Did the Gentiles have a moral system without the Ten Commandments?
Scripture teaches that Gentiles who did not have the Mosaic law still had a moral system, because the work of the law was written in their hearts and their conscience was their guide. They were a law unto themselves and remained guilty of sin. So moral awareness existed without the Ten Commandments.
Les explains that when Gentiles who have not the law do by nature the things contained in the law, they are a law unto themselves, showing the work of the law written in their hearts—their conscience. Even though they did not have the Ten Commandments (thou shalt not steal, kill, commit adultery), they did have a moral system, based on conscience. He illustrates this with missionary friends from the Amazon jungles: uncivilized Indians who think nothing of murdering people, yet within their own tribal community have a moral code that would put America to shame. They get it from conscience. Scripture says that even though they did not have the law, they were guilty of sin just as much as anyone else.
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 unto themselves:
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;)
More Questions
What does it mean that the Gentiles are a law to themselves?
Gentiles who do not have the law of Moses can still do by nature what the law requires, so they are a law to themselves.
What law did the Gentiles not have in Romans 2:14?
The 'law' that Paul says the Gentiles do not have is the law of Moses.