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

— Romans 2:15

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it —

22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24 and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in His divine forbearance He had passed over former sins.

26 It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

— Romans 3:21-26

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God’s self-revelation in nature is called general revelation. General revelation also includes an internal or subjective element. God gives all people a conscience, which is the gift of knowing right from wrong and comprehending the evidence for His existence. We have “clearly seen” the truth and “understood from what has been made.” Conscience is an internal knowing and recognizing the God who created it. Humanity stands accountable for responding to what nature reveals about God “because God has made it plain to them.”

What is sometimes called “special revelation” provides additional insight into God’s invisible qualities. Paul explains in Romans 2 and 3 that, by grace, increasing special revelation came to the Jews through God’s relationship with Abraham, through the law, and through the prophets. The gospel then presents the special revelation of Jesus Christ, explaining the path to God’s righteousness.” This good news is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Responding to God includes humbly seeking what He makes known through His Son, His Word, His Spirit, and His people.