Moral relativism, the belief that moral judgments are not absolute but are shaped by cultural, societal, or personal circumstances, stands in stark contrast to the biblical assertion of absolute moral truths. The Bible presents a framework of objective morality grounded in the character and commandments of God. The consequences of adopting moral relativism are manifold and are addressed throughout Scripture.

1. Erosion of Absolute Truth:

The Bible emphasizes the existence of absolute truth, as seen in Jesus' declaration, "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Moral relativism undermines this foundation by suggesting that truth is subjective and variable. This erosion leads to confusion and instability, as described in Isaiah 5:20: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness."

2. Societal Chaos and Disorder:

When moral relativism prevails, societal norms become fluid, leading to chaos and disorder. Judges 21:25 illustrates this outcome: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Without a shared moral compass, societies struggle to maintain justice and peace, resulting in moral and ethical anarchy.

3. Loss of Moral Accountability:

Moral relativism diminishes the sense of accountability to a higher authority. The Bible teaches that all individuals are accountable to God for their actions, as seen in Romans 14:12: "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." When moral standards are perceived as subjective, the impetus for personal responsibility and repentance is weakened.

4. Spiritual Deception and Apostasy:

The acceptance of moral relativism can lead to spiritual deception and apostasy. The Apostle Paul warns of this in 2 Timothy 4:3-4: "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." Relativism opens the door to false teachings that deviate from biblical truth.

5. Breakdown of Family and Community Values:

The family unit and community are foundational to biblical teaching, with clear roles and responsibilities outlined in passages such as Ephesians 5:22-33 and 6:1-4. Moral relativism challenges these structures by promoting individualism and subjective morality, leading to the breakdown of family cohesion and community values.

6. Impediment to Evangelism and Discipleship:

The Great Commission, as stated in Matthew 28:19-20, calls Christians to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Christ's commands. Moral relativism poses a significant barrier to this mission by promoting the idea that all beliefs are equally valid, thus diluting the urgency and necessity of sharing the gospel.

7. Diminished Understanding of Sin and Redemption:

The Bible clearly defines sin as a transgression against God's law (1 John 3:4). Moral relativism obscures the concept of sin by suggesting that moral standards are subjective. This diminishes the understanding of humanity's need for redemption through Jesus Christ, as articulated in Romans 3:23-24: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

In summary, the consequences of moral relativism are profound and far-reaching, affecting individuals, families, communities, and societies at large. The Bible provides a clear and unwavering standard of morality that stands in opposition to the shifting sands of relativism, calling believers to uphold and live by the truth of God's Word.