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The issue of using the Bible for swearing-in ceremonies and in courtrooms is one of great controversy, and the outcome depends on whether or not the person involved is a Christian. The rules are different for Christians and non-Christians because of the Spirit that is in them and the convictions to the truth will not be the same.

A Christian should not use the Bible for swearing-in ceremonies and in courtrooms because Jesus said not to do it. In James 5:12, we are told, But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, nether by any other oath; but let your yes be yes and your no be no; lest you fall into condemnation. God has made it the responsibility of every Christian to tell the truth, whether the answer is yes or no.

He's made it very clear that Christians should not use His Word as an obstacle to swear an oath on because their words alone will either edify them or condemn them. In Matthew 15:11, Jesus says, It's not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

Christians should be held responsible to mean what they say and say what they mean. In Matthew 10:20 Jesus says, For it is not you who speaks, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Therefore, speaking the truth at all times, not just for legal issues, should be the foundation of all words spoken by Christians.

Much of the instruction given in the New Testament is directed towards believers Christians, people who have accepted the salvation of Jesus and want to follow His direction and do His will for the benefit of getting other people to follow and live better lives. Jesus expects His followers to speak the truth because He is the truth.

Jesus has put a mandate in the heart of every Christian to speak the truth and avoid facing punishment. He advises us in Romans 13:4, But if you do evil, be afraid; for He does not bear the sword in vain.

The words of Christians come from the heart and not from their imagination, and so it should flow naturally to speak the truth and not a lie because Jesus is in the heart of every believer. If Christians fall prey to speaking lies, they become convicted and often cannot proceed with the lie. Matthew 15:18 says, But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, they defile a man.

When Christians speak, this mandate of truthful words becomes part of their vocabulary, of their lifestyle and of their own mandate

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