Bible Chapter 2

Synonyms or characteristics of a "problematic" approach to ethics

Approaches that are questionable, debatable, offensive, harmful, doubtful, dubious, unsettled, or complicated.

The root cause of all ethical difficulties according to Romans 7:15–19

The reality of the Fall and its pervasive effects on human nature and the world.

True or False: "Strong desires are a part of who I am; I'm not ethically responsible for them because I was born that way."

False. Individuals bear ethical responsibility for governing, curbing, and taking ownership of strong sinful desires.

True or False: "Strong desires are nothing more than temptations I live with. I can't do anything about them."

False. People are ethically responsible for their desires and are called to actively work to put sinful desires to death.

True or False: "Strong desires can be rooted in original sin that I must put to death. I'm ethically responsible."

True (supported by Jeremiah 17:9 and James 1:13–15).

Three specific areas directly impacted by the Fall

1. The created order 2. Human nature 3. The difficulty of making moral and ethical decisions

God's evaluation of His original creation in Genesis 1:31

God saw everything He had made, and behold, it was "very good."

How the Fall affects our capacity to carry out responsibilities according to Genesis 3:16–19

It damages our ability to function according to creational norms due to the brokenness and corruption brought into the world by sin.

The difference between Natural Laws and Creational Norms

Natural Laws describe how God designed the physical universe to function, whereas Creational Norms describe how human beings ought to live and act morally.

Naturalistic Fallacy

The flawed assumption that whatever occurs or is observed in nature is automatically good, proper, or morally acceptable.

The distinction Christians must make regarding the natural world in ethical reasoning

Christians must distinguish between God's original created design and the corrupted effects of the Fall upon that created order.

The primary guide that enables Christians to discern the created order and understand creational norms

God's special revelation found in Scripture.

The root cause of all ethical difficulties according to Scripture (Romans 5:12)

The Fall of man.

Three specific areas directly impacted by the effects of the Fall

1. Created order 2. Human nature 3. Difficulty of making ethical choices

The reason why making ethical decisions is difficult and why people embrace fallible ethical systems

The reality and pervasive effects of the Fall.

The consequence of the Fall described in Genesis 3:16–19

It brought brokenness into the world, ruining humanity's ability to function according to creational norms.

The crucial distinction required to correctly discern the ethical basis for human decisions

The distinction between the created order (natural laws and creational norms) and the fallen effects upon that created order.

How a Biblical worldview interprets reality

It recognizes the distinction between God's creational structure and the warped reality resulting from the Fall.

How a Secular worldview interprets reality

It interprets the warped reality resulting from the Fall as the normal standard.

The importance of Scripture (God's special revelation) in ethical understanding

It enables Christians to discern the created order so that creational norms can be accurately understood.

The ethical framework used for understanding the Fall's effects on the creational order

The Structure and Direction paradigm.

Definition of "Structure" in the structure and direction paradigm

God's created order and creational norms.

Definition of a "Bad direction" in the structure and direction paradigm

Bending towards fallen human nature.

Definition of a "Good direction" in the structure and direction paradigm

Bending back towards God's intended order.

The core rule to remember in ethics regarding structure and direction

Do not confuse fallen direction with creational structure.

What Romans 8:18–23 reveals about humanity and the created order

Both groan under God's judgment (the Curse), which affects all of creation.

The meaning of "to groan" in the context of Romans 8

Desiring relief from the Curse and the brokenness of the Fall.

The biblical reason why seeking ways to cope with the effects of the Fall is good and right

God's Creation Mandate has appointed humans as stewards of creation.

Real-world scientific advancement cited as an example of coping with the effects of the Fall

Gene therapy.

Is using gene therapy to treat genetic conditions like Down syndrome or muscular dystrophy ethical according to these notes? Why?

Yes. It is a "good direction" because it acts under the Creation Mandate to relieve the groaning of the Fall, bending a broken part of human health back toward God's intended creational order.

Is using gene therapy to choose cosmetic traits like eye color (blue vs. brown) ethical according to these notes? Why?

No. It is a misuse of technology because eye color is part of God's good creational structure, not a defect of the Fall. Changing it confuses human preferences with God's original design.

Identify the three core areas in which the Fall has had an effect on human nature.

Mind, will, and emotions (all driven by the affections).

How did the Fall affect the Mind?

It affected what we think about, how we perceive things, and how we reason (Scripture: 2 Cor. 4:14, Eph. 1:17, Titus 1:15).

How did the Fall affect the Will?

It affected our capacity to want to do what is right, as well as our motivation or ability to carry it out (Scripture: Eph. 2:1-3, Matt.).

How did the Fall affect the Emotions?

It causes us to delight in sin and lust after things (Scripture: 1 John 2:15-17).

According to the notes, what drives the mind, the will, and the emotions?

Affections.

What are affections, and why do they drive all we are and do?

They are inclinations that serve as the control center of our hearts, and they are formed by our values.

Why is everything stemming from the mind, will, and emotions broken?

Because the core (values) is corrupt because of sin.

Give an example of an affection mentioned in the notes.

Fear of the LORD.

How can a person's corrupt core, mind, will, and emotions be changed?

Through salvation (Scripture: 2 Cor. 5:17, Eph. 2:4-10).

If every part of every person is affected by the Fall, does this mean everyone is as bad as they could possibly be?

No

Why are humans not as bad as they could possibly be? What restrains evil?

God's common grace, which restrains evil in this world

List the 5 Gracious Restraints God uses to limit evil in the world.

1. Conscience

2. Fear of consequences

3. The design of this world and how it works

4. The influence of God's people in society

5. The direct restraint of the Holy Spirit

What do Romans 5:12, Psalm 51:5, and Romans 3:10 collectively show about sin?

That sin and the effects of sin are pervasive, affecting every human from conception.