Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on the consequences of that action. Rather than judging an action as intrinsically right or wrong, consequentialism focuses on the outcomes produced. The most common form of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which aims to maximize overall happiness or well-being.
The Bible does not explicitly endorse consequentialism, but it contains principles and examples relevant to evaluating the doctrine. This article will examine what the Bible says about the morality of actions and their consequences, responsibility for outcomes, ends justifying means, and motive versus results.
Human Ability to Predict Consequences
A core premise of consequentialism is that people can reasonably predict the outcomes of their actions. However, the Bible shows that humans have limited foresight and should be cautious in presuming to know all possible effects.
Proverbs 27:1 states, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Humans cannot see far into the future or control all factors. James 4:13-14 also warns against arrogant self-assurance about future plans.
In addition, other people’s responses are hard to predict. Jeremiah 17:9 says the human heart is deceitful above all things, and Luke 6:45 teaches that each person will react differently to events and speech. With many variables involved, people should humbly acknowledge the uncertainty of consequences.
Outcomes Depend on God’s Providence
Connected to human limitation is the theology that God is sovereign over creation. Many outcomes are not fully in human control but rely on God’s providential guidance.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” And Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Even with good intentions, people cannot control or guarantee results.
James 4:13-16 specifically criticizes those who make business plans without submitting to God’s will in the matter. And Jesus teaches that only God, not humans, can make someone’s life last longer or produce fruit from efforts (Luke 12:16-21; 1 Cor 3:7).
Outcomes should be left in God’s wise hands instead of assumed to be within human mastery. Actions can be evaluated by intention more than uncontrollable results.
God Evaluates Motives and Obedience
Connected to the previous points, the Bible often evaluates actions based on motives and faithfulness more than consequences. God sees and judges the heart above all (1 Samuel 16:7).
For example, after David committed adultery and murder, God still called him a man after His own heart because David loved God and sought to please Him (1 Kings 15:3-5). On the other hand, God rejected Saul as king because of his disobedience, even though he claimed good intentions (1 Sam 15:10-26).
Jesus also teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). Love should be the motive for obedience to God, not calculation of results.
In addition, God is more concerned with people’s holiness and righteousness than outward success. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” God wants ethical growth in character more than material prosperity or other measures.
Judging Others’ Hearts and Standing
A consequentialist approach requires judging other people’s motivations and standing before God, which the Bible prohibits. Only God knows a person’s heart and eternal state.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 4:5, “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.”
Humans cannot accurately evaluate all factors in someone’s decision or discern their relationship to God. In humility, outcomes that seem bad should be left to God’s perfect judgment and justice (Deut 32:35; Rom 12:19).
Accepting Intended and Unintended Effects
The Bible advocates accepting both intended and unintended effects of obeying God. Christians should act according to biblical principles and accept the results as within God’s plan.
Paul states this approach in Philippians 4:11-12: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.” Following God’s ways often brings unforeseeable blessings but also difficulties.
In addition, the moral value of an action comes from obedience to God, regardless of the consequences. For example, Daniel’s three friends chose to obey God even though they did not know if He would save them from the fiery furnace prepared by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3).
Greater Good Does Not Justify Wrong Methods
Consequentialism can justify unethical means if they achieve a perceived greater good. In contrast, the Bible teaches that evil methods are wrong regardless of the intended good outcome. God wants moral integrity in the means, not just the ends.
For example, when Jesus was extremely hungry in the wilderness, Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread (Matthew 4:1-4). Though eating bread was a morally neutral act, it would have meant abandoning God’s will to trust and obey Scripture, so Jesus refused.
In 2 Samuel 24, King David sinned by taking a census which God had forbidden. Though David’s motives were probably to assess military strength and logistics, violating God’s command was still wrong. The ends did not justify the means.
Preventing Sin Must Be Done Righteously
The Bible acknowledges preventing sin in others is good, but intervening unethically makes the “preventer” morally culpable as well. A consequentialist approach can wrongly justify sinful methods for preventing others’ sins.
For example, Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah lied to Pharaoh about why Israelite babies were surviving, in order to protect the children (Exodus 1:15–21). However, lying was still a sin, even if it prevented killings by Pharaoh.
In addition, Saul tried to trap David in order to prevent what he thought was a threat to his kingdom. However, his deception and murder attempts were still evil methods (1 Samuel 18-26). Preventing perceived harm cannot be done through violating biblical ethics.
Justice and Mercy Both Commanded
A consequentialist emphasis on outcomes can nullify biblical commands for both justice and mercy. However, Scripture requires both at different times.
God’s law mandated strict justice such as “an eye for an eye” retribution (Ex 21:24; Lev 24:20). But God also continually showed mercy, though it nullified just punishment (Ex 34:6-7; Micah 7:18). Justice and mercy must be held in balance, not choosing one exclusively based on anticipated consequences.
In addition, God accepts repentance and redemption, even though consequences may remain. For example, though David repented, the child from his adultery with Bathsheba still died (2 Sam 12:13-14). Both justice and mercy should be enacted regardless of calculated outcomes.
Good Done by Flawed People
The Bible recounts God using seriously flawed people to accomplish His plans, showing that He is not restricted by normal human ethical calculations. Outcomes depend more on God’s sovereign will than human righteousness.
For example, God used the deceitfulness of Jacob and Laban to build the foundation of the nation of Israel. In addition, Samson had major character faults but God still accomplished deliverance for Israel through him. And Balaam tried to curse Israel, but God turned it into blessings instead (Num 23-24).
So ultimately, God works through both righteous and unrighteous people to accomplish His good plans. Outcomes depend on His will more than human ethical perfection. The ends and means both belong to God.
All Sin Has Serious Consequences
A consequentialist focus on outcomes can differentiate between sins, with only some seen as having bad effects. But the Bible teaches that all sins have intrinsically serious consequences, even if they are not externally evident.
Ezekiel 18:20 states, “The soul who sins shall die.” Death was the penalty for original sin (Genesis 3), and Scripture views physical death as the consequence of spiritual separation from God (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). In addition, all sins will be judged by God (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:6).
So sins should not be evaluated just based on visible external harm, since even internal sins can have eternal consequences. Sin also leads to damaged relationships and corruption of moral character, with widespread effects.
God Redeems Evil for Good
The Bible recognizes that God is able to redeem evil actions or intentions and transform them for greater good. People should not do evil, but when it happens God can use it ultimately for positive outcomes.
For example, after Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery out of jealousy and greed, God used it to put Joseph in place to save his family during a famine (Genesis 50:20). In addition, those who crucified Jesus intended evil, but God used it for humanity’s salvation (Acts 2:23).
So visible “good” consequences can come even from evil acts when God transforms them. Outcomes alone do not determine the morality of actions. God looks more at the heart than external effects.
Obedience Regardless of Outcome
The Bible emphasizes obedience to God’s commands regardless of whether it seems to result in good or not. Trusting God’s wisdom is more important than short-term consequences.
For example, when God commanded Gideon to send away most of his army and fight the Midianites outnumbered, it seemed irrational (Judges 7). Yet Gideon obeyed and Israel defeated the enemy despite reduced forces.
In another case, four leprous men obeyed Elisha by going to the camp of Arameans besieging Samaria, even though they might face death (2 Kings 7:3-11). As a result, the Lord caused the Arameans to flee.
So obeying God even when the results seem uncertain or unfavorable expresses faith in His sovereignty. Outcomes may surprise those who trust Him.
Moral Dilemmas Have No Ideal Choices
Biblical narratives also show moral dilemmas where all options have negative consequences in some way. A consequentialist analysis may offer no truly good choice, or clarify which is the lesser evil.
For example, when the Pharisees asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, Jesus pointed out dilemmas with either affirming or denying obligation to pay (Luke 20:21-26). In addition, during war between the Philistines and Saul’s son, either honoring or breaking an oath led to harm (1 Samuel 14).
In moral dilemmas, human wisdom focused on calculating outcomes reaches its limits. Prayerful reflection may help determine which option aligns better with biblical principles when no choice is fully good.
Hope in Future, Eternal Consequences
A key critique of consequentialism is that analysis is limited to foreseeable consequences. The Bible directs attention and hope to eternal rewards, which should be kept in view more than short-term effects.
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” A consequentialist view can overvalue present, visible consequences and neglect future, spiritual ones.
In addition, Rev. 21:4 promises that in eternity with God, there will be no more suffering or struggles. The ultimate state should give perspective on current dilemmas and difficulties. Keeping an eternal perspective brings hope and endurance (2 Tim. 2:10-13).
Summary Principles
In summary, key biblical principles relevant to consequentialist ethics include:
– Human ability to predict consequences is limited
– Outcomes depend on God’s providential guidance
– God evaluates motives and faithfulness more than results
– Do not judge other people’s standing and hearts
– Accept both intended and unintended outcomes
– The ends do not necessarily justify the means
– Preventing sin must be done righteously
– Justice and mercy must both be upheld
– God uses flawed people to achieve good outcomes
– All sins have serious consequences before God
– God can redeem evil outcomes for greater good
– Obedience is required regardless of the apparent outcome
– Moral dilemmas may have no truly good option
– Eternal perspective brings hope beyond present dilemmas
While a consequentialist approach has some validity in assessing earthly outcomes, the Bible places greater emphasis on righteous motives, obedience to God’s commands, and trust in His sovereignty over both means and ends. Carefully evaluating benefits and harm can be prudent, but must be secondary to principles such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Ultimately, acting according to biblical truth and leaving results to God is foundational.