Topical Bible: The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the judgment of heathen, or those who have not received the Law of Moses or the Gospel of Christ, by the law of conscience is a significant theme in Christian theology. This idea is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's writings, particularly in the Epistle to the Romans, where he addresses the accountability of all humanity before God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this doctrine is found in Romans 2:14-15 : "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 suggests that even those who are outside the covenant community of Israel, and who have not received the written Law, possess an innate sense of right and wrong. This moral awareness, or conscience, acts as a law unto themselves, providing a basis for divine judgment.

The Role of Conscience

The conscience is understood as an internal faculty given by God, enabling individuals to discern moral truths and ethical behavior. It serves as a witness to God's moral order, reflecting His righteous standards. In Romans 1:19-20 , Paul further elaborates: "For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse."

Here, Paul argues that God's attributes are evident in creation, providing all people with a general revelation of His existence and character. This revelation, coupled with the internal witness of conscience, leaves humanity without excuse before God.

Implications for Judgment

The judgment of the heathen by the law of conscience implies that God holds all people accountable for their actions, regardless of their exposure to specific divine revelation. This accountability is based on the moral knowledge accessible to them through their conscience and the natural world. In Romans 2:12 , Paul states, "All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law."

This verse underscores the impartiality of God's judgment. Those who have sinned without the law will be judged according to the light they have received, while those under the law will be judged by the law itself. The law of conscience thus serves as a standard by which God evaluates the moral actions of those outside the covenant community.

Theological Considerations

From a theological perspective, the judgment of heathen by the law of conscience highlights the universality of sin and the need for redemption. It affirms that all humanity is in need of salvation, as all have fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). This doctrine also emphasizes God's justice and fairness, as He judges each person according to the knowledge and moral understanding available to them.

Furthermore, this concept underscores the urgency of the Great Commission, as articulated in Matthew 28:19-20 , where Jesus commands His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations." The recognition that all people are accountable to God, even by the law of conscience, motivates the proclamation of the Gospel to every corner of the earth, offering the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 2:12,14,15
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... it, who cannot be moved either to joy or grief for spiritual things, neither law
nor gospel ... Shall not God rank you in judgment with those heathen families ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... The present and future condition of the heathen world is a ... he is as guilty for the
transgression of law, and as ... or that he can stand in the judgment before the ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/all mankind guilty or every.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin ... that is not true, that
a heathen who never ... Conscience bears witness to the law, the Comforter bears ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

Law and Grace
... that law has never been heard, in heathen countries where ... though men cannot sin against
the law which they ... to stocks and stones, he has a judgment which, if he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/law and grace.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... that every mouth," whether of Jew or Heathen, must be ... or holiness, shows at once,
that their judgment is perverted ... because you are not under the law, but under ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 35 the law established.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... law will be the standard of character in the judgment. ... turneth away his ear from
hearing the law, even his ... worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

God's Law Immutable
... law will be the standard of character in the judgment. ... turneth away his ear from
hearing the law, even his ... worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

Liberty of Conscience Threatened
... lessens the obligation of the divine law and gives ... conceptions of the divine attributes,
heathen nations were ... never be known until revealed in the judgment. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 35 liberty of conscience.htm

In Pilate's Judgment Hall
... declared, "We have a law, and by our law He ought ... Pilate then took his place on the
judgment seat, and ... Thus by choosing a heathen ruler, the Jewish nation had ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 77 in pilates judgment.htm

The Feeblest Essay in the Volume is the First. ...
... sensible of his utter need, behold the heathen nations, (in ... by whose Spirit they
spake [42] , coming again to judgment. ... be looked upon as "an outer law:" (p.45 ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/i the feeblest essay in.htm