Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8200 The character of the believer  »  8240 ethics  »  8241 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 basis of ethics revealed in Scripture

All Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The word of God

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

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

The commandments of Jesus Christ

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

The example of Jesus Christ

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

The ethical teaching of Jesus Christ

In the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:22,28,32,34,39,44; 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

In government

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

In rewarding individuals

1 Corinthians 9:7

In punishing individuals

Galatians 6:7

See also

1160  God, unchangeable
1403  God, revelation
1610  Scripture
2339  Christ, example of
4005  creation
5215  authority
5326  government
5708  marriage
6236  sexual sin
8309  morality