Ethics, and grace

Ethical conduct on the part of believers rests upon both the grace of God and human obedience.

People are unable to fulfil the law of God without divine grace

Matthew 15:19 parallel Mark 7:21–22Romans 7:14–15 See also Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 8:46; Psalm 51:5, Psalm 64:6; Isaiah 53:6; Romans 1:21, Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22; 1 John 1:8

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander.

We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do.

Ethical conduct also depends on human obedience

Deuteronomy 26:16; Philippians 2:12 See also Deuteronomy 4:40, Deuteronomy 6:17; Joshua 1:8, Joshua 22:5; 1 Kings 2:3, 1 Kings 11:38; 2 Kings 17:13; Jeremiah 7:23; Matthew 5:48, Matthew 7:21, Matthew 19:17; Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Peter 1:5–7, 2 Peter 3:14; 1 John 3:3

The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these statutes and ordinances. You must be careful to follow them with all your heart and with all your soul.

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

God assists believers' ethical endeavours

He enlightens their minds

Psalm 119:130 See also Deuteronomy 4:1; Psalm 119:144; Proverbs 6:23; Micah 6:8; Romans 7:7; 1 Corinthians 2:12–14

The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.

He gives them his Spirit

Galatians 5:16 See also Ezekiel 36:27; John 14:15–17; Romans 8:3–5, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:22–23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

He gives them spiritual resources

2 Peter 1:3 See also 1 Kings 8:58; Psalm 19:13; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:11, Ephesians 6:13; Philippians 2:13; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 2:18; James 4:6

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

God will bring believers to ethical perfection

He will deliver them from the power of sin

Romans 7:24–25 See also 1 Corinthians 1:8; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; Jude 1:24

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

He will make them like Jesus Christ

1 John 3:2 See also Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18

Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.

He is preparing them for a righteous existence

2 Peter 3:13 See also Matthew 13:41–43; Revelation 21:8, Revelation 21:27, Revelation 22:15

But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.