6:16
Now this verse is a lesson in how interpret Scripture. So called “literal” interpretations can be nothing of the sort, and paying no regard to context can cause needless problems. Elsewhere Jesus has spoken against swearing by someone or something else (Matt 5:33-37), here the writer speaks positively about oaths. Are they in contradiction? Not at all. Jesus was stressing the importance of simply speaking the truth, living and speaking consistently. Here the writer is stressing the importance and validity of a promise. When people speak under oath it stresses the importance and veracity of what is about to be said. There no ifs or buts.
6:17
Where did God make the “oath”? It is when He said “I will surely bless you”, rather than “I will bless you”. The circumstances said there was no way this was going to happen. God said it most certainly was going to happen. God was in no doubt, He wanted the people to be in no doubt either. God does not want us to have doubts. Now this does not mean we won’t have the questioning and doubts that we all go through, but the goal is that come to full assurance of hope. We can rely completely upon God’s promises.
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