Matthew 5:33-37
“Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.’ But I say to you, take no oath at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God, nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, nor by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING. Nor shall you take an oath by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. But make sure your statement is, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil origin.”
My legalistic former self was surprised this was in the bible. Vows went along with my mindset. In my mind one couldn’t do enough for God. Then Jesus says, “make no oath at all”. I didn’t get it. In my mind I know Jesus is right, but my legalistic ways don’t. My flesh tells me I should do more.
Jesus’ sacrifice atoned for our sins and placed us in a right relationship with God. We didn’t do anything to achieve this. It’s all God’s grace. We don’t do any thing to maintain it. That’s where my problem comes in. Granted we do have to accept Jesus as lord. We do have to walk in obedience to Him. But that doesn’t gain our good standing. That’s a little complicated, but true.
Back to Jesus words about not making vows. As far as I know the Old Testament didn’t encourage vows, but said that they should be kept if made. Numbers 30:2 is an example, “If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised.” But in the New Testament Jesus tells us not to make them. While the Old Testament God and the New Testament God is the same, He presents Himself differently.
God did this because one must know that they are sinful before God’s gift of forgiveness can be accepted. They Old Testament gave the Law as a standard of what God accepted. While the Law was to be kept, it wasn’t possible to do so. The people were to go to God and make a sacrifice. It was to be in their mind that they were justified because of the sacrifice, not keeping the Law. We need to be clear that we are right with God because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Not our walking in obedience.
God’s grace fills the New Testament. Jesus goes a step further and tells the people not to make a vow. We are off the hook. Their isn’t a need to do so.
Years ago I joined some friends at their church’s mens retreat. The pastor taught on making vows to God. He encouraged us to do so. I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to raise my hand and bring up this scripture. I didn’t. This church has a reputation for being very studious about bible study and being very zealous in their service for God. I learned that day that it was legalistic.
Lord, thank You that we don’t have to make vows. Your grace did what was necessary to be right with You. Your message of grace is so freeing. Help us to walk in it.