| Author | Message | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1155 Registered: 5-2007 |
I have been looking at various commentaries on the web regarding the issue of having once made a Promise to God, Be it a simple Promise, Vow or Oath. Whatever the pretense. In the Old Testament , it was a serious matter that with few exceptions was not revocable. Then In Matthew, Jesus said do not make them. Many of the commentaries pointed out that we make a huge presumption to suppose that we can insure or confirm any decision in our finite capacity to begin with. We cannot know the future, all the facts, our own ability or even the wisdom of such decisions. In the OT , Promises were expected to be kept even if it meant life long loss or sacrifice. The lesson is , such Oaths, Vows and promises usually end up being the means by which satan can create a bondage on our lives to either cap us from further growth, to limit our blessings or freedoms or to set up a trap whereby we bring judgement upon ourselves. A chained violation. (one that presents no escape). Some views indicate that there simply is no release from a legitimate Oath or Vow. Thus to say, that one may be forgiven, but still helpd accountable to the oath or vow. My question is, we all make these vows , oaths and promises , and perhaps some of us (myself) have also made a series of promises in years past that were reasonable at the time, but later have proven to be foolish. What about: Wedding Vows, Baptism Vows to name a few? I know that we are not permitted to take an oath or vow to do a sin or to act against God's will. Plus in the OT there were situations where one was not authorized to make a promise and could be overruled by the one in authority. But in the NT era. Oaths & Vows do have a proper function. Christ , I feel made it clear that we should not make them for casual reasons or for everyday matters. That said, Do you think if God forgives for failing a Vow or Oath that He releases you from it, or does He expect you to make good as far as possible whatever the case may be? If we are also released, where is the precedent for that in scripture? The OT says that God will destroy the work of our hands for failing to keep these promises. That is a curse. A boundry. Has that been set aside? Jesus said don't do it. But He id not say what to do if you already have. Ignorance may not be an excuse from what I have seen so far. Other excuses might include, I did not know the facts, things changed, I was young, I was under duress or spoke in a moment of stress and so forth. | ||
| Asurprise Registered user Username: Asurprise Post Number: 1902 Registered: 7-2007 |
Jim; I don't know much about vows, but I do know that when a person accepts Jesus as their Savior, they are saved that moment and their sins; past, present and future are forgiven. If making and failing to keep a vow could keep people out of Heaven then Ephesians 2:8,9; 2nd Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5 and 1st John 2:12 couldn't be true! I don't know if I addressed your question, but I thought I'd mention this in case anyone was wondering.  | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 12596 Registered: 12-2003  |
Jim, Asurprise is right. When you receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, this commitment transforms and overrides all other vows you've taken. Broken vows, such as marriage, are not unforgivable sins. When we make vows as unbelievers, prior to being born again, sometimes those vows cannot be maintained when we are transferred to the kingdom of God's beloved Son. And sometimes the other party involved in a vow breaks their end of a commitment, and we cannot maintain the original pact. In all situations, we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord Jesus and offer to Him all our attachments and commitments and ask Him to bring His transforming love and wisdom and will into them. Some of them will strengthen and grow; others will be seen as opposing His will, and He Himself will rescue us from them (like our baptismal vows to Adventism). Surrender of our fear, worry, control, and failure to Him will free us to know His will. And His death paid for ALL our sin...past, present, and future! Colleen | ||
| Jim02 Registered user Username: Jim02 Post Number: 1158 Registered: 5-2007 |
Asurprise, I looked those passages up. You are saying that justifaction overrides all. What if I were saved (Having accepted Christ) before the vows, oaths, promises ? I have read some outlines regarding the idea of synergism sp a mixture or variations of justifaction plus sanctifaction = salvation. Part of that book I am reading in fact. I think that idea of plus is part of the SDA and Catholic models. I have not reached that place of conviction , though I am searching, where I can be released from the past and start over. It may be that lives can be permantely bound by obligation of our word no matter how ill concieved or foolish. Colleen, I understand about marriage and situtions we do not control. My impression is our word should mean something. God does not take it lightly. Jesus said not to make these promises. Now I know that! But I can only go so far with my own assumptions about what is already spoken. | ||
| Asurprise Registered user Username: Asurprise Post Number: 1905 Registered: 7-2007 |
Jim, since future sins are forgiven, as those verses indicate; if you sin (including vows), that sin(s) is forgiven. As long as you're looking at Ellen White (looking at SDAism is the same as looking at Ellen White, because it's BASED on her), you won't get it, because God will not bless a double minded man. So please do not look at cult's websites, books, etc.! |
