Moral Law Testimony of the Human Conscience
The human conscience serves as an internal witness to the moral law, a faculty of the mind that discerns right from wrong [2, 5]. This "law of nature" is understood as God's will for human conduct, discoverable through natural reason and binding on all people at all times [4]. The conscience testifies to this law, with thoughts either accusing or defending one's actions [5].
Scripture indicates that the conscience can accuse individuals of sin, as seen in the remorse of Jacob's sons (Genesis 42:21) or David (2 Samuel 24:10) [1]. It also plays a role in acknowledging the justice of divine condemnation [3]. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 2:15, describes Gentiles who do not have the written Law but "show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness" [5]. This suggests an innate moral compass, even if imperfect [2].
However, the Fall has perverted this faculty, like all other human capacities [2]. The conscience can become "defiled" (Titus 1:15) or "seared" (1 Timothy 4:2), indicating a diminished sensitivity to moral truth [2]. Despite this fallen state, the law itself is considered "good" and "holy, just, and good" [6]. John Calvin emphasizes that the moral law, even when not perfectly observed, renders humanity inexcusable, as it sets forth a standard of perfect righteousness [7].
For believers, a "conscience void of offence" is a goal to be pursued [2]. This involves keeping faith with a pure conscience (1 Timothy 1:19) and allowing the blood of Christ to purify it (Hebrews 9:14) [1]. The testimony of a good conscience can be a source of joy (2 Corinthians 1:12) [1]. Furthermore, Christians are called to consider the consciences of others, avoiding actions that might cause offense (Romans 14:21) [1].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Conscience — Witnesses in man -- Pr 20:27; Ro 2:15. Accuses of sin -- Ge 42:21; 2Sa 24:10; Mt 27:3; Ac 2:37. We should have the approval of -- Job 27:6; Ac 24:16; Ro 9:1; 14:22. The blood of Christ alone can purify -- Heb 9:14; 10:2-10,22. Keep the faith in purity of -- 1Ti 1:19; 3:9. Of saints, pure and good -- Heb 13:18; 1Pe 3:16,21. Submit to authority for -- Ro 13:5. Suffer patiently for -- 1Pe 2:19. Testimony of, a source of joy -- 2Co 1:12; 1Jo 3:21. Of others, not to be offended -- Ro 14:21; 1Co 10:28-32. Ministers should commend themselves to that of their pe”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Conscience — That faculty of the mind, or inborn sense of right and wrong, by which we judge of the moral character of human conduct. It is common to all men. Like all our other faculties, it has been perverted by the Fall (John 16:2; Acts 26:9; Rom. 2:15). It is spoken of as "defiled" (Titus 1:15), and "seared" (1 Tim. 4:2). A "conscience void of offence" is to be sought and cultivated (Acts 24:16; Rom. 9:1; 2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:5, 19; 1 Pet. 3:21).”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Condemnation — The sentence of God against sin -- Mt 25:41. Universal, caused by the offence of Adam -- Ro 5:12,16,18. Inseparable consequence of sin -- Pr 12:2; Ro 6:23. Increased by Impenitence. -- Mt 11:20-24. Unbelief. -- Joh 3:18,19. Pride. -- 1Ti 3:6. Oppression. -- Jas 5:1-5. Hypocrisy. -- Mt 23:14. Conscience testifies to the justice of -- Job 9:20; Ro 2:1; Tit 3:11. The law testifies to the justice of -- Ro 3:19. According to men's deserts -- Mt 12:37; 2Co 11:15. Saints are delivered from, by Christ -- Joh 3:18; 5:24; Ro 8:1,33,34. Of the wicked, an example ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Law — A rule of action. (1.) The Law of Nature is the will of God as to human conduct, founded on the moral difference of things, and discoverable by natural light (Rom. 1:20; 2:14, 15). This law binds all men at all times. It is generally designated by the term conscience, or the capacity of being influenced by the moral relations of things. (2.) The Ceremonial Law prescribes under the Old Testament the rites and ceremonies of worship. This law was obligatory only till Christ, of whom these rites were typical, had finished his work (Heb. 7:9, 11; 10:1; Eph. 2:16). I”
- Romans “Romans 2:15 (NASB) — in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them,”
- 1 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Timothy 1:8: But we know that the law is good - The law as given by God, is both good in itself and has a good tendency. This is similar to what the apostle had asserted, Rom 7:12-16 : The law is holy; and the commandment is holy, just, and good; see the note on Rom 7:12, etc. If a man use it lawfully - That is, interpret it according to its own spirit and design, and use it for the purpose for which God has given it; for the ceremonial law was a schoolmaster to lead us unto Christ, and Christ is the end of that law for justification to every one that believes. Now those who d”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 43: for pardon, it is of importance to know how our being instructed in the Moral Law renders us more inexcusable. If it is true, that a perfect righteousness is set before us in the Law, it follows, that the complete observance of it is perfect righteousness in the sight of God; that is, a righteousness by which a man may be deemed and pronounced righteous at the divine tribunal. Wherefore Moses, after promulgating the Law, hesitates not to call heaven and earth to witness, that he had set life and death, good and evil, before the peo”