Is something good because God commands it, or vice versa?

Definition of “Good” and the Question at Hand

“Is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it is good?” This question, often referred to as a dilemma, explores the nature of moral goodness. From Scripture, goodness is not separated from God’s own character: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Therefore, the essence of goodness reflects who God is rather than existing as a separate standard.

God’s Nature as the Standard

Scripture describes God as perfectly holy (Leviticus 19:2), righteous (Psalm 145:17), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). Consequently, God’s commands flow from His perfect nature. He does not derive goodness from an external rule, nor arbitrarily decide what is good. Instead, His character itself is the foundation for all moral truth. He is “the Father of lights,” and “with Him there is no variation” (James 1:17).

Biblical Overview of God’s Commands

1. Creation and Goodness: In the account of creation, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Goodness originates with God’s creative act, indicating that what He brings into being reflects His nature.

2. The Law and the Prophets: Old Testament laws—such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)—declare God’s moral will. These laws do not establish goodness apart from God but reveal His righteous character.

3. Jesus’ Teachings: Christ emphasizes that love undergirds moral goodness (Matthew 22:37–40). This love is not defined by human preference but by God’s loving will, shown through the Son’s life and teachings (John 13:34).

Harmony of God’s Character and Commands

Because God is inherently good, His commands are extensions of that goodness. They are not external decrees imposed upon Him, nor are they arbitrary. This resolves the dilemma by affirming that God’s nature is the source of both morality and the commands that instruct humanity in goodness.

Philosophical Considerations

1. No External Standard Above God: If there were a standard above God, then He would be subject to that standard, contradicting the scriptural view of a supreme, eternal Creator (Genesis 1:1).

2. No Arbitrary Decrees: If goodness were merely God’s random choice, then God’s unchanging and perfect character would be undermined. However, biblical teaching stresses that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (cf. Hebrews 13:8), preserving consistency in His moral law.

3. God’s Perfect Nature: Biblical descriptions of God reveal an unbounded, morally perfect Being, meaning that He cannot contradict His own holiness or love (1 John 4:7–8). Hence, every divine command proceeds from the perfect unity of His nature.

Reflections from Archaeology and Consistent Manuscripts

The question of goodness is often tied to whether Scripture itself is reliable. Archaeological finds—such as portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls—demonstrate the accurate transmission of Old Testament passages about God’s character and commands. Early New Testament manuscripts align in presenting Jesus’ teachings on moral goodness and love. These consistent manuscript traditions support the claim that biblical morality flows from the same unchanging divine nature revealed through history.

Behavioral Implications

Understanding that God’s commands mirror His nature clarifies how believers can live out moral goodness. Aligning one’s actions with God’s will is not a superficial rule-following exercise, but rather a call to reflect God’s love, compassion, and justice. This inspires a life of worship and service that mirrors God’s own character in practical ways (Micah 6:8).

Conclusion

Any perceived conflict between God’s command and what is intrinsically good dissolves when we see that God’s being is the very definition of good. He does not submit to a standard above Himself, nor does He declare arbitrary edicts. Rather, He guides creation by His perfect nature. This offers a coherent, biblically consistent foundation for why we can trust that His commandments truly represent what is good.