T he law of nature is quite different from “conscience”. The law of nature points to an objective standard recognized by all; whereas “conscience” is a person’s moral sense of right and wrong, which serves as a guide to one’s moral behaviour and choices. Conscience used in a legal context can refer to witnesses who share the same testimony; it can also denote an inner consciousness that has moral implications – the judgment of one’s mind with regards to right and wrong. In today’s verse, Paul uses the word “conscience” in the former context, as an independent witness within an individual, which examines and passes judgment on his/her own conduct. Paul’s point here is that a man’s conscience bears witness to his deeds. If his deeds do not violate his conscience, he is at peace; if they do, he will be in a state of internal turmoil. This means every man approves or condemns his own acts, and thus pronounces judgment on his own moral character. This exercise of moral self-judgment implies that man has a knowledge of God’s law. While it is true the believer’s conscience is guided and enlightened by the Holy Spirit [Romans 9:1], it is also true that because of sin, man’s conscience is warped, defiled [1 Corinthians 8:7; Titus 1:15], wounded [1 Corinthians 8:12] and seared [1 Timothy 4:2]. It means that our mistaken conscience can excuse our misdeeds when we should be condemned, or torment us mercilessly when such is uncalled for. Thus, in the day of reckoning when we come before the all-seeing God, our best hope is not to rely on our conscience. The best and only hope is our total reliance on the atoning work of our Lord Jesus.
LESSON
Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.
You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the Word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you. – Martin Luther
THOUGHT
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