The oath Jesus is talking about it is in regards to men swearing by heaven or other such things that they are going to do this or that, seemingly to strengthen their word.
"Say just a simple ’Yes, I will’ or ’No, I won’t.’ Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong."
Matt 5:37 (TLB)
Absolutely correct.
This is not the same as when one swears an oath of allegiance as required by the laws of the state to be either in the military or an officer of the law. If the oath is not contradictory to your conscience and the word of God, but supporting things you firmly believe in, then you are not doing wrong to say you will uphold the laws of such and such as a police officer....so help you God.
However, here is where the problem lies. Notice the conditional statement being brought to bear here, the “if” clause i.e. “...if the oath is not contradictory to your conscience and the word of God...”
One’s conscience is, by definition, in the pit, because the heart of man is deceitfully wicked; who can know it? Conscience is, by definition, a completely arbitrary attribute of the natural man.
Thus, to say that “you are not doing wrong to say you will uphold the laws of such and such as a police officer....so help you God”, is double mindedness borne of trying to serve two masters.
So we’re back to the question of authority. To what authority do you look to, to do the things you would do? Because it is that authority to which you will indeed render (always remembering that no man can serve two masters). IOW, the separation of church and state is a lie.
Also, in a court room you are asked to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God. Is this wrong to affirm that you will tell the truth to the judge and the jury? God said, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."
Ex 20:16 (NKJV)
Imagine for a second, the believer voluntarily appearing before unbelievers for judgment! Yet such tragedy routinely occurs every day. It’s rather, “when
they bring you before the magistrates.”
By voluntarily appearing before unbelievers for judgment, you forfeit any protection you might have otherwise had via the King himself. In fact, we’re told by the King to not worry about what to say when dragged before Caesar, as he will give us those words at the appropriate time.
I’ll give you a little taste of the mess, the deception, we’ve voluntarily allowed ourselves to become entangled in.
Names, in general, are given by those in
authority to those in
subjection to that authority, to mark and note them.
God calls his servants by name (Isaiah 43:1; 45:3; John 10:3, Revelation 2:17). Everyone’s name is
sacred, it demands
respect as a sign of the
dignity of the one who bears it. Now, here’s a question for you, dear reader. Have you ever, in your entire life, "signed" your name in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS? Of course not! Haven’t you always used both upper and lower case letters to sign your name? Yes. And why is that? Because that is what you have been taught since a child. Because the standard Rule of Law governing the use of English Grammar states that the correct Capitalization of Proper Names
must begin with a capital letter, and the rest of the name
must be spelled in smaller case letters. At Law, this lets others know you are an entity
created by God, and not an entity
created by man.
Now, there are entities created by man. Corporations for example. Corporations are known as "persons" (i.e. persona, status, in Caesar's world) created by the government. They are created on a piece of paper and brought into existence by the government. To differentiate between those created by
God and those created by the
government, those created by the government have their names spelled in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. This lets others know that this entity does not have a body, soul, and spirit like man has, but that this is a
fictitious entity created for the purpose of making a profit. This is commonly known as a
legal fiction. The names of ALL corporations, when registered officially with the forum State, are required to be listed in ALL CAPS.
Now, if you look, for example, at a license or credit card or any other commercial instrument in your wallet now, you will notice the name that appears on it is spelled in all capital letters! What this means, at law, is that the entity that is named on this license is a creature of the
government, and not a creature of
God. It means that entity is a servant of
Caesar, and not a servant of
God. In order to get a license, one must
substitute one’s
lawfully spelled name for a
fictitiously spelled name; you must
deny the name given to you by
God, and
accept a name given to you by
Caesar in its place. Since your name is not spelled in all capital letters, the name that appears on a license is not yours! That strawman is not who you are. And you must
lie and say that this name is yours to get a license.
James 2:6-7, "…Do not rich men
oppress you, and draw you before the
judgment seats? Do not they
blaspheme that worthy
name by the which ye are called?"
We've been warned, from the time of the Jews who, seeking to kill Jesus, pursued him using a tactic that involved taking hold of
his words (the body snatching would follow as the intended consequence)...
And [the Jews] watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of
his words so that they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor...And they could not take hold of
his words before the people... (Luke 20:20, 26).
...to today when greedy men use
legal fictions to monetize us...
And through covetousness shall they with
feigned words make merchandise of you (2 Peter 2:3).
...to the end times merchants, who have been freely
buying and selling the souls of men...
...the merchants of the earth...mourn over [Babylon]; for no man buyeth their merchandise anymore:
the...souls of men. (Rev. 18:11, 13).]
Today's courts cannot deal with real people because, being bound by International Law and the Law of War,
such courts can only deal with fictitious persons. Thus, all parties agree to be named with a fictitious name spelled in all capital letters, and/or with a middle initial, i.e., a
nom de guerre (war name). But it's only because they are, as Oxford puts it, "engaged in some action or enterprise" ("action" has to do with war, and "enterprise" is strictly a commercial term). So to really join you to their courts, you have to be engaged in the same thing that they're engaged in, which is war or commerce (both of which has to do with plunder).
For example, all IRS forms and letters to taxpayers use a
nom de guerre by the initial in the name, and regularly violate the rules of English. They request only a middle initial, not a full name, be used on all their forms (see the instructions to any IRS form).
And what is the purpose of them doing this? Any law dictionary will confirm that the purpose of these fictions is to
give the court jurisdiction! But we must remember that when one is not engaged in carnal warfare (action) and not engaged in commerce (enterprise), the fictions that a court or government may attempt to attach to you will not "stick." When one walks according to the Spirit, in full faith, a line is drawn in the sand; the world and its things cannot and will not attach, by the Grace of God.
Fictio: "In Roman law, a fiction; an assumption or supposition of the law. Such was properly a term of pleading, and signified a false averment on the part of the plaintiff which the defendant was not allowed to traverse [challenge]…
The object of the fiction was to give the court jurisdiction."
Black's Law Dictionary, 6th edition, page 623.
Fiction: "Founded on a fiction; having the character of a fiction; pretended; counterfeit. Feigned, imaginary, not real, false, not genuine, nonexistent. Arbitrarily invented and set up, to accomplish an ulterior object [i.e., to trick the unsuspecting into submitting themselves to an unlawful court]."
Black's Law Dictionary, 6th edition, page 624.
James 2:6-7, "…Do not rich men [merchants]
oppress you, and draw you [with contracts] before the
judgment seats [courts]? Do not they blaspheme [deny, mis-spell] that
worthy name [Godly name] by the which ye are called?"
Matthew 7:6, "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
When you give that which is holy (your Godly name) to the dogs (Caesar), and cast your pearls before swine, it will be converted into something dead of the State's creation (a misnomer, a fiction) which will give standing in its courts, because the law that the State declares is the one written in
its books.
Caesar gives you a name in all capital letters, which marks you like an animal. Caesar is now
re-defining you in terms of 'the person' described in its codes, rules, and regulations. The other indicia are a birth date, address, social security number, etc. This is how the State courts acquire jurisdiction over you. Now it can proceed to tame you.
This "mask" itself is the thing that's defined in man's codes, rules, and regulations (i.e., person, human being, individual, business, corporation, partnership, organization, etc.). These terms are all a
persona, which means "the mask of the actor" (i.e., a fictional character that substitutes for the flesh and blood man). From this word
persona we get '
person,' a fictional entity created by the government. This is a necessary use of the word because Martial Law powers can only deal with fictions (i.e., persons). You're the actor when you become one of those things. You become something other than who God says you are.
Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge:"
The Christ is, in deed, seen in you and does not identify with (confirm) that character on the paper offered before the court. The surety for the fictitious person is not found; and a warrant is issued under their "testament" for the pagan, citizen, patriot, infidel, natural person, human being, or other private person having that lawless character who will ignorantly stand as surety for that fiction. The fiction has no economic value without the ignorance of the followers of Christ. Please remember that fictions are not the Way, Truth, and the Life for the minister of Christ, and it is no sin to stand mute when questioned on whether you are surety for their kingdom (Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3-5). Silence cannot be misquoted. However, you are mandated to confess Christ to avoid the malicious plans of men.
Always remember,
Confess Christ to Avoid and Justify so you may be Excused. The technique is to confess the Law of Christ to justify your lawful act(s) and to avoid the consequences of their purported law.
As to the military in swearing allegiance to your country, your Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic with the help of God, is this evil?
The word
“God” does not even appear in “the Constitution,” the State’s humanistic contract.
The founders of America (the Puritans) intended to establish a new world. They intended to create a "city on a hill," a society governed by God’s Law, giving glory to God, and spreading the gospel across the globe. The original intent of the settlers and founders of the New World was to form a Godly nation. In order to make sure that the Government would foster Christ’s teachings and not atheism, it was prohibited for any but the followers of Christ to hold political office. (If you want to create a Godly society, such a requirement only makes sense).
However...
The Founders thought more of the idea of a secular state than how to please God. The first criteria for a Christian civil government is a recognition of God as sovereign. Not only is Christ not recognized in the Constitution, there is no hint of God at all. The sovereign recognized in the Constitution is not God, it is the people, ala "
We the people..." The Constitution is a covenant but not with God.
The Founding Fathers apostatized from the Godly civil covenants of their and our forefathers. When they rejected God, they also rejected God's law. People can talk all they want to about a Christian Constitution, but they will never be able to get around the fact that God is not even mentioned in it. True, they set up a Constitutional set of laws, but what if someone decides that they no longer reflect the law of the people? What is left is no law at all but for those with power to enforce what they consider the will of the people.
To deny God as sovereign leaves man in charge, but which man? Who represents the people? Who will declare the law? That is the struggle of our nation and has resulted in millions of deaths (abortion) and economic confiscation and control on a rate that would have made ancient dictatorships look like tax havens. The Constitution was a rejection of the rule of God for the rule of man.
Scripture tells us to
test people, to see if they are of God or not.
1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but
try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
This only makes sense, when one is sincerely interested in associating with godly people, while avoiding the contamination and influence of ungodly men.
The key, however, to the rejection of the rule of God was Article VI, Clause 3, "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several state Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but
no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."
The Constitution was a rebellion against Christ and his authority over the nation, replacing it with the rule of man. The Bible warns us, "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?" (
Isaiah 2:22).
The sole purpose of constitutions is to free human beings from God's Law in order to chain them to the morality of the State dictated in its codes, rules, regulations, ordinances, statutes, public policies, executive orders, laws, etc. All constitutions were created by the fallen reason of the natural man, and are molded by the "reasonable interpretation" of human beings wearing black robes. Private rights are always weighed against the greater public good and are regulated by the "police power".
Those who thus rely upon the words of any constitution for support are leaning upon a broken reed; and their sense of security is a false one. The Constitution does not protect persons or property against unjust invasion, or prevent government control and regulation of business. After all, this depends on the interpretations and applications of the courts. Constitutional law is the morality of fascism and comes from the vain imaginations of men. It is a code, rule, or regulation for the dead thing it brings into being. Corporations are dead, at law. The United States is a Federal corporation. Thus, the United States is a dead thing.
“We are under a Constitution, but
the Constitution is what the judges say it is.”
Charles Evans Hughes, Supreme Court Justice, in Dictionary of American Maxims (1955), p. 88.
We don't find Christ there, it's men ruling other men, giving benefits to one another. And when the natural man gives a benefit to you, there's a duty attached to it. There's no “freely” giving (
Matthew 10:8) and expecting nothing in return, as scripture tells us. We are not to touch the unclean thing (
2 Corinthians 6:17), and the US Constitution is an unclean thing, based upon selfishness and commerce.
The U.S. Constitution is just a piece of paper with signatures on it. And you know what a piece of paper with signatures is:
a contract -- something that can be re-negotiated and altered at any time.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to
execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore
ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."
Romans 13:1-5 (KJV)
In Romans 13, does verse 1 say, "let every soul be subject unto all governments"? Or does it say, "let
every soul (
including governing authorities such as kings, judges, police, etc.) be subject unto the Higher Power"? Who do souls belong to? God says:
Ezekiel 18:4, "Behold,
all souls are mine."
And the second part of verse 1 tells us Who the Higher Power is: "...For there is no power
but of God."
The souls of the governmental powers belong to God, and they are
not the higher powers,
the higher powers are held by Christ himself (Matthew 28:18). Is our Lord not the higher power, then, if
all power has been committed unto him (John 17:2)? Christ is the governor among the nations (Psalms 22:28). All power over earthly kings has been given unto Him (Romans 14:9). All judgment has been given unto Him (John 5:22,27). Notice the separation of Power in Romans 13:1.
All power comes from, and belongs to, God (Psalm 62:11)
and not the one exercising it. And remember that most men, especially those constituting the "governing authorities," usually deny
that power given to Jesus (2 Timothy 3:5).
Many would say, “I was taught you have to follow the laws of man unless they interfere with Gods laws.”
There is no such requirement or teaching found in the word of God. In fact, Scripture is replete with warnings to
trust no man. Indeed, we should not trust any man including ourselves. The Holy Bible says,
"Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom" (Micah 7:5).
It also says "Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders" (Jeremiah 9:4),
"He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" (Proverbs 28:26),
"But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead" (2 Corinthians 1:9),
"Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's" (2 Corinthians 10:7),
"Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD" (Jeremiah 17:5), and finally,
"Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit." (Jeremiah 7:8)
When scripture speaks of obeying and submitting ourselves to those who have the rule over us, God’s word is not talking about heathen governments, but those "rulers" within Jesus Christ's assembly. Notice carefully this verse says these rulers "watch for your
souls." Governments of men cannot govern or watch for anyone's
souls, for they can only govern
outward acts, not the inward
being. But true spiritual leaders
do watch for our souls
Those who "have the rule over you" at Hebrews 13:17 is specifically defined a few verses earlier in Hebrews 13:7, "Remember them which
have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the
word of God: whose
faith follow, considering the end of their conversation."
As we can see, scripture itself defines these "rulers" as those who speak the word of God and have faith. Secular governments avoid, and often forbid, speaking the word of God within their system through outlawing prayer in their schools and replacing it with such unrighteousness as "the theory of evolution," and by taking down the "Ten Commandments" from their courtrooms. These are not the rulers we are to submit to.
"When Hitler’s troops came to citizen’s houses in the middle of the night to haul them off to concentration camps, torture, and death, they did nothing illegal." There is a big difference between what is "illegal" and what is morally just and right. To imply they did what is right or lawful you are wrong.
I did not imply such. What they did was legal, not Lawful. Do you understand the difference? And God’s Lawfulness has no connection with man's subjective legalise and “morals.”
To illustrate, here’s a hypothetical situation:
I have two friends. Last year, we did the democratic thing (e. g. we voted) and formed a group called "Murder Weekly." The purpose of Murder Weekly is to materially enrich ourselves. The method we have unanimously decided (i. e. voted) to utilize to accomplish that purpose is as follows. Once per week, on a rotating basis, one of our members goes out and murders someone who is not a member of our group. The spoils are brought back to the group and distributed evenly among the three of us.
I have recently decided that I no longer want to fulfill my portion of the obligation i. e. I no longer want to murder someone every third week. However, I now have a problem because our rules require that if one of our members refuses to perform his obligation, then the remaining group members are to murder that non-conforming member and divide his spoils among them.
The hypothetical situation above essentially describes the very system that governs USA today. It is a humanistic system devoid of God, civil idolatry, worship of the State.
If Murder Weekly says to kill sodomites, then all members of Murder Weekly are jointly
legally obligated to carry out that command.' Whether it's “morally right” or wrong is not your concern. Again, the relevant question to be dealt with is, "Are you a member of Murder Weekly"? Because if you are, then you WILL be required, be forced, to render unto Caesar what is due Caesar... There is literally no limit to the requirements that such a Godless government can (and eventually will) impose upon its "citizens."
I do not serve that authority. I do not give allegiance to it. I do not strike hands with heathen. I owe Caesar nothing because I take no thing from Caesar. I have nothing that belongs to Caesar (this includes the legal fiction ALL CAPS name).
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
