Our Conscience Bears Witness

Have you ever wondered by what standard non-believers will be judged? In Romans 2:12-16, Paul clearly states that no one will ever be judged by a standard that has not been made known to them. “For there is no partiality with God” (Romans 2:11) and because God is completely impartial the standards for judgment are fair and just. Paul introduces the law because it reveals what sin is and it shows we know what is sin; it’s also how we know we have fallen short of God’s perfect glorious standard. Paul would go on a say to the Romans that “no one will be justified (declared not-guilty of their sin) in God’s sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law” (Romans 3:20). But what about those who don’t know the law? What about those who have never been exposed to the gospel or the law? The answer lies within a person, something called the inner law, the law written in their hearts. No matter where I serve or who I encounter, one powerful truth guides my conversations; every person has been created in God’s image. This foundational truth helps me understand that God has written His law on the hearts of every human being He has created. Each person is accountability to God for the knowledge they have been given and this is why there is no one walking this earth from the streets of Charlotte to the jungles of Africa, whose “conscience is not bearing witness” to God’s inner law.

Since we are created in the image of God we are without excuse, to include the hidden areas of our lives. Whether its sinful actions or immoral thoughts “God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16). God has entrusted judgment to His Son, His judgment will be completely just and based upon the inner knowledge God has placed inside each man. Thus when I see the constant grumbling of atheist and homosexual/transgender groups for equality and individual freedom I know this goes completely against God’s inner law and they stand in defiance of His holy standards.

For the born again believer, judgment has been dismissed by the atoning blood of Jesus. They have been justified freely by God’s grace through the redemption that is found in Christ Jesus. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude that we have found refuge in Christ from His judgment and coming wrath.