Sondag 37
Vraag 101: Mag ‘n mens in die Naam van God ‘n eed sweer op ‘n heilige manier? Antwoord: Ja, wanneer die owerheid dit van sy onderdane eis, of wanneer dit andersins nodig is om trou en waarheid tot eer van God en heil van die naaste te bevestig en te bevorder¹. Sulke eedswering is gegrond op die Woord van God² en daarom deur die heiliges in die Ou en Nuwe Testament reg gebruik³.
Skrifverwysings: 1: Deuteronomium 6:13; Jeremia 4:2 2: Jesaja 65:16 3: Abraham in Genesis 21:24; Paulus in Romeine 1:9
Vraag 102: Mag ons ook by die heiliges of by enige ander skepsel sweer? Antwoord: Nee, want ‘n regmatige eed is ‘n aanroeping van God, dat Hy as die enigste Kenner van die hart die waarheid bevestig en my straf as ek vals sweer¹. So ‘n eer kom geen skepsel toe nie².
Skrifverwysings: 1: 2 Korintiërs 1:23 2: Matteus 5:34-37
Lord’s Day 37
Question 101: May we then swear reverently by the name of God? Answer: Yes, when the magistrate requires it, or when it may be needful otherwise, to maintain and promote fidelity and truth, to the glory of God and our neighbour’s good.¹ For such swearing is grounded in God’s Word² and was therefore rightly used by the saints in the Old and New Testaments.³
Scripture References: 1: Deuteronomy 6:13; Jeremiah 4:2 2: Isaiah 65:16 3: Abraham in Genesis 21:24; Paul in Romans 1:9
Question 102: May we also swear by the saints or any other creatures? Answer: No, for a lawful oath is a calling upon God, as the only Searcher of hearts, to bear witness to the truth, and to punish me if I swear falsely;¹ which honour is due to no creature.²
Scripture References: 1: 2 Corinthians 1:23 2: Matthew 5:34–37