Topical Encyclopedia
Moral issues are a significant theme throughout the Bible, providing guidance on how individuals should conduct themselves in accordance with God's will. The Scriptures serve as a moral compass, offering principles and commandments that address various aspects of human behavior and ethical decision-making.
Foundational Moral TeachingsThe Ten Commandments (
Exodus 20:1-17) are foundational to biblical moral teaching, outlining duties to God and fellow humans. These commandments include prohibitions against idolatry, murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony, establishing a framework for righteous living. Jesus Christ reaffirmed these principles, summarizing the law with the two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (
Matthew 22:37-39).
Sanctity of LifeThe Bible upholds the sanctity of human life, beginning with the creation narrative where humans are made in the image of God (
Genesis 1:27). The commandment "You shall not murder" (
Exodus 20:13) underscores the value of life. The Psalms further affirm this, stating, "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb" (
Psalm 139:13), highlighting the divine care in human creation.
Sexual MoralitySexual morality is addressed extensively in Scripture. The Bible defines marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman (
Genesis 2:24), and sexual relations are to be confined within this union. Adultery and fornication are condemned (
Exodus 20:14;
1 Corinthians 6:18), and believers are called to honor God with their bodies (
1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Honesty and IntegrityHonesty and integrity are vital moral principles in the Bible. The commandment against bearing false witness (
Exodus 20:16) emphasizes the importance of truthfulness.
Proverbs 12:22 states, "Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight" . Believers are encouraged to speak the truth in love (
Ephesians 4:15) and to let their "Yes" be "Yes," and their "No," "No" (
Matthew 5:37).
Justice and MercyThe Bible calls for justice and mercy in human interactions.
Micah 6:8 encapsulates this, stating, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . The prophets frequently admonished Israel for neglecting justice and oppressing the poor (
Isaiah 1:17;
Amos 5:24).
Stewardship and GenerosityStewardship of resources and generosity towards others are moral imperatives in Scripture. Believers are called to be good stewards of God's creation (
Genesis 2:15) and to share with those in need.
2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages cheerful giving: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" .
Forgiveness and ReconciliationForgiveness is a central moral issue, with Jesus teaching His followers to forgive others as they have been forgiven by God (
Matthew 6:14-15). Reconciliation is encouraged, as seen in
Matthew 5:23-24, where believers are instructed to seek reconciliation with others before offering their gifts at the altar.
ConclusionThe Bible provides comprehensive guidance on moral issues, calling believers to live lives that reflect God's holiness and righteousness. Through adherence to biblical principles, individuals can navigate moral complexities and honor God in their daily lives.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 6:9-11Know you not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
Topicalbible.orgRevelation 21:8
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Topicalbible.org
1 Timothy 1:10
For fornicators, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for enslavers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
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Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
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Library
Sermon
... cause, which we cannot doubt is indeed His cause, we still must guard our actions
and our thoughts, to prevent the blotting out of themoral issues that are at...
The Note of Edification.
... true that men need, most of all, the knowledge of God, and that, whatever bewilderment
may exist in relation to public questions andmoral issues, there is...
Introduction
... many have been asked, questions relating to the Church, her methods, her teaching,
her attitude to the world around her, to great social andmoral issues....
A Very Old Question.
... His purposes are regardingmoral issues. That the sun shall stay a bit longer than
usual over a certain part of the earth is a mere detail with God....
The Wise Men and the Shepherds
... It was like that dramatic day, when Wendell Phillips arraigned the graduates of
this college for indifference tomoral issues, while he who made the indictment...
The Cross as a Social Principle
... have been made so sensitive by personal experiences or so cleansed by right education
and by the spirit of God that they take hold of themoral issues with a...
Chapter vi
... to prey upon each other and to attack man." BDB is right when it refers the word
"way" of v.12 to "moral action and character."Moral issues exclusively are...
Keeping and Kept
... It is not merely the home of the affections, but the seat of will,moral purpose.
As this text says, 'theissues of life' flow from it in all the multitudinous...
Moral Insanity.
... with the clear decisions of his gigantic intellect"to see hismoral principles fading...
Eternity so vast, and itsissues so dreadful, yet this sinner drives...
Proverbs
... men is that they exercised certain quasi-political functions and hardly correspond
to the wise men of later times who discussedissues of themoral life and...
Resources
What is moral absolutism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is moral relativism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.orgMoral: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus