An Introduction to Biblical Ethics (B&H Studies in Christian Ethics)

This book serves as an introduction to the field of biblical ethics, a subcategory of the discipline of moral theology. It differs from moral philosophy in that biblical ethics is distinctively Christian, and it is more specific than Christian ethics proper because it specifically focuses upon the application of the moral law -- as it is revealed in Scripture -- to daily living.

Introduction to Biblical Ethics explains the nature, relevancy, coherency, and structure of the moral law as revealed throughout the Bible. In addition to covering the foundational elements of biblical ethics, major issues investigated in this volume include: different types of law in Scripture, the relationship between the law and the gospel, and issues related to the prospect of conflicting moral absolutes.

Additionally, after a discussion of ethical methodology, and using the Ten Commandments as a moral rubric, author David W. Jones explores the place of the moral law in the lives of believers. In the final chapters, the events surrounding the giving of the Decalogue are surveyed, and the application of each of the Ten Commandments to Christian living is explored.

"David W. Jones has written a well-informed, readable, and practical introduction to the study of Christian ethics. For every important ethical topic, he carefully documents and summarizes a number of different Christian views and then argues graciously and effectively for the position he favors. He constantly returns to Scripture as his ultimate standard and makes many practical applications to ordinary life. Readers will find this to be an excellent introduction to biblical ethics for many years to come."
Wayne Grudem, Ph.D.
Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies
Phoenix Seminary, Phoenix, Arizona
 
"It is always a joy to see books that tackle the issue of ethics in our day and also deliberately choose to approach the topic from a biblical standpoint. Therefore, it is my privilege to commend to you this volume. May it enjoy the success it deserves, for there are too few authors who have had the courage to use the Scriptures in confronting such hard ethical questions in our times."
Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.
President Emeritus
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
 
"David W. Jones is a distinctive evangelical scholar, anointed with biblical wisdom and gospel passion. This book will teach, rebuke, encourage, and will provoke conversations that will linger long after the last page is turned."
Russell D. Moore, Ph.D. 
President
SBC Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission
 
"I believe this will become the standard in the field of Biblical Ethics. It is clear, concise and imminently readable. We have long needed a book like this and now we have it. Thank you Dr. Jones!"
Daniel L. Akin, Ph.D.
President
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"An Introduction to Biblical Ethics by David W. Jones will prepare students, teachers, and scholars for moral battle; resource churches to inspire holiness and expose corruption; equip parents to raise children who pursue righteousness and virtue; and challenge all of us to grow in the fear of God, motivated by love for God as directed by the Word of God"
Daniel R. Heimbach, Ph.D.
Senior Professor of Christian Ethics
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

An Introduction to Biblical Ethics explains the relevancy, coherency, and structure of the moral law as revealed throughout the Bible. Beginning with a crucial discussion of ethical methodology, David W. Jones then uses the Ten Commandments as a moral rubric to explore the place of the moral law in the lives of believers. Significant attention is given to the events surrounding the giving of the Ten Commandments and to their application to Christian living.
 
In addition to foundational elements, Jones investigates the different types of law in Scripture, the relationship between the law and the gospel, and the prospect of conflicting moral absolutes. The result is a fresh evangelical introduction to biblical ethics that is both comprehensive and practical.

David W. Jones is associate professor of Christian Ethics and director of the Th.M. Program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He has coauthored God, Marriage, and Family (with Andreas J. Köstenberger) and Health, Wealth, and Happiness: Has the Prosperity Gospel Overshadowed the Gospel of Christ? (with Russell S. Woodbridge).