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In both the Old and New Testaments, oaths were regarded as an acceptable part of life. The taking of oaths was common in New Testament times. Cynics and cheats would seek to circumvent their oath by framing a non-binding oath as for Jews, God only became an active party in an oath if his name was used. The essence of New Testament teaching is not to outlaw the use of oaths, but to deplore human weakness which inclines not to tell the truth. Two New Testament deal with oaths:
Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5.33-37
Above all, my beloved, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation. The Letter of James 5.12
When James says, “Do not swear” he is not dealing with the use of bad language! He is saying that when you give your word it ought to be a matter of integrity of character rather than a form of words which binds you to keep your word. The extract from Matthew is from Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Most scholars agree that neither Matthew nor James knows the other and that the version of James is probably more original.
Article 39 of the Articles of Religion of the Church of England confirms that oaths are permitted, although rash swearing is forbidden.