In order to ease people’s consciences, it is easy for them to think that the law of God does not apply to them. But it is not that one is accountable only if they obey the gospel. Everyone is accountable.
Some have contended that there was a universal moral law that applied to the Gentiles. It is often referred to as “a law written in their hearts” in Romans 2:15. This supposedly governs alien sinners, while the gospel judges the saints. The Jews who lived under Moses will definitely be judged by that law, but those who live during the gospel dispensation will be judged according to Jesus’ word (John 12:48; Mark 16:15-16).
The authority of Christ is universal (Matthew 28:18; John 17:2). Furthermore, Christ rules over two classes of people in Psalm 110:1-3. How can He do this? The “rod of thy strength” is the “word of His power” (Hebrews 1:2-3). Christ is able to rule over all of us with one gospel (Luke 24:47; Romans 1:16). This truth is applied in Acts 17:30-31 when Paul says that God will judge the world by Jesus Christ.
If Gentiles were saved before the cross by living righteous lives in harmony with the dictates of the “law written on their hearts,” why can they not be saved in the same way today? The word of God simply does not support anyway for someone to be saved outside of obedience to Christ’s words. If you have not obeyed Him, then why not contact us for further study? We would be honored to show you what the words of Christ say regarding God’s grace and your faith (Ephesians 2:8).
Kyle Campbell
