Ethics, basis of

The ultimate foundation of ethics is the character and will of God, which is made known supremely through Jesus Christ and in Scripture.

The foundation of ethics is the revealed righteousness of God

Romans 1:18–20 See also Psalm 97:6; Romans 2:14–15

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse.

The basis of ethics revealed in Scripture

All Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16–17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.

The word of God

Luke 11:28; James 1:22 See also Psalm 103:20, Psalm 119:17; John 17:6; Revelation 3:8

But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.

The commandments of God

Deuteronomy 11:26–28; Judges 2:17; 2 Chronicles 34:29–31

The will of God

Mark 3:35 See also Psalm 143:10; Colossians 4:12

For whoever does the will of God is My brother and sister and mother.”

The commandments of Jesus Christ

John 15:10 See also John 13:34, John 14:15, John 15:12–17; 1 Corinthians 14:37

If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

The example of Jesus Christ

John 13:15 See also Romans 15:2–3, Romans 15:7; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 5:1–2, Ephesians 5:25; Philippians 2:5; Colossians 3:13; 1 Peter 2:21

I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you.

The ethical teaching of Jesus Christ

In the Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:22, Matthew 5:28, Matthew 5:32, Matthew 5:34, Matthew 5:39, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 7:29; John 1:9, John 3:18–19, John 5:19, John 12:48–49, John 13:34, John 14:6, John 15:22, John 17:6

Areas of life in which ethical conduct is expected of believers

In sexual behaviour

Romans 1:26–27 See also Leviticus 18:22–23; 1 Corinthians 5:1

For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. Likewise, the men abandoned natural relations with women and burned with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.

In government

Romans 13:1 See also Matthew 22:21 parallels Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25; John 19:11; Romans 13:2–5; 1 Peter 2:13–14

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

In rewarding individuals

1 Corinthians 9:7

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?

In punishing individuals

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.