Life in the spirit as wise remedy for the folly of the flesh : ethical notes from Galatians

Abstract

This article argues that wise ethical behaviour is not determined and regulated by law, but emanates from the faithfulness of Christ as introduced into the believer's life by the Spirit. It is a fruit or result of the indwelling of the Spirit and the believer's obedience to Him. It is characterised by a love and sacrificing service born from the faithfulness of Christ and the believer's faith in Him. It is about responding to one's fellow believers and their needs and ultimately about God's honour and accountability to Him. Christian ethics is not characteristically Christian because of its ethical rulings, but because of its pneumatological-soteriological foundation and way of operating. For this reason it might not always be obviously different to other ethical systems, but completely different in its origin and aim, creatively seeking to do good for the sake of others and to the glory of God, even when it makes abundant use of ethical maxims and standards from society at large.