Ethics, incentives towards

Sanctions promoting ethical behaviour

The authorities

Romans 13:3–4 NKJV

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.

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God treats people as they treat others

Matthew 6:14–15 NKJV

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

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Unethical behaviour renders worship unacceptable

Isaiah 58:4 NKJV

Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high.

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The withdrawal of God’s fellowship

Isaiah 59:2 NKJV

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

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God’s judgment

Galatians 6:8 NKJV

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

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Incentives to correct ethical behaviour

A new life in Christ

Ephesians 5:8 NKJV

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

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God’s goodness and love

Ephesians 5:1–2 NKJV

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

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Pleasing God

Hebrews 13:16 NKJV

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

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True worship is made possible

Psalm 24:3–4 NKJV

Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.

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God’s fellowship

John 14:23 NKJV

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.

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God’s blessing

Deuteronomy 16:20 NKJV

You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

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Future reward

Luke 14:13–14 NKJV

But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”

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