What is Christian ethics?

Answer

Christian ethics are well summarized in Colossians 3:1-6: “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”

Beyond being a mere list of “do’s” and “don’ts,” the Bible provides detailed instructions on how we should live. It is our comprehensive guide on living the Christian life. However, the Bible does not address every situation we encounter in life. So, how can it guide us through all the ethical dilemmas we face? This is where Christian ethics play a crucial role.

Ethics, as defined by science, are “a set of moral principles, the study of morality.” Christian ethics, therefore, are the principles derived from the Christian faith that govern our actions. While the Word of God may not address every specific situation we encounter, its principles establish the standards by which we should behave in scenarios where explicit instructions are lacking.

For instance, the Bible does not explicitly mention the use of illegal drugs. However, based on the principles found in Scripture, we can discern that it is morally wrong. The Bible teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be honored as such (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Understanding the harm drugs inflict on our bodies and organs, we realize that using them would defile the temple of the Holy Spirit. This is a clear example of how Christian ethics guide us in making moral decisions.Certainly not honoring to God. The Bible also tells us that we are to follow the authorities that God Himself has put into place «Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. », (Romans 13:1). Given the illegal nature of drugs, by using them we are not submitting to the authorities but are rebelling against them. Does this mean if illegal drugs were legalized it would be okay? Not without violating the first principle.

By using the principles we find in Scripture, Christians can determine the ethical course for any given situation. In some cases, it will be simple, like the rules for Christian living we find in Colossians, chapter 3. In other cases, however, we need to do a little digging. The best way to do that is to pray over God’s Word. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, and part of His role is teaching us how to live: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” «But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. », (John 14:26). “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him” «But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. », (1 John 2:27).

2:27). So, when we pray over Scripture, the Spirit will guide us and teach us. He will show us the principles we need to stand on for any given situation.

While God’s Word does not cover every situation we will face in our lives, it is all-sufficient for living a Christian life. For most things, we can simply see what the Bible says and follow the proper course based on that. In ethical questions where Scripture does not give explicit instructions, we need to look for principles that can be applied to the situation. We must pray over His Word and open ourselves to His Spirit. The Spirit will teach us and guide us through the Bible to find the principles on which we need to stand so we may live as a Christian should.