Human Rights in the Bible
The Bible addresses several aspects regarding human rights. The Bible states that man is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Every person is a unique creation of God, and He loves each one (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9). Because of this, man has certain God given rights and was given dominion over the rest of creation (Genesis 1:26).
God’s Moral Law (the Ten Commandments-Exodus 20) contain prohibitions against murder, theft, coveting, adultery, and bearing false testimony. These laws promote the ethical treatment of our fellow man (Exodus 20). Also, the Mosaic Law is full of examples of how God expects everyone to be treated humanely. Here are some of these laws:
To treat immigrants well (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33-34)
To provide for the poor (Leviticus 19:10; Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
To grant interest-free loans to the poor (Exodus 22:25)
To release all indentured servants every fifty years (Leviticus 25:39-41)
To show no favoritism (Acts 10:34)
To not discriminate based on race, gender, cultural background, or class (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; James 2:1-4)
To be kind to all (Luke 6:35-36)
Based on what the Bible teaches, Christians through history, have pioneered to aid their fellow human beings. The majority of hospitals and orphanages in our world were founded by faithful Christians. Many of the great humanitarian reforms of history, including abolition, were started by Christian individuals pushing for justice. As they preach the Gospel around the world, Christians are active in building schools, digging wells, planting crops, clothing the poor, distributing medicine, and providing work opportunities for the underprivileged.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
