--- title: "Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows | RP Testimony" description: "Chapter 22 of the RP Testimony: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows. Read the 2026 RPCNA Constitution text, Scripture proofs, and the corresponding Westminster Confession chapter." canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/" source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=73" --- # Chapter 22: Of Lawful Oaths and Vows | RP Testimony 1. There is scriptural warrant for swearing with the hand uplifted. Christians should avoid all superstitious or pagan customs in taking an oath. Heb. 6:16-18; Gen. 14:22; Deut. 10:20; Ex. 6:8; Rev. 10:5-6. 2. Those Scripture passages warning against taking oaths are to be understood as forbidding profane swearing, or the use of an oath to deceive or to escape one’s duty. Matt. 5:33-37; Jas. 5:12; cf. Mark 7:6-13. 3. The administrator of an oath, whether civil or ecclesiastical, ought to explain the meaning of the oath, and administer it with suitable solemnity. The well-being of individuals and of society requires that the administrator of an oath know and fear God and understand its nature. Oaths should be administered only to those who understand their meaning. Eccl. 9:2; Deut. 6:13; Josh. 9:15, 19; cf. 2 Sam. 21:1-14. 4. An oath is a confirmatory act calling God to witness the performance of a promise. An oath may confirm a vow or a covenant. Num. 30:1-4; Ps. 132:2-5; Josh. 9:16-27; 2 Chron. 15:12-15. 5. A vow in Scripture is an act of voluntary dedication to God of one’s person, goods or service. A vow is usually made by an individual. Lev. 27; Num. 6; Deut. 23:21-23; cf. Num. 21:2; Nah. 1:15. 6. While it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the uses in Scripture of the words “vow” and “covenant,” a covenant that men make with God differs from a vow in that it is a corporate act of pledging obedience to what God has commanded in His covenant. Gen. 28:20-22; Num. 21:2; Deut. 23: 21-23; Josh. 24:24-25; 2 Chron. 34: 29-32. 7. God has established two covenants with men: the Covenant of Works and the Covenant of Grace (see chap. 7). In accomplishing the Covenant of Grace God made covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel at Sinai (renewed in the plain of Moab), and with David; these were fulfilled in the new covenant by Jesus Christ. Gen. 2:17; Gen. 9:1-17; Gen. 12:1-3; Ex. 24:3-11; Deut. 29—30; 2 Sam. 7: 5-16; Jer. 31:31-34. 8. God’s covenants require obedience of all men whether they acknowledge their obligation or not. God’s people, individually and corporately, respond to His covenants by solemnly promising to be the Lord’s and to keep His commandments. The Old Testament sacraments, such as circumcision, passover and the feast of tabernacles, were means of entering into and periodically renewing Israel’s covenant. Likewise, the sacraments of the New Testament are ordinances for entrance into and renewal of covenant union with God. In addition to these prescribed times of covenant celebration, God’s people under the old covenant engaged in corporate acts of repentance and renewal in relation to the transgression of specific commandments or to general apostasy from God. Scripture calls such acts “covenants.” Gen. 17:10; Lev. 23:3-10 with John 19:36 and 1 Cor. 5:7-8; Matt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Josh. 24:24-25; 2 Chron. 15:2, 8-15; 2 Chron. 23:16; 2 Chron. 34:29-32; Neh. 9-10. 9. Covenanting in the New Testament takes the form of confessing Christ and His Lordship. In view of the continued emphasis of the covenantal relationship of God to men in the New Testament, it is appropriate for churches and nations to covenant to be the Lord’s and to serve Him. The statements or documents produced in these acts of covenant response are dependent upon the Covenant of Grace. They are statements of responsibility arising from the application of the Word of God to the times in which they are made. Such covenants have continuing validity in so far as they give true expression to the Word of God for the times and situations in which believers live. Isa. 45:23 with Rom. 14:11 and Phil. 2:11; Jer. 31:31 with Heb. 8:6-13; Ex. 19:5-6 with 1 Pet. 2:9-10. ## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13) These explanations are separate from the official text above. Words to knowOathA solemn statement or promise that calls God as witness to its truth.VowA serious, voluntary promise of dedication to God.MonasticRelated to life in a religious community such as a monastery.CovenantA relationship God establishes with promises and responsibilities.Covenant of graceGod’s promise to save his people through Jesus Christ, received by faith. ### Testimony 22.1 Raising a hand when taking an oath has biblical support. Christians should avoid pagan or superstitious practices in oath-taking. [Read original point 1 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-1) ### Testimony 22.2 Biblical warnings about oaths forbid irreverent swearing, deception, and attempts to avoid our duties, rather than every lawful oath. [Read original point 2 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-2) ### Testimony 22.3 An oath should be explained and administered seriously by someone who understands accountability to God. The person taking it must understand its meaning too. [Read original point 3 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-3) ### Testimony 22.4 An oath calls God to witness a promise and may confirm a vow or a covenant. [Read original point 4 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-4) ### Testimony 22.5 A vow is a voluntary dedication of yourself, possessions, or service to God, usually made by an individual. [Read original point 5 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-5) ### Testimony 22.6 A covenant response is a group’s solemn promise to obey what God has commanded. This distinguishes it from an individual vow of dedication. [Read original point 6 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-6) ### Testimony 22.7 The covenant of grace unfolds through God’s covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David, and is fulfilled in Jesus’ new covenant. This connects the Bible’s covenant history. [Read original point 7 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-7) ### Testimony 22.8 God’s people should respond to his promises by trusting and obeying him, turning from sin, and renewing their commitment. Baptism marks entry into his covenant people, and the Lord’s Supper marks renewal. The Bible also describes special times when God’s people made promises together. [Read original point 8 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-8) ### Testimony 22.9 Churches and nations may publicly pledge to serve Christ. These promises respond to God’s covenant of grace and remain binding insofar as they faithfully apply his Word to their circumstances. [Read original point 9 and its Scripture proofs →](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/#point-9) ### Talk about it Why should we take promises made before God seriously? ### Discuss and remember Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about. - Why should people be able to trust our words? - What should we consider before making a serious promise? #### Scripture to remember Matthew 5:37 [Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Matthew%205%3A37) Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week. #### Put it into practice Practice giving an honest answer even when it is difficult. [Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/) Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=73) ## Related reading - [Keeping the Lord’s Day](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/lords-day/) - [Westminster Confession of Faith · Chapter 21: Of Religious Worship, and the Sabbath Day](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/) - [Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/shorter-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-end-of-man/) - [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-1-what-is-the-chief-and-highest-end-of-man/) - [Find teaching on worship](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=worship) - [Westminster Confession · Chapter 22](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/) - [Chapter 21](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-21-religious-worship-and-the-sabbath-day/) - [Chapter 23](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-23-civil-magistrate/) Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-22-lawful-oaths-and-vows/