Topical Bible: The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience

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In the context of biblical theology, the term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who are not part of the covenant community of Israel or, in the New Testament context, those who have not accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Despite their separation from the direct revelation given to Israel and the Church, Scripture affirms that the heathen are not without a witness to God's moral law. This witness is primarily manifested through the testimony of conscience.

The Testimony of Conscience

The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Romans, addresses the universal nature of God's moral law and the inherent knowledge of right and wrong that exists within every human being. Romans 2:14-15 states, "Indeed, 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. 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."

This passage highlights several key points regarding the testimony of conscience among the heathen:

1. Innate Moral Awareness: Even without the explicit revelation of God's law as given to Israel, the Gentiles (or heathen) possess an innate sense of morality. This moral awareness is not derived from external sources but is "written on their hearts," indicating a divinely instilled understanding of right and wrong.

2. Function of Conscience: The conscience serves as an internal witness to this moral law. It acts as a guide, prompting individuals toward righteous behavior and away from wrongdoing. The conscience also plays a judicial role, as it can either accuse or defend one's actions, reflecting an internal moral dialogue.

3. Universal Accountability: The presence of this internal moral compass implies that all humanity is accountable to God's standards, regardless of their exposure to specific religious teachings. The conscience serves as evidence of God's justice, ensuring that no one is without a witness to His moral expectations.

4. Moral Conflict and Awareness of Sin: The internal conflict described by Paul, where thoughts accuse or defend actions, suggests an awareness of sin and the need for moral rectitude. This awareness can lead individuals to seek reconciliation with the divine, even if they lack the full revelation of the Gospel.

5. Common Grace: The testimony of conscience can be seen as an aspect of God's common grace, whereby He provides all people with a basic understanding of His moral order. This grace serves as a preparatory work, potentially leading individuals to seek further truth and ultimately encounter the Gospel.

In summary, the testimony of conscience among the heathen underscores the universality of God's moral law and the inherent knowledge of right and wrong present in every human heart. This internal witness serves as a testament to God's justice and grace, ensuring that all people have access to a basic understanding of His moral expectations, regardless of their cultural or religious background.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 2:14,15
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law to themselves:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Heathen Gods from Heathen Authorities
... discuss with you the character of your gods, O ye heathen, fit objects of ... with you
in matters of this kind than the testimony of facts), I have taken and ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter i the heathen gods from.htm

The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi.
... A heathen would have naturally thought of purifications and ... "They that are whole
have no need ... of innate depravity, by listening to the testimony of conscience ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xviii the conversion of.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... But the religious rites of the heathen and the Israelites were rejected for the
very reason that they held ... But as these services have no testimony of God's ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... Though virtually a heathen statute, it was enforced by ... Not a single testimony of
the Scriptures was produced in ... do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

Endurance
... Christians seemed to be, dared to have an opinion ... Christ, and return to the wickedness
of the heathen. ... even little children, sealed their testimony with their ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxi endurance.htm

The Blood of Sprinkling
... God without blood; and beware of the heathen error on ... Believe his testimony concerning
it; so shall thy conscience ... reckoned to be the parties who have paid he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter v the blood of.htm

The Saviour's Last Command.
... ye are concerned in scattering among the heathen "fire-brands ... Why have ye not made
known the Gospel of Christ ... Look at the testimony of Africa, Asia, the Isles ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

The Impending Conflict
... lust and practice the sins which have called down judgments upon the heathen. ... her
seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

The Impending Conflict.
... and practise the sins which have called down judgments upon the heathen. ... of her seed,
which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /36 the impending conflict.htm

Guilt of Neglecting the Heathen.
... But this testimony does not stand alone ... Shall I escape the goadings of conscience
and the charge of blood ... to fear that few prayers for the heathen have been such ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iii guilt of neglecting.htm