Oaths You Have Taken

In January, we explored the significance of vows in a Christian’s life. We explored how serious it is when we make vows to God and how He views our actions when we break those vows. We also examined numerous examples of both wise and unwise vows found in the Scriptures. Jesus (later repeated in the book of James) restates this high standard in His sermon on the Mount “All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” His brother would later write, Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned (James 5:!2) Do not make promises unless you intend to keep them.

The readings from the last week of January provide insight into why God holds such a high standard for making and keeping vows.

God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? – Numbers 23:19

Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.  God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. – Heb. 6:18 – 19

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – II Peter 3:9

Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. – Joshua 21:45

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. – II Cor. 1:20

Vows matter to God because He has kept, is keeping, and will keep every promise He has made to us. He calls us to follow His example, expecting our yes to be yes and our no to be no—just as His is. Though we cannot achieve His perfection, we must strive to honor our commitments with integrity.

In The Return of the King, Tolkien presents an incredibly moving scene where, in the face of certain destruction, the Beacons of Gondor are lit, calling for aid from their neighboring ally, Rohan. When King Théoden sees the beacons, he swiftly rallies the Rohirrim, the noble warriors sworn to answer his call. As the king’s nephew, Éomer, gives the command to summon riders from across the kingdom, he passionately proclaims: “Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken, now fulfill them all!” This moment powerfully embodies the themes of honor, duty, and unwavering loyalty that define the Rohirrim.

King David gives followers of God the same charge:

Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
    to you our vows will be fulfilled! – Psalm 65:1

I will ever sing in praise of your name
    and fulfill my vows day after day. – Psalm 61:1

Followers of God have vowed their lives to God. We have promised to give up our will and submit to God’s will. We have given God our word, we must keep it.

Oaths you have taken, now fulfill them! #KeepYourWord