Moral Relativism

Moral relativism is the philosophical position that suggests that moral judgments are not absolute but are relative to the cultural, societal, or personal perspectives of individuals or groups. This viewpoint challenges the notion of universal moral truths, proposing instead that what is considered right or wrong can vary based on context and individual beliefs.

From a biblical perspective, moral relativism is often seen as contrary to the teachings of Scripture, which presents God's laws and commandments as absolute and unchanging. The Bible emphasizes the existence of objective moral truths established by God. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) serve as a foundational moral code given by God to His people, illustrating the concept of absolute moral standards.

The New Testament reinforces this idea through the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6), underscoring the belief in an absolute truth found in Him. The apostle Paul warns against conforming to the world's standards, urging believers to be transformed by the renewal of their minds to discern God's will (Romans 12:2).

Moral relativism is often associated with the rejection of divine authority and the elevation of human reasoning above God's revealed truth. This can lead to a society where individuals determine their own moral standards, resulting in confusion and moral chaos. Proverbs 14:12 cautions, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" , highlighting the dangers of relying solely on human judgment.

Lawlessness

Lawlessness, in a biblical context, refers to the rejection or disregard of God's laws and commandments. It is often associated with sin and rebellion against God's established order. The Bible frequently warns against lawlessness, portraying it as a characteristic of those who oppose God's authority.

In the New Testament, the term "lawlessness" is used to describe the actions and attitudes of those who live in opposition to God's commands. Jesus warns, "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:23). This passage emphasizes the seriousness of lawlessness and its consequences, as those who practice it are ultimately separated from God.

The apostle Paul also addresses the issue of lawlessness, particularly in his letters to the early churches. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7, he speaks of the "mystery of lawlessness" already at work, indicating the pervasive nature of sin and rebellion in the world. Paul encourages believers to live in accordance with God's laws, reminding them that they are no longer slaves to sin but are called to righteousness (Romans 6:19).

Lawlessness is often linked to the end times, as described in the prophetic writings of the New Testament. In Matthew 24:12, Jesus predicts, "Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold" . This prophecy suggests that lawlessness will increase as the world moves further away from God's truth.

The Bible presents a clear contrast between the life of lawlessness and the life of obedience to God. Believers are called to uphold God's commandments and live according to His standards, resisting the temptation to conform to the lawlessness of the world. The apostle John writes, "Everyone who practices sin practices lawlessness as well. Indeed, sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4), reinforcing the idea that sin and lawlessness are intertwined.

In summary, moral relativism and lawlessness are viewed within Scripture as deviations from God's established order and truth. The Bible calls believers to adhere to God's absolute moral standards and to reject the shifting moral landscape of the world, standing firm in their faith and obedience to God's commands.