As this congregation approaches being particularized, we’ve explained that once that formally takes place at presbytery, it will be followed by the administering of membership vows to you all as the congregation. Our elders will also make vows to serve you all. At presbytery, our delegates will take vows on behalf of this body. There will be a flurry of vow taking. So, lets consider the meaning and importance of solemn vows.
In Israel of old, when you made a vow–whether small or great––to the Lord it was expected that you’d fulfill that oath. If you couldn’t fulfill the oath, you were obligated to bring a set amount of money to the temple; which was put to use maintaining the temple (Lev. 21:1-8). That’s one way to fund a building project! This law underscores for God’s people that what you say matters.
Every idle word will be judged (Mt. 12:36), which means our solemn vows before God ought to be considered with great weight and sobriety. Because, we live God’s covenant world. We live in the new covenant reality of Christ’s redemptive work. Our baptism is God’s covenant word of grace to us. Our marriages are established by covenant vows to each other. Children are born into covenant homes. Elected officials take oaths of office. Pastors take ordination vows. Members take membership vows. All of this is done before the God who hears our words and sees our hearts.
You can’t cross your fingers behind your back and claim it didn’t count. Your every word matters. When your words are used to vow, your words matter even more. Which is why our Lord taught us to let our yes be yes and our no be no. We’re called to be people of the Word. Therefore, our words should ever be words of sober-minded truth and sincerity, springing from regenerate hearts.
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