For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do 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, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:14-16 ESV
Where does our morality come from? Some will argue that it came via evolution. And while there may be some truth to that, if that was the whole story, our morality would be but little different from that of the animals we see around us.
Others will argue that our morality is based on our culture. And that certainly appears to be true to at least some extent. You need only look at other cultures in the world today or through history to recognize the differences in what we consider right or wrong.
But this passage points us to another source for our morality, a law written on our hearts. This law, also known as conscience, helps us to intuitively know right from wrong. It is not an infallible guide at every point, and we can easily act against it. However, it seems to be common across cultures and often contrary to what evolution would develop.
Where does this conscience, or universal moral compass, come from? Paul does not directly say here. But he does say that it leads us to do what the Mosaic Law requires and that we will be judged by it. And that leads me to believe that it is a moral guide that God has built into each of us.
Obedience to my conscience will no more lead to my salvation than strict adherence to the law of Moses. But my conscience does point to a universal moral standard. And that should, in turn, point us to God as the source of that moral standard.
