What role does conscience play according to Romans 2:14 in moral decisions? Romans 2:14—God’s Internal Witness “ When Gentiles who do not have the Law do by nature what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the Law.” What Conscience Is - An inner moral faculty placed by God in every person (Genesis 1:27; Ecclesiastes 3:11). - A “law to themselves” that testifies to God’s objective moral standard even apart from written revelation. - Designed to echo the truths later written explicitly in Scripture (Psalm 19:1–4; Romans 1:19–20). How Conscience Functions in Moral Decisions - Warns: pricks the heart before sin (John 8:9). - Guides: nudges toward what is right, aligning with the moral content of God’s Law (Micah 6:8). - Accuses or excuses after an action (Romans 2:15). - Prepares a sinner to recognize the need for the gospel by highlighting personal guilt (Galatians 3:24). Limits of Conscience - Can be misinformed if shaped by culture rather than Scripture (Isaiah 5:20). - Can be weakened (1 Corinthians 8:7), defiled (Titus 1:15), or seared (1 Timothy 4:2). - Cannot save; it only points to the Lawgiver who does (Romans 3:20–24). Strengthening a Biblical Conscience - Saturate the mind with God’s Word (Psalm 119:11). - Submit to the Spirit’s sanctifying work (John 16:8,13). - Practice immediate obedience to revealed truth (James 1:22). - Fellowship with believers who model mature discernment (Hebrews 10:24–25). - Confess and forsake sin promptly, keeping the conscience clear (1 John 1:9; Acts 24:16). Takeaway God has wired every human heart with a conscience that echoes His Law, guiding moral choices and holding us accountable. When informed by Scripture and guarded from corruption, it becomes a reliable ally in daily obedience and a continual reminder of our need for the Savior. |
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