Where Does Our Sense of Right and Wrong Come From?
Where does our sense of right and wrong come from? Romans 2:14-15 reveals that God’s moral law is written on every heart, guiding even those without His Word. True transformation, however, comes through Christ, who fulfills the law and offers salvation.
In today’s world, we often hear people, regardless of their religious beliefs, talk about a shared sense of right and wrong. These common values—like fairness, kindness, and justice—are universally recognized in many cultures, yet they're not always rooted in a specific faith or tradition. This instinctual moral understanding has an explanation in Scripture that applies just as much to our modern lives as it did in ancient times.
In Romans 2:14-15, Paul writes:
"For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 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."
What Does "Gentiles" Mean?
In this passage, "Gentiles" refers to people who are not of the Jewish faith. They do not have the written Law of Moses, which was given to the Israelites in the Old Testament. While the Law refers to the commands and guidelines outlined in the first five books of the Bible (the Torah), it also represents God's moral standards in general. Even without direct knowledge of God's revealed law, people in the world—whether religious or not—are still able to live according to basic moral principles. This is because, as Paul explains, the law is “written in their hearts.”
What Is "The Law"?
"The Law" here refers not just to a set of religious regulations but to God's moral law—the standards of righteousness and justice that God has established for all humanity. It includes the principles found in the Ten Commandments and other moral imperatives found throughout the Scriptures. But even beyond this, the law is about how we treat one another with respect, compassion, and fairness. It is the foundation for love, both toward God and toward our fellow humans.
Evidence of God's Law in Every Heart
Though they may not have the Law in the same way the Israelites did, non-believers are still aware of what is right and wrong because God's moral law is embedded in their hearts. This is further echoed in Jeremiah 31:33, where God promises that He will write His law on the hearts of His people. It’s an internal understanding that transcends specific religious knowledge and points to the Creator’s design for humanity. Even without the Bible or formal religious education, people can discern actions that are unjust or harmful and recognize actions that are compassionate or just.
In fact, Romans 1:20 tells us that God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—are clearly seen in creation, leaving people without excuse for rejecting His truth. Our conscience, given to us by God, serves as a witness to His moral standard. It is an internal guide, one that “accuses or defends” based on how our actions align with what we instinctively know to be right or wrong.
Romans 2:14-15 speaks directly to how we see morality playing out in today's world. Regardless of belief in God, people worldwide seem to agree on certain basic moral principles: it’s wrong to murder, steal, or lie; it’s right to help the poor and care for the weak. These shared convictions can be traced back to the universal moral law that God has placed within each person, as described in Romans 2.
We see this moral understanding reflected in the common outcry for justice, compassion, and fairness that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether in discussions about human rights, environmental stewardship, or the treatment of others, there is a deep sense that certain things are just wrong and others are right. These moral principles can be understood as God's law at work in every heart.
While the law may be written on everyone’s heart, it is only through Christ that we fully understand and fulfill God's perfect moral law. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” Through Him, we not only understand the law more clearly but are also empowered to live it out.
Thus, even though non-believers may instinctively know right from wrong, true moral transformation and alignment with God's will can only come through a relationship with Jesus Christ, who came to fulfill the law and offer forgiveness. The moral compass that points to justice, kindness, and love finds its ultimate fulfillment in Him.
"I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." (Jeremiah 31:33)
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
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I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)