“For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 2:12-16
THE SEARCHER OF ALL HEARTS
The Apostle shows that the same standard will judge all men, whether Jews or Gentiles. The laws written for the Jews were upon the pages of the Old Testament. But, for the Gentiles, the law is written on the tablets of the heart and known as “conscience.” It is a blessed and profound truth, which makes all men compliant to God’s judgment, that deep down in every man’s soul, He has engraved His holy law.
Neither the Jewish law nor the law of conscience justifies us before God. Without the Spirit of Truth and Life living in our hearts, we face eternal separation from God.
AFRAID OF THE BIBLE
A celebrated unbeliever once said, “There is one thing which mars all the pleasure of my life.” “Indeed,” replied his friend, “what is that?” “I am afraid the Bible is true,” was the answer. “If I could know for certain that death is an eternal sleep, I should be happy—my joy would be complete. But here is the thorn that stings me—the sword that pierces my soul: if the Bible is true, I am forever lost.” (Author Unknown)
Since God judges us according to the law of conscience, or the knowledge of right and wrong, we have no excuse. Therefore, we desperately need to seek his grace.