for it is not the hearers of the Law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the Law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles who do not have the Law instinctively perform the requirements of the Law, these, though not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15 in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of mankind through Christ Jesus.
Romans 2:13-16
Many critics claim there is a contradiction in Paul’s teaching of salvation through faith vs. works in reading these verses. They claim in these verses Paul emphasizes salvation through works when he has declared salvation through faith on other occasions. Again, context is always king. In verse 15, Paul explicitly addresses the conscience and thought that will be judged as a testimony of faith. Paul emphasizes that sincerity in our religion will manifest in our efforts. A good parallel to this can be found in James 1:22-25.
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