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NASB | Matthew 5:34 "But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 5:34 "But I say to you, do not make an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God; |
Subject: Is it wrong to swear or take an oath? |
Bible Note: It would be extremely hard to convince the Mennonite community that Matthew 5:34 is not meant universally. In the Biblical languages, truth is related to faithfulness- faithfulness to the facts (speaking truth) as well as faithfulness in relationships (being true). Speaking the truth in love in the Christian community shows our commitment to right relationships as well as to accurate speech. The Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition has applied Jesus' words against taking oaths in these ways: in affirming rather than swearing in courts of law and in other legal matters, in a commitment to unconditional truth telling and to keeping one's word, in avoiding membership in oath-bound or secret societies, in refusing to take oaths of allegiance that would conflict with our ultimate allegiance to God through Christ, and in avoiding all profane oaths. Jesus' counsel to tell the truth without oaths and to be true in our relationships applies to family life, business dealings, advertising, and other agreements we make. Nolan |