Romans 2:15: Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)
Sweden’s great theologian Anders Nygren states this very exactly: “The heathen’s conscience stands as an objective witness … showing that he actually knew what he did wrong.” God’s judgment is so perfect that he takes into account one’s moral perception in rendering judgment. To be sure, no one escapes condemnation. All fall short. None measure up to their own moral perceptions of right or wrong, let alone God’s Law. No one will ever be able to rise before God and declare that he has been unfair. His judgment is so precise that he takes into account the delicate moral perceptions of each person. 1
Written on their hearts – Paul borrows the language of Jer 31:33 to assert that Gentiles have a sense of right and wrong, suggesting that Gentiles also understand the need to be “right” before God, even though they may not know the written law. 2
Application
- Your conscience is a Godly umpire inside of you, declaring fair or foul, all the times. Are you in a habit of arguing with your Umpire?
- Are you quick to obey or quick to make excuses and blame others?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for creating a conscience within me, to lead me always in the truth.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
