05.03.05 - Christian Morality is Scientific and Beneficial

(5) Christian Morality is Scientific and Beneficial

It is scientific because based on recognised principles and regulated by law, the law of righteousness and holiness, governed by love to God and man, and obedience to the word and will of Jesus Christ. Its standard is the sacred Scriptures, especially the “ Sermon on the Mount,” and the recorded teaching and example of Jesus Christ. It is the declared word and will of God which instructs and commands belief, “ commending itself to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” In the agreement of the truth with the enlightened mind and conscience of man of the law and standard with the nature and needs of man of the adaptation of the truth to his requirements, and the authority with which it appeals to him and commands him we have a witness to the truth and Divinity of the Scriptures, and their Divine authority as the rule of life and conduct. The beneficial influence of the Scriptures, and of the religion based upon them, reaches to all civil, political, and social life, to Government laws and society, to literature and art, and has made itself felt in all countries, and among all nations and peoples, in all forms of industry and commerce, on all the beliefs, creeds, and confessions of men, where recognised and cherished. When we consider the nature and extent of this influence, the multitudes brought under its sway, and the effects following upon its acceptance, the only explanation of the marvel is its divine character and power, that the Scriptures arc in truth the Word of God and the power of God.