Who decides the standard for right and wrong?
Introduction. In all areas of life there must be standards to determine right and wrong. If there is a question as to the length of an object, a ruler or tape measure with standardized inches or centimeters can be used. If the area of doubt involves weight, a calibrated scale can be used. Clocks, speedometers, calculators, and rule books serve similar purposes. These and many other standards are reliably used in math/science, commerce, construction, law, sports/games, and many other daily aspects of our lives.
Human feelings are not the right standard in religion. But when it comes to ethics, morality, and religious practices, such considerations are too often ignored. For example, one reason we have so many distinct religions is because many people base their religion on their feelings and their feelings are different. Consider what the Bible says about such a practice: "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" (Prov. 28: 26).
Neither is popularity nor tradition. Often the criterion for one's morality or religious affiliation is "I know I am right because my church is so large!" This is a faulty standard since the Bible teaches against such (Matt. 7: 13-14; Ex. 23: 2). So is an appeal to church traditions (Matt. 15:7-9; Deut. 12:32).
The Bible should be used as the standard because God has decided the matter. The word of God produces faith (Rom. 10: 17), light (Ps. 119: 105), and understanding (Ps. 119: 104). The Bible defines sin and righteousness (1 John 3: 4; Ps. 119: 172). God's word imparts wisdom, warning, and is God's converting power (Ps. 19: 7-11; Jas. 1: 18-21). We are to use God's word properly to discern right and wrong in all aspects of our life (Heb. 5: 12-14). We know fornication, lying, and murder are wrong because God's word says they are (Col. 3: 5, 9; Rom. 13: 9). Since God is our Creator and Sustainer (Acts 17: 22-31), He has every right to set the rules of living. God has given us a perfect standard to use in this life. In fact, it is so perfect that we must not add to or take away from it (cf. Rev. 22: 18-19). God's word shall be the ultimate standard in the day of judgment (John 12: 48).
Human feelings are not the right standard in religion. But when it comes to ethics, morality, and religious practices, such considerations are too often ignored. For example, one reason we have so many distinct religions is because many people base their religion on their feelings and their feelings are different. Consider what the Bible says about such a practice: "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" (Prov. 28: 26).
Neither is popularity nor tradition. Often the criterion for one's morality or religious affiliation is "I know I am right because my church is so large!" This is a faulty standard since the Bible teaches against such (Matt. 7: 13-14; Ex. 23: 2). So is an appeal to church traditions (Matt. 15:7-9; Deut. 12:32).
The Bible should be used as the standard because God has decided the matter. The word of God produces faith (Rom. 10: 17), light (Ps. 119: 105), and understanding (Ps. 119: 104). The Bible defines sin and righteousness (1 John 3: 4; Ps. 119: 172). God's word imparts wisdom, warning, and is God's converting power (Ps. 19: 7-11; Jas. 1: 18-21). We are to use God's word properly to discern right and wrong in all aspects of our life (Heb. 5: 12-14). We know fornication, lying, and murder are wrong because God's word says they are (Col. 3: 5, 9; Rom. 13: 9). Since God is our Creator and Sustainer (Acts 17: 22-31), He has every right to set the rules of living. God has given us a perfect standard to use in this life. In fact, it is so perfect that we must not add to or take away from it (cf. Rev. 22: 18-19). God's word shall be the ultimate standard in the day of judgment (John 12: 48).