How does Romans 2:15 reveal God's law written on our hearts? Romans 2 : 15 “…since they show that the work of the Law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts either accusing or defending them.” Core truth - God Himself has engraved His moral standard inside every person’s inner being; no one is born morally neutral or blank. The phrase “written on their hearts” - “Written” points to a finished, deliberate act—God placed His Law there. - “Hearts” in Scripture refers to the whole inner person—mind, will, emotions—so the Law reaches every facet of life. Evidence of the inscription - Conscience: an internal courtroom where we “hear” the Law; it testifies for or against us. - Inner dialogue: our thoughts “accuse or defend,” proving that we already know right from wrong even apart from the written Torah. How Romans 2 : 15 links with the rest of Scripture - Jeremiah 31 : 33; Ezekiel 36 : 26-27 – God promises to write His Law on hearts, fulfilled ultimately in the new covenant. - 2 Corinthians 3 : 3 – The Spirit now writes not on stone but on “tablets of human hearts.” - Hebrews 8 : 10 – Echoes Jeremiah, showing continuity between Old and New Covenants. - John 1 : 9 – Christ, the true Light, “gives light to everyone,” aligning with the universal witness of conscience. What this means for believers - We can appeal to the conscience of every person when sharing the gospel; the Law already resonates inside them (Acts 24 : 16). - Our own renewed hearts can now obey from the inside out, not by external pressure (Romans 6 : 17). - Sensitivity matters: a clean conscience is maintained by quick repentance and obedience (1 Peter 3 : 16; 1 John 1 : 9). Practical takeaways 1. Acknowledge the Law within: pay attention when conscience flags sin or affirms righteousness. 2. Use Scripture to sharpen that inner voice; the written Word clarifies what conscience senses. 3. Share the gospel confidently, knowing every heart already bears a faint imprint of God’s standards. |
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