Lord's Day 36

Question 99.

What is required in the third commandment?

Answer. That we, not only by cursing or [a] perjury, but also by [b] rash swearing, must not profane or abuse the name of [c] God; nor by silence or connivance be partakers of these horrible sins in others; and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and reverence; so that he may be rightly [d] confessed and [e] worshipped by us, and be glorified in all our words and works.

Question 100.

Is then the profaning of God's name, by swearing and cursing, so heinous a sin, that his wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavor, as much as in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?

Answer. It undoubtedly is, [f] for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God, than the profaning of his name; and therefore he has commanded this [g] sin to be punished with death.

[a]: Lev. 24:11; Lev. 19:12; Mat. 5:37; Lev. 5:4
[b]: Isa. 45:23,24
[c]: Mat. 10:32
[d]: 1Tim. 2:8
[e]: 1Cor. 3:16,17
[f]: Lev. 5:1
[g]: Lev. 24:15

Lord's Day 37

Question 101.

May we then swear religiously by the name of God?

Answer. Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or when necessity requires us thereby to confirm [a] fidelity and truth to the glory of God, and the safety of our neighbor: for such an oath is [b] founded on God's word, and therefore was justly [c] used by the saints, both in the Old and New Testament.

Question 102.

May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?

Answer. No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the only one who knows the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish me if I swear [d] falsely; which honor is [e] due to no creature.

[a]: Ex. 22:11; Neh. 13:25
[b]: Deut. 6:13; Heb. 6:16
[c]: Gen. 21:24; Jos. 9:15,19; 1Sam. 24:22; 2Cor. 1:23; Rom. 1:9
[d]: 2Cor. 1:23
[e]: Mat. 5:34,35