Ethics, incentives towards

God's ethical demands are reinforced by a variety of sanctions and incentives.

Sanctions promoting ethical behaviour

The authorities

Romans 13:3–4 See also Deuteronomy 16:18, Deuteronomy 17:11–12, Deuteronomy 25:1; Psalm 82:3–4; 1 Timothy 2:1–4; 1 Peter 2:13–14

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

God treats people as they treat others

Matthew 6:14–15 See also 2 Samuel 12:9–10; Matthew 5:7, Matthew 7:2, Matthew 18:35; James 2:13

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.

Unethical behaviour renders worship unacceptable

Isaiah 58:4 See also Isaiah 1:13–15; Ezekiel 33:31; Zechariah 7:5, Zechariah 7:9–10; Matthew 23:23 parallel Luke 11:42; Titus 1:16

You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high.

The withdrawal of God's fellowship

Isaiah 59:2 See also Psalm 51:11, Psalm 66:18; Hosea 5:6; Micah 3:4; Ephesians 4:30

But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.

God's judgment

Galatians 6:8 See also Deuteronomy 28:15; Isaiah 1:23–24; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Colossians 3:5–6; Hebrews 12:14

The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Incentives to correct ethical behaviour

A new life in Christ

Ephesians 5:8 See also Romans 6:2, Romans 6:13; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Colossians 3:9–10

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

God's goodness and love

Ephesians 5:1–2 See also Exodus 20:2; Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:8–9; Titus 2:14; 1 John 3:16

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.

Pleasing God

Hebrews 13:16 See also 2 Corinthians 5:9; Colossians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 2:3–4, 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 John 3:22

And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

True worship is made possible

Psalm 24:3–4 See also Proverbs 21:3; Hosea 6:6; Isaiah 58:6–7; Mark 12:33; James 1:27

Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.

God's fellowship

John 14:23 See also Deuteronomy 10:12–13; Psalm 15:1–5; Revelation 21:7

Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

God's blessing

Deuteronomy 16:20 See also Deuteronomy 28:2; Psalm 1:3, Psalm 84:11; Isaiah 56:1–2, Isaiah 58:9–14; Matthew 6:18

Pursue justice, and justice alone, so that you may live, and you may possess the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Future reward

Luke 14:13–14 See also Matthew 10:42 parallel Mark 9:41; Matthew 25:34–36; Luke 6:35; Romans 2:10; Colossians 3:24; Revelation 22:12

But when you host a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”