Christianity: Good Moral Conduct

Question 1

Why would Christians see good conduct as important?

Answer 1

• It brings about the reward of heaven and avoids the punishment of hell
• Jesus set the example for good conduct through his actions and his declaration that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love one’s neighbour - Christians try to follow his example as he has the authority of God (for conservatives)
• Jesus explained in the Sermon on the Mount that doing good works yourself inspires others and glorifies God

Question 2

Complete this quote. What is it from?
“Let your . . . . . so . . . . . before them, that they may see your . . . . . . . . . and give . . . . . to your . . . . . . who is in heaven.”

Answer 2

“Let your light so shine before them, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” - Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

Question 3

Why may some Christians disagree what good conduct is/why it is necessary?

Answer 3

• Some of the moral commands in the Bible clearly should not be followed today e.g. slavery being encouraged
• Liberal Christians see Jesus’ authority as only human, so his commands may not have as much value for behaviour, especially if they seem to contradict what is right e.g. “turn the other cheek” could be questioned
• Some Christians think that good should be done for its own reward, rather than for the reward of heaven

Question 4

What does ‘justification’ mean?

Answer 4

To be made righteous.
- Essentially, what a person must do to accept God’s gift of atonement (from Jesus’ sacrifice)

Question 5

What are the four interpretations of justification?

Answer 5

1. Justification by Faith
2. Justification by Works
3. Justification by Faith and Works
4. Predestination