Romans 2:14-15 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
Paul now explains that the Gentiles are without excuse for sin. They cannot say that they did not know any better. The truth is that the Gentiles have received a form of the law. God writes this law on their conscience. Every human is aware to some degree of what is right and wrong. That is what it means to be human and being aware. There are some people who may have only the simplest ability to determine right and wrong because of mental handicaps or a young age. The vast majority of people have some degree of awareness, which makes them accountable for the light that they have received. This is a crucial step in Paul’s logic as he shows that everyone is a sinner and in need of a savior. The problem is that because of the inherited problem of sin, people turn their backs on God and the light God has given and go their own way, the problem that is described in 1:18-32.
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