The Unchanging Standard of Morality
Morality, from the standpoint of God's moral law, never changes. The principles of true morality are eternal. These principles flow out from the character of Him “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Variable, unstable human beings can not set the standard of morality, because they set up too many codes. That which is shocking in one age, or tabooed by one people or class, is admissible at a later date or deemed highly proper by other nationalities. On this point Thomas Fuller says:— Think not that morality is changeable; that vices in one age are not vices in another; or that virtues, which are under the everlasting seal of right reason, may be stamped by opinion. Tho vicious times invert the opinions of things, and set up new theories against virtue, yet hold thou unto “old morality.” And rather than follow a multitude to do evil, stand, like Pompey's Pillar, conspicuous by thyself, and single in thine integrity. God's people are to be “a peculiar people,” separate from the world in their ideals of right and wrong—so conspicuously different that the world will notice it, and the honest in heart will be attracted by it. And God's great law of morality is to be the conspicuous mark of difference. Of His eternal moral law of Ten Commandments, He says to Israel: “Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” To those who are inclined to depart from these eternal principles, and to seek new standards more congenial to fickle human nature, He says: “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”