Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Moral Code: It doesn't occur to me that there are those in this world that don't share my world view. I know that sounds stupid but for most of the time I surround myself with two types of people; either people that have a christian world view or those that are living in contrast to the christian world view on purpose as rebellion.

I know even within these two view there are many sub views but that's not the point of my post here.

My point is that our world view dictates our moral code. And I've been thinking about moral codes (the rights and wrongs we live by) probably because of the election coming up. I think we often want to vote for the candidate that shares our moral code; we agree and disagree with laws based on how they fit into our lives and our view as to what is right and wrong. So...what's a moral code we can all agree on?

I believe that all believers should live under the grace of the cross of Jesus Christ. I believe we should also work out our salvation as those worthy of the cross of Jesus Christ. Because we are saved we are obligated to behave in a certain way. Now this means there are things we should not do but let's not forget the things we should be doing.

However is it fair to expect those that are not in relationship with Jesus Christ to live under those same expectations? If not, then how does this relate to our laws. Especially how does this relate to the politicians we vote for?

Just some thoughts- do with them what you will!

2 comments:

Display Name said...

Hey Nick,

Good post. I couldn't resist -- I had to answer your rhetorical questions at the end.

First, we should define what the Christian "moral code" is, and that is the moral law of God (not to be confused with the ceremonial). Christ says,

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5:17-19)

Notice how He contrasts "fulfill" with "destroy," so we cannot say that Jesus was setting up a brand new ethic in place of the old. In other words, there is only one Biblical ethic or moral code, which is continuous throughout the OT and NT.

Now "is it fair to expect those that are not in relationship with Jesus Christ to live under those same expectations?" It must be fair, because that's what the Bible demands (note the difference between "expectation" and "demand"). Why was Christ crucified? In order to atone for the transgression of His people so that we do not come under the righteous judgment of God's law (Col. 2:14). What about those whose sins are not atoned for? They themselves are condemned according to the law. (Rom. 2:12) Therefore, the law makes demands of unbelievers as well as believers.

"[How] does this relate to the politicians we vote for?" Well, they are God's ministers of civil justice (Rom. 13), so they are responsible not only for their own personal sin but also for the sins of their nation, if they refuse to uphold justice.

And "how does this relate to our laws?" Scripture says, "Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34) And "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness." (1 John 3:4) Therefore, rejection of the law of God is a reproach to any nation, but a nation is exalted to the extent that its laws reflect the moral requirements of God as set forth in His Word.

Nick said...

Thanks for your note Kevin. You've got some good thoughts in there. I appreciate you answering because my questions weren't as rhetorical as they seemed.

-Nick