If we all know what’s right and wrong, what’s the role of the Bible?

This text is from a transcript of a talk by David Gooding, entitled ‘Are You Worth More than a Pig?’ (2007).

I think the Bible reveals to us the mind of God. When it comes to this and that particular in actual practical life, then of course we have to think that through in the light of our basic biblical principles.

Let me use an analogy. Until recently doctors were required to swear the old Hippocratic Oath in order to practise their profession. It goes back to pre-Christian times, of course. Its first provision was the basic one: a would-be doctor had to swear an oath by the gods that he would never do anything to harm his patient. That was the basic thing.

Secondly, he should do everything positively for the benefit of his patient to preserve life. He must never do anything to end life.

Thirdly, he must never reveal the secrets of his patient's illness to anybody else.

Now that appealed to the gods as the basis and the authority behind their medical ethics. They had a general principle, then, to positively do everything to promote the life of their patient and, negatively, not to harm or end his or her life. But of course there are many practical situations beyond that, as every doctor will know. Given the actual practicalities of a situation, you have to discuss with your colleagues what is the best way now to apply those general principles in a particular case.

I would hold that the same thing is true of Christianity. The authority behind our ethics is God. The general principle is that we are to love the Lord our God with all heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbour as ourselves. That leads to specific rules and prohibitions: honour your parents; don't tell lies in court; adultery is wrong, and so forth and so on.

Then there's a whole lot of things in life, in practical situations, where the Bible doesn't lay down any particular rule, so we have to make up our minds. The Bible's answer to that is, by all means make up your mind, and if the Bible itself doesn't say anything explicit on this—whether it be right or wrong—then be easy on the conscience of your fellow Christian who might disagree with you in this particular thing.

But do remember that you and he must one day appear before the judgment seat of Christ, when we shall be asked to give account of ourselves. 'Why did you do that? Why did you do the other?' It would be good at that stage if we were able to answer Christ, 'I did it because, thinking about it carefully, I thought it was the thing that would please you. Sorry if I did it wrong.'