Moral Agency
Moral agency in the Bible refers to the capacity of individuals to make choices that are morally significant, reflecting their ability to discern right from wrong and to act accordingly. This concept is rooted in the understanding that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), which endows them with free will and the responsibility to choose between good and evil. The narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:16-17) illustrates this moral agency, as they were given the command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, highlighting their ability to choose obedience or disobedience.Throughout Scripture, moral agency is emphasized through various teachings and parables, such as in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where God sets before His people life and death, urging them to choose life in order to prosper. The New Testament also reinforces the importance of moral agency, particularly in the teachings of Jesus. For example, in Matthew 7:13-14, He speaks of the narrow and wide gates, underscoring the choices individuals must make in their spiritual journeys. Thus, moral agency is a foundational principle in biblical theology, underscoring human accountability and the significance of choices in one's relationship with God and others.