05.03.03 - Their Moral Power and Influence

(3) Their Moral Power and Influence. The revelation of God as recorded in the Scriptures is highly moral in its teaching and influence, and its morality is based on religious faith, and has for its purpose the formation of Christian character. The influence of the Scriptures tends in the direction of doctrine and life, of faith and morality, and the two are inseparably connected. Doctrine and ethics, religion and morality, as associated with the Scriptures and Christianity, are Christ-like and Divine. The Scriptures thus become the rule and standard of doctrine and morality, of faith and life. In this respect the ethics of the Scriptures are unlike most other ethical systems which are mainly humanistic or naturalistic. They are attempts at regulating life and conduct on principles and teachings purely hedonistic and altruistic, and without regard to the word of God and the character and teaching of Jesus Christ.

Christian ethics are evangelical and saving, and be come an important factor in the regeneration and ele vation of society. They are not mere rules and principles, maxims and precepts, but truths and principles charged with a moral, spiritual, and vitalising force, because associated with the Spirit of life and holiness working in them. They not only tell men what to avoid but help them to avoid it, not only teach men what to be and do, but enable them so to be and so to live.