Yes, the Bible teaches that conscience is an innate part of human nature, written in the heart, that bears witness to God's moral law.
According to Romans 2, even Gentiles without the Law do by nature things contained in the Law, showing the work of the Law written in their hearts, with their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts accusing or excusing. Les Feldick emphasizes that conscience is a moral compass given to all humanity, present even before the written Law, and it is part of the old Adamic nature that must be dealt with through Christ's crucifixion.
Romans 2:14-15 — This passage directly states that Gentiles, without the Law, show the work of the Law written in their hearts, with conscience bearing witness—demonstrating the link between conscience and human nature.
The Bible reveals that conscience is an inherent aspect of human nature, placed by God in every person's heart. In Romans 2:14-15, Paul explains that when Gentiles, who do not have the Law, naturally do what the Law requires, they show that the work of the Law is written in their hearts, and their conscience bears witness, with their thoughts accusing or excusing them. This indicates that even without the written Law, people have an internal moral awareness. Furthermore, the Bible teaches that human nature is fallen because of Adam's sin. In Romans 5:12, it says that through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. This sin nature is contrary to God, leading to acts that violate His will. Yet, conscience remains active, causing conviction and prompting thoughts that accuse or excuse. The conscience is also meant to lead to confession, as seen in the example of Abel, who responded to conviction by bringing a sacrifice. However, the Bible also warns that people can sear their conscience, making it less sensitive over time, yet they remain responsible before God.
Les Feldick teaches that conscience is a basic part of human nature, placed within humanity from the beginning. He points out that even uncivilized tribes have a moral code based on conscience, showing that God's law is written in their hearts. Even before the written Law was given, conscience was present and made people responsible for their actions. Les emphasizes that human nature includes both outward actions and inward thoughts. Conscience is where awareness of sin begins, leading to conviction. However, people can reject or sear their conscience, but this does not negate their guilt. He uses Abel's sacrifice as an example where conscience led to confession. Furthermore, Les explains that the old Adamic nature is contrary to God and must be dealt with. Christ's crucifixion provides the means to put the old nature to death, allowing believers to live in newness of life. Conscience, part of human nature, is thus a witness that points to the need for salvation.
In Romans 2, Paul describes conscience as bearing witness with a person's thoughts, either accusing or excusing them. Even without the Law, Gentiles who do by nature what the Law requires show that the work of the Law is written in their hearts, and their conscience confirms it. This shows that conscience is an internal moral guide given to all people.
Before the Law was given at Mount Sinai, people only had conscience to guide them. Even so, they were responsible for their actions because conscience was written in their hearts. When the Law came, it made sin even more evident, but conscience was already present from the beginning.
Conscience convicts of sin, leading to confession and the need for a savior. Abel's sacrifice is an example of responding to conscience. However, conscience is not enough for salvation; it shows our guilt and points to the need for Christ's sacrifice to deal with the old Adamic nature.
Yes, people can reject and sear their conscience, making it less active. However, even if they try to ignore it, conscience remains part of human nature and will bear witness. Those who reject conscience are still guilty before God and subject to judgment.
Law and Justification
Les explains that under the Law, obedience was required, but even then, it had to be prompted by faith, showing the role of conscience in human response to God's commands.
Conscience Bearing Witness
Les directly teaches that Gentiles, without the Law, do by nature what the Law requires, showing the work of the Law written in their hearts, with conscience bearing witness and thoughts accusing or excusing.
Conscience in Uncivilized People
Les uses the example of uncivilized tribes having moral codes based on conscience, proving that conscience is universally part of human nature.
Conscience Before the Law
Les explains that before the Law was given, God did not impute individual acts of transgression because there was no law, but people were still responsible because they had conscience.
Conscience and Moral System
Les reiterates that even without the Ten Commandments, people had a moral system based on conscience, showing it is inherent in human nature.
Law, Conscience, and Sin
Les teaches that until the written Law came, man could only go by conscience; the Law made sin evident, even after searing one's conscience.
Old Sin Nature
Les explains that we are sinners by virtue of being offspring of Adam, and that old sin nature thinks contrary to God's will, which relates to why conscience is needed.
Crucifixion of Old Nature
Les teaches that the old Adamic nature must be put to death, and through Christ's crucifixion, the body of sin is destroyed, showing how conscience is part of that old nature.
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 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;)
This is the key passage directly linking conscience to human nature, showing God's law written in hearts.
Romans 5:12: Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Explains that human nature is fallen from Adam, making conscience necessary.
Romans 5:20: Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
Shows that the Law made sin more evident, while conscience was the prior guide.
Yes, according to Romans 2, conscience is written in the heart of every person, bearing witness to what is right and wrong. Les Feldick emphasizes that even without the Law, people have a moral code based on conscience, showing it is innate.
Yes, people can sear their conscience by repeatedly ignoring it. However, this does not remove its presence; it remains part of human nature and will bear witness, even if suppressed.
Conscience convicts of sin, leading to the recognition of our need for a Savior. It is not sufficient for salvation but points to Christ, whose death deals with the old Adamic nature, allowing believers to live righteously.
Watch the Teaching: Why Even "Good People" Can't Escape God's Judgment — Romans 2