Lesson 3 - Christian Ethics

Question 1

How are law and gospel opposed in the New Testament?

Answer 1

1. ) As the basis for salvation

2. ) As the source of moral transformation

Question 2

How are law and grace not opposed in the NT?

Answer 2

1. ) As the revelation of God’s goodness
2. ) As a necessary element of the gospel message
3. ) As a pattern for a life pleasing to God

Question 3

Briefly explain the distinctions between moral law, civil law, and ceremonial law in the context of the Mosaic Law.

Answer 3

1. ) Moral Law - eternal, universal divine law
   - - reflective of the character of God and applies to all people in all places (10 Commandemtns, creation ordinacnes)
2. ) Ceremonial Law - ritual laws specific to Israel under the Old Covenant and fulfilled in Christ in the New Covenant
   - - Circumcision, dietary, purity, sacrificial laws
   - - Mark 7:18-19
3. ) Civil Law - judicial laws and penal sanctions specific to Israel under the Old Covenant and continue today only in the general equity
   - - Israel was a theocracy in a very unique time in redemptive history

Question 4

Define the term “creation ordinance.” What are some creation ordinances?

Answer 4

1. ) Creation Ordinance - universal moral laws established in the creation.
   - - Marriage/Procreation - Gen. 1:28, 2:15
   - - Sabbath - Gen. 2:3, Exodus 20:11
   - - Worship - gen. 2:15, Psalm 8, 104
   - - Cultural Mandate - Genesis 1:28, 2:15
   - - Sanctity of Life - Gen. 1:26-27, 9:6

Question 5

According to Murray, what are the biblical reasons for believing that the creation ordinance supports only heterosexual monogamy in marriage?

Answer 5

1. ) Genesis 2:24 – one man is to be joined to one woman and that the two become one flesh
2. ) Jesus and Paul references Genesis 2:24 (Matthew 19:3-9, Mark 10:3-9, Ephesians 5) as the definitive word of institution. They found in this verse authority for the highest and purest ethic of the marital relationship.

Question 6

Discuss the nature and relevancy of the Sabbath based on your reading from Murray.

Answer 6

1. ) Nature
   - - Gen. 1 – pattern of God: six days of creative work and one day of rest
   - - God’s work is a once-for-all accomplishment
   - - God’s rest is the rest of delight in the work of creation accomplished.
   - - The seventh day of our week is sanctified and blessed by God.
   - - Not just day of rest, but a Sabbath instituted for man (cf. Exodus 20:11)
2. ) Relevancy/Application
   - - The Sabbath in man’s week is not to be defined in terms of cessation from activity, but cessation from that kind of activity involved in the labors of the other six days (like God)
   - - Life in this world is patterned after a divine example
   - - The cycle of labor and rest comes from God himself
   - - The cycle which the ordinance requires intimates that the rest must have its specific character in the rest of worship (differing from other labors during the week)
   - - Genesis 2:2-3 shows this is a creation ordinance and must have been known to Adam and his contemporaries.

Question 7

Based on your reading in Frame, discuss the various forms of God’s revelation and how they work together.

Answer 7

1. ) Nature and History
   - - Common Grace, General Revelation (Psalm 19, Romans 1
   - - Creation declares God’s existence, his nature, and his wrath against sin.
   - - Does not reveal salvation
2. ) Persons – Christ, humans, prophets, Christians
   - - Existential Revelation
3. ) Written – Scripture
   - - Psalm 119:105, 2 Tim. 3:16-17,

Question 8

How are Frame’s six attributes of Scripture applicable to ethical decision-making?

Answer 8

1. ) Unity – God’s word is consistent
2. ) Power – God’s word is transformative
3. ) Authority – God’s word is normative
4. ) Clarity – God’s word is clear
5. ) Necessity – God’s word is necessary for us to know Him and His will
6. ) Sufficiency – Sufficient for us to know what satisfies and pleases Him