Why should Christians rely on the Bible as the source for morality?

from the old testament

• Psalm 119 describes the wise person who learns life from God’s Word. Verses 1-3: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!”

from the new testament

• Romans 2:12-16 discusses the law and the conscience. In part, it says, "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them." This verse demonstrates that the very idea that there is right and wrong is innate–however, it is God’s Word that shows us what is actually right or wrong.
• God gives us the guidelines we need for living a righteous life. Second Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” ‏
• God’s Word comes through the wisdom of the Spirit and not from mankind. Second Peter 1:21 asserts, “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

implications for today

At times, we naturally understand what is right. But our innate conscience is not completely reliable. Though we were created in the image of God, that image was marred because of the fall (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 3). Our sin nature affects our conscience, as do our life experiences. We are not reliable moral guides in ourselves even when we are in Christ. Our natural tendency is to twist God's words to make them fit our personal preferences (2 Timothy 4:3-

4). We need guidance; we need a measure to help keep us living according to God's standards. The Bible provides this for us. It keeps us on track.If we do not rely on the Bible as our source for morality, we are left to find some other compass. The most common is societal consensus, which is ever changing. A shifting definition of morality cannot be a reliable guide. While some moral issues such as murdering or stealing are more universally accepted as being wrong, many moral issues are surrounded with conflict. For example biblical morality promotes the sanctity of life and forbids adultery, stealing, lying, and sexual immorality of any kind (Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). The morality of the world sometimes shifts to match people's evil desires, condoning homosexuality or promiscuous living, for example. The sinful nature of the world will try to promote contrary standards of morality to those of the Bible, so we need to be confident in what the Word says and abide by that (John 15:1-

17).Upholding biblical standards of morality is what we, as Christians, are to do. Keep in mind that this is no excuse for us to behave self-righteously or condescendingly toward others. We are to work out our own salvation first (Matthew 7:1-–5; Philippians 2:12-13). Jesus also taught what is now known as The Golden Rule—treat others as you wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). We must not be so prideful as to think we are exempt from being led astray by our own sinful desires (James 1:13-15). Throughout the storms of life and the moral conflicts we face, having the Bible as the source of our morality keeps our spiritual foundation strong (Matthew 7:24-25).