When the Gentiles sin, they will be destroyed, even though they never had God’s written law. And the Jews, who do have God’s law, will be judged by that law when they fail to obey it. 13 For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. 14 Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. 15 They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. 16 And this is the message I proclaim—that the day is coming when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge everyone’s secret life.
Romans 2:12-16
In these verses, the apostle Paul addresses natural law. Natural law is the standard moral foundation God set in place, which applies to all people, regardless of nationality or religion. In addition, all people have knowledge of natural law from birth. For example, we all know murder is wrong without having a law telling us so. Paul also emphasizes that our obedience to the law requires our faith in God, and our faith in God demands our obedience.
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