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Is It Ok To Swear On Bible And Lie. Series
Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 3, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: The act of swearing on a book is not the most crucial aspect, but rather the ceremony is meant to emphasize the seriousness of the witness's promise to speak the truth, making them aware of the importance of honesty.
I want to talk to you about a topic that may seem trivial to some, but it’s essential for our spiritual growth. Swearing on the Bible, some may see it as a harmless act, but let me tell you, it’s wrong and sinful.
In Matthew 37:5–33, Jesus teaches us, “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfil to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all… Simply let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no’; anything more comes from the evil one.”
Swearing on the Bible is a form of oath-taking, which Jesus explicitly warns us against. It’s a way of trying to add credibility to our words, but it’s a prideful act that undermines our faith in God’s truth. When we swear on the Bible, we’re essentially saying that our word isn’t enough, and we need to rely on something external to validate it.
But as Christians, we know that our yes and no should be enough. Our word should be our bond, backed by our integrity and honesty. Swearing on the Bible not only violates Jesus’ teaching but also desecrates the sacredness of the Word of God.
Specifically, swearing falsely on the Bible. This is a grave offense, and one that God takes very seriously.
In Leviticus 19:12, God commands, “Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.” And in Numbers 30:2, we read, “When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word. He must do everything he said.”
In Psalm 139:20, David says, “They speak against you wickedly and blaspheme your name.” And in Leviticus 24:10–16, God commands, “If anyone curses their God, they are to be held accountable.”
Cursing God is a sin, a serious offense against our Creator. It’s a manifestation of our depraved hearts, a sign of our rebellion against God’s sovereignty. When we curse God, we’re essentially saying that He’s not good, that He’s not in control, that He’s not worthy of our trust.
But God is holy, just, and merciful. He deserves our praise, our worship, and our reverence. When we curse God, we’re not only sinning against Him, but we’re also harming ourselves. We’re poisoning our own souls, and opening ourselves up to the enemy’s attacks.
Swearing falsely on the Bible is a sin, and it profanes the name of God. It’s a violation of the third commandment, and it shows a lack of respect for the holiness of God. When we swear falsely on the Bible, we’re not only lying, but we’re also using God’s name to justify our lies.
God takes this sin seriously and warns us that if we swear falsely on the Bible, we will face consequences. In Deuteronomy 28:15–68, God promises blessings for obedience, but curses for disobedience. And in Psalm 101:5, David declares, “Whoever secretly slanders their neighbour, I will silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not tolerate.”
Let us be mindful of our speech and actions. Let us simply say yes or no, and mean it. May our words be trustworthy, and our faith in God’s truth be unwavering. Let us remember the gravity of swearing on the Bible. Let us speak truthfully, and honor God’s name.