Ethics deals with morality; the good and evil decisions and actions we choose. Ethics has its beginnings biblically because God has mandated an ultimate standard to live by: His holiness (Leviticus 11:44). For this reason, we are to be holy in all our behavior (1 Peter 1:15). Because God is holy, He has the right to determine right and wrong which makes Him Judge over all (1 Peter 1:17).
The First Sin
The origins of evil on earth started when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God gave a command to Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Here is the first recorded choice in the Bible: to choose good (which was defined as obeying God’s word) or choose evil (eating the fruit and disobeying God). The consequence was receiving curses, banishment from the Garden, the escalation of moral decisions one must make every day in life, and ultimately death.
The next instance in the Bible where there was an ethical decision was with Cain and Abel. Genesis chapter four says that Cain and Abel offered sacrifices to God, Abel gave a lamb and Cain gave fruit from the land. God accepted Abel’s but not Cain’s which made Cain angry. God said that if Cain did well then, he too would be accepted. He also warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door, but he needed to master it and not give in. Cain gave in and the result was the murder of Abel.
Punishment
Cain received a punishment for his wrong and God set a punishment for whoever would kill Cain (Genesis 4:15). Lamech seemed to think that murder and vengeance was a competition (or at least laughable) when he said that he will be avenged seventy-seven-fold (vv. 23–24). Mankind continued such evil thoughts and wickedness filled the earth to the point that God was grieved. He sought to blot out creation (Genesis 6:5–7); however, God saw righteous Noah and spared him and his family (vs. 8).
The most well-known laws to follow are the Ten Commandments. God gave His Law to Israel which said that those who disobey will be punished; whereas those who obey His commands will be shown lovingkindness (Exodus 20). The choice is there, and God determined the ethical standards: you do “these” wrongs, and you are punished; if you obey “these things”, you are blessed.
Summary
Why do we need ethics? Because it is the discipline of choosing obedience to God’s standard versus anything else. We are to conduct ourselves in fear during our time on earth because God will judge our thoughts and actions (1 Peter 1:17).
Here is some food for thought, would the choice of believing in Christ be considered an ethical choice? It is a right or wrong decision based on God’s command to believe (1 John 3:23). The consequence is either eternal punishment in hell or being eternally rewarded with life in heaven (John 3:14-21; 36). Don’t spend another day disobeying this command!
If you have more questions about, what does it mean to believe in Christ, check out The Ultimate Guide to Salvation in Jesus Christ. You can have eternal life and rest for your soul, today! Don’t wait!