Biblical Ethics

Ethics and faith are inseparable. This means that what we believe shapes and directly impacts how we behave. We’re not always aware of why we have certain behaviors, but if we look close enough, and are honest with ourselves, the cause can be traced back to what we believe about ourselves, others, how we relate to the world, and most importantly, God.

With this in mind it begins to make sense why all of Paul’s and Jesus’ (along with the other NT authors) theological instruction is linked up with some sort of prescribed behavior. Paul is able to prescribe behavior and the normal Christian life based on what it is that Christ has done for us. He says things like, “Christ has forgiven you, therefore, you should be quick to forgive others.” Even the Ten Commandments prohibit adultery based on the fact that God is always faithful to his covenant promises and vows. This means that the behavior that the Bible prescribes is always consistent with God’s character.

So, the Bible is filled with instruction in the form of commands, appeals, stipulations, blessings, and even curses. The Bible often times even conveys instruction through stories that depict behavior that is both pleasing and displeasing to God. All of this prescribed behavior is tied into who God is. Obeying God’s instructions for life in human behavior will result in blessing. When we do not conform our behavior to God’s instruction, the result is curse.

Furthermore, when we enter into a saving faith relationship with Jesus, we simultaneously enter into a covenant. We enter into a covenant both with Jesus himself as well as with his covenant people and community (the church) (this, by the way, is why being an active participant within a community of faith is not only an important part of Christianity, but a necessary component of the Christian faith; there is no isolated Christianity when the entire purpose of the cross is to break down barriers and bring people together under the banner of reconciliation and love).

When we enter into covenant with Jesus and his covenant people, we have a responsibility to represent the values of the covenant community. We, as Christians, reflect the character of Christ into the world. How we act and how we behave is a testimony to the love of God, the grace of God, and the justice of God spread abroad into the world.

With this it becomes apparent that God prescribes behavior that is consistent with his character. Take the command, “Do not covet,” for example. The command not to covet stems from the reality that God, as the sovereign and just creator, has distributed things according to his will. For a believer to covet something is to suggest that God has failed to distributed things in a manner that is just. This means that the command not to covet points to both the justice and sovereignty of God.

Most of the time there is hardly an issue with seeing the good quality of Biblical ethics. It’s easy to see how committing adultry, or murder, is destructive to communities and therefore contrary to God’s nature as one who loves and supports life. The diffictulty comes in, however, when the carnal desire of humanity kicks in. When we’re wronged and want revenge. When we’re hot with anger and want retribution. When sexual desire and passion overrides the concern for the good of the community and God’s reputation. There is almost a battle between the sinful man (as Paul calls it) and the ethical behavior prescribed to Christians in the Scriptures.

The wonderful truth for us today is that we have a Helper. Christ sends us the Holy Spirit to not only know help us identify good and healthy behavior, but also to give us power to follow His holy instruction. This is the sanctified life. The life which is marked by the strong indwelling of the Holy Spirit that allows the believer to be victorious over temptaion and the old sinful man who wants to steal our holiness and love for God and neighbor.