God’s oath guarantees salvation

Bible readings: Genesis 22:1-19, Hebrews 6:13-20