Christian ethics is the study of how Christians should behave and make moral decisions according to biblical principles. The Bible provides the foundation for Christian ethics, setting forth moral absolutes, principles, values, and guidelines that Christians are called to follow. Here is an overview of some of the key aspects of Christian ethics:
The Basis for Christian Ethics
Christian ethics finds its source, authority, and direction in the Bible. Both the Old and New Testaments provide ethical guidance, principles, laws, and examples that set the standards for Christian conduct and behavior. Jesus Christ is the ultimate exemplar and guide for Christian ethical living (1 John 2:6). The Bible is clear that all humans are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), are accountable to God for how they live (Romans 14:12), and are called to pursue holiness in obedience to God (1 Peter 1:16).
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments represent God’s moral law and are a summary of His righteous standards (Exodus 20:1-17). They reveal God’s perfect holiness and provide the foundation for how His people are to live. The first four commandments focus on a person’s love for God, while the last six address love for others. Jesus affirmed the validity, authority, and application of the Ten Commandments for New Testament believers (Matthew 5:17-19; 19:16-19). The Ten Commandments reflect God’s timeless moral law.
The Two Great Commandments
When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied by giving two: 1) To love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5) and 2) To love one’s neighbor as oneself (Leviticus 19:18). He said that all the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). This reveals that love should be the motivation for all Christian behavior. Love toward God and love toward others summarizes what God requires (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8).
The Sermon on the Mount
In Matthew 5-7, Jesus sets forth ethical principles for kingdom living. Here he elevates moral requirements (e.g. prohibitions against anger, lust, divorce) and emphasizes moral character more than keeping external law. He stresses humility, purity of heart, forgiveness, honesty, compassion and righteousness. This is to reflect the holy character of God (Matthew 5:48).
The Fruit of the Spirit
Ethical behavior should be motivated by Christ-like love and empowered by the Holy Spirit to produce godly character (fruit) in the believer. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—are Christ-like virtues that Christians are to cultivate in their lives.
Putting Others First
Christian ethics calls believers to be imitators of Christ’s self-sacrificial love and servant heart (John 13:14-15). Followers of Christ are to put the interests and needs of others above their own (Philippians 2:3-4). Christians are to generously serve and care for those who are poor, oppressed, needy, and marginalized (Luke 12:33, 14:13).
Justice and Mercy
Biblical ethics concerns both social justice and individual righteousness. God calls his people to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8). Justice means upholding what is good, fair and righteous. Mercy means demonstrating compassion, kindness and forgiveness. These ethical obligations are motivated by God’s grace in sending Christ (Matthew 18:21-35).
Sanctity of Human Life
Human life is precious to God. All people have dignity and worth, since they are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). Therefore, Christian ethics upholds the sanctity of human life and human rights. Followers of Christ are to show care for the weak, defenseless, and marginalized of society—the unborn, disabled, poor, widows, orphans, refugees, etc. (Psalm 82:3-4; James 1:27).
Sexual Ethics
The Bible teaches that sexual intimacy is a sacred gift from God to be enjoyed exclusively within the marriage covenant between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). Christian sexual ethics condemn any sexual activity outside of marriage including premarital sex, adultery, homosexual behavior and pornography (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 18; Hebrews 13:4). Sexual purity honors God and promotes human flourishing.
Honesty and Integrity
Honesty, integrity and ethical business practices reflect the righteousness of Christ. Scripture condemns all forms of deception, corruption, greed and exploitation (Psalm 119:1-2; Acts 24:16; 1 Corinthians 6:7-10). Rather, Christians are to deal truthfully, walk in integrity, give full measure, and avoid unethical practices and relationships.
Obedience and Submission
Christian ethics calls believers to lives of obedience to God and submission to proper authorities. Such obedience includes following God’s moral laws, walking in biblical wisdom, exercising self-control, and submitting to government laws/regulations which do not directly conflict with God’s commands (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17). The exception is if obeying earthly authorities would require disobeying God (Acts 5:29).
The Golden Rule
Jesus taught his followers to do unto others as you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12). This “Golden Rule” provides a principle for ethical decision making. True love and care for others will lead Christians to act in ways that protect and promote their wellbeing. Wrong behavior towards others can be revealed by considering how one would wish to be treated in the same situation.
Ethics of Speech
The Bible instructs believers to exercise great care and discipline in how they use their words. Speech is extremely powerful and impactful (James 3:1-12). Christians are forbidden from lying, slandering, gossiping, and engaging in abusive, vulgar or hateful speech. Rather, they are to speak truthfully, constructively, and graciously—with words that edify others (Ephesians 4:29, 31-32; Colossians 4:6).
Work Ethics
Christian work ethics call for diligence, responsibility, excellence, honesty and service to others (Colossians 3:23-24). Laziness and mediocrity are discouraged. All vocations have dignity and provide ways for Christians to glorify God and contribute to the well being of society. Christians are to avoid work that is inherently unethical or promotes values contrary to biblical morality.
Wealth and Economic Ethics
The Bible warns against loving money and materialism (1 Timothy 6:10). Wealth is not condemned in Scripture and can be employed for Kingdom purposes. However, believers are to avoid greed, envy, consumerism, and economic exploitation. Economic practices should be grounded in stewardship, generosity, care for the poor, and promoting economic justice (Luke 12:15; 16:10-13; Acts 20:35).
Environmental Ethics
Since God created the physical world and called it good (Genesis 1:31), Christians have a responsibility to be wise stewards and conservationists of the environment and natural resources. This includes practicing sustainability, protecting ecosystems, proper use of energy, caring for animals, and preserving God’s creation for present and future generations (Psalm 8:6-8; Psalm 24:1).
Relationships and Influences
The company that Christians keep can have significant impact on their ethics. Peer influence and worldly philosophies can weaken moral foundations and corrupt ethical behavior (1 Corinthians 15:33). Believers must guard their hearts, exercise wisdom in relationships, and avoid friendships, influences and associations that would promote compromise of biblical values (Proverbs 13:20; 22:24-25).
Decision Making
Making biblically-based ethical decisions requires applying God’s moral law and principles to daily choices and conduct. Christians are to exercise biblical discernment, seek the Spirit’s wisdom, consult their conscience, evaluate options in light of potential impact and outcomes, and decide in a way that brings glory to God (Philippians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:9-10).
Accountability and Church Discipline
Christians have a responsibility to lovingly confront brothers & sisters who are in ethical error and call them to repentance (Matthew 18:15-17; Galatians 6:1). Accountability to spiritual authorities and receiving correction are part of Christian ethics. In cases of unrepentant and serious misconduct, the Bible authorizes church discipline and even removal of the unrepentant person from church membership (1 Corinthians 5).
Grace and Redemption
While upholding God’s righteous standards, Christian ethics operates under the New Covenant of grace and redemption through Christ. Jesus forgave sinners, showed mercy, gave new beginnings, and restored those who had moral failures. Christians who sin and fall short of God’s standards can receive forgiveness and spiritual restoration through confession, repentance and faith in Christ (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).
In conclusion, Christian ethics finds its foundation in the Bible and the moral example of Jesus Christ. Key ethical principles include love for God and others, the fruit of the Spirit, justice and mercy, integrity, sexual purity, generous service, truth telling and many other biblically-based values that honor God and promote human flourishing. Christians have a mandate to live out ethical Christian conduct in their personal lives and society.
