Oaths, Vows, Promises, Etc

[Stacysa]

What actually defines an oath or a vow? Is it possible we make them without meaning to or realizing it? While it’s usually blasphemy to start a sentence with “I swear to God” or “I’ll be d**med if”, do we bind ourselves to what comes afterwards when these phrases are, in this culture, usually bad habits that are the result of thoughtlessness and anger?

If so and these count, what if we are binding ourselves to sin? There are a few examples in the Old Testament of unfortunate oaths and how the maker did or tried to follow through despite the harm to others (Jephthah, King Saul). And there are certainly vows the church today insists we keep even if we regret them (ex. marriage in some circumstances). Are we to keep the oath of sin lest we be d**med, or if we ask for forgiveness from the blasphemy and outburst of anger, can we be released from the oath?

Examples:
“I swear to God if I don’t get this promotion I’ll throw myself off a bridge!”
“I’ll be d**med if I cook another meal for this ungrateful family!”

 

[Stacysa]

Bumping up since I may have posted this too late at night

 

[Batman2.0]

If you maid the oath in a sinful way, I doubt God would bind you to it. I believe that God would not want you to throw yourself off of a bridge if you blindly promised to do so. God would not bind you to an oath that demanded you to sin against him. We should NEVER follow through with sin; sin cannot “fulfill oaths.”

As for profanity, don’t use it.

 

[Bluebright]

Well I’m no expert but a vow is usually something made in a context (at least these days) where we say a prescript not something we do ourselves, like a marital vow or a religious vow. A vow is of course a promise to God. A promise is something made between men(include the term women) or groups of men, not less serious or solemn but it’s not to God specifically. I was told interestingly that priests make promises whilst religious make vows. Now oaths I am not sure of. But I do think you should avoid making them of your own accord except for court and for jobs that require them. Most court oaths have an option for a religious swearing to tell the truth. You should certainly avoid any taking if the Lords name in vain such as mentioned.
We are to swear allegiance to Jesus first and foremost.

As to being released from vows etc. Common sense applies when you’ve taken the vow, promise properly and its different for each. Not to be entered into lightly. If it us those you mentioned which are sins no there us no vow etc. and confession will suffice. Years of formation or preparation etc. preceed a promise etc of any serious or binding nature.