Why should Christians rely on the Bible as the source for morality?
Morality is how we distinguish right from wrong. The God of the universe is the standard for what is right and wrong. He created us and He knows all things;therefore, we can trust that He knows what is best for us. God's standards of morality are in the Bible, His written Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:21). As Christians, when we want to know what God's will is or what His perspective on a given moral issue is, we can find the answers in the Bible. Aside from just answers, we gain discernment and understanding that we can use moving forward. The Word is always there, always alive and providing us with fresh revelation (Hebrews 4:12).
Romans 2:12–16 talks about the law and the conscience. In part, it says, "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them." This verse demonstrates that the very idea that there is right and wrong is innate. Humans naturally understand that there is a difference, and sometimes we even naturally understand what is right. However, our innate conscience is not completely reliable. Though we were created in the image of God, that image was marred because of the fall (Genesis 1:26–27, Genesis 3). The human sin nature affects our conscience, as does our life experience. We are not reliable moral guides in ourselves. We still struggle with a sin nature, even when we are in Christ. Our natural tendency is to twist God's words to make them fit our personal preferences (2 Timothy 4:3–4). We need guidance; we need a measure to help keep us living according to God's standards. The Bible provides this for us. It keeps us on track.
If we do not rely on the Bible as our source for morality, we are left to find some other compass. The most common is societal consensus, which is ever changing. A shifting definition of morality cannot be a reliable guide. While some moral issues such as murdering or stealing are more universally accepted as being wrong, many moral issues are surrounded with conflict. For example biblical morality promotes the sanctity of life and commands against adultery, stealing, lying, and sexual immorality of any kind (Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5). The morality of the world sometimes shifts to match people's evil desires, condoning homosexuality or promiscuous living, for example. The sinful nature of the world will try to promote contrary standards of morality to those of the Bible, so we need to be confident for ourselves in what the Word says and choose to abide by that (John 15:1–17).
Upholding biblical standards of morality is what we, as Christians, are to do. Keep in mind that this is no excuse for us to behave self-righteously or condescendingly toward others. We are to work out our own salvation first (Matthew 7:1–5; Philippians 2:12–13). Jesus also taught what is now known as The Golden Rule—treat others as you wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). We must not be so prideful as to think we are exempt from being led astray by our own sinful desires (James 1:13–15). Throughout the storms of life and the moral conflicts we face, having the Bible as the source of our morality keeps our spiritual foundation strong (Matthew 7:24–25).
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