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, the tape measure, involving inches, feet, and yards, is introduced. If the area of doubt involves weight, the scale is used as a standard. These are correct and reliable standards.
Human feelings are not the right standard in religion. Dear reader, one reason we have so many different religions is because many people base their religion on their feelings and their feelings are different. Listen to 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).
Everybody is doing it is not the right standard. Often the criterion for one's religious affiliation is" "I know I am right because my church is so large!" This is a faulty standard. The Bible teaches against such a standard (Matt. 7: 13, 14; Ex. 23: 2).
The Bible is 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 to discern right and wrong (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). Beloved, God is our Creator and sustainer (Acts 17: 22-31). 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. Dear reader, one reason we have so many different religions is because many people base their religion on their feelings and their feelings are different. Listen to 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).
Everybody is doing it is not the right standard. Often the criterion for one's religious affiliation is" "I know I am right because my church is so large!" This is a faulty standard. The Bible teaches against such a standard (Matt. 7: 13, 14; Ex. 23: 2).
The Bible is 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 to discern right and wrong (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). Beloved, God is our Creator and sustainer (Acts 17: 22-31). 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).