1912 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

the penalty of that Law. So, then, Israel found the Lawto work death; and they were under more condemnationthan were any other people in the world; for they werecondemned, not only in Adam, but also by failure to keepthe Law. By the Law Covenant given on Mt. Sinai, theywere lifted out of the Adamic condemnation and put ontrial afresh; and when they failed to keep that Law, theyhad a second condemnation put upon them.St. Paul is here demonstrating the mistake of thinkingthat the Law Covenant gave Israel a special immunityfrom condemnation. Then he shows that there are someGentiles who have never come under the Law Covenant,as did the Jew, but who, nevertheless, show a work ofprogress, which the Jew had not done; for these Gentilesshow a law of love ruling in their hearts. In some respectsthey judge themselves, and in other respects their consciencesexcuse or accuse them.GOD'S LAW ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN MAN'S HEARTThe Apostle says that since the Jews are condemnedby the Law given at Mt. Sinai, and since the rest of theworld recognize by their consciences that they are condemned,then the whole world stands guilty in God'ssight. What then is that which condemns the Gentiles?The answer is, the original Law of God remaining in theirhearts, though marred by the fall.God created our first parents in such a condition ofperfection that the Law of God was clear, or manifest, tothem instinctively. Now, because of the fall, if a man wereto use his moral perceptions alone, one man might saythat a thing is wrong, and another might say that it isright; each would be guided by his own mind, his ownconscience. St. Paul's argument is that no matter howfallen a man may be, he still has so much of the originalLaw in his heart that his conscience will either accuse himof wrong-doing or excuse his conduct; and unless extremelydegraded he will know that it is wrong to stealor to take human life.To whatever extent a man retains this original Law ofGod to that extent he is responsible. No one can sufficientlyexcuse himself so as to say that he is worthy ofeternal life. The Jew could not claim that he had kept theLaw, for his atonement for sin was an acknowledgmentthat he had failed to do so; and the Gentile's consciencetestified to his unworthiness. Therefore, neither was deservingof eternal life. Continuing his argument theApostle explains that none of the fallen race can obtaineternal life except by the way that God has provided; andthat way is in Christ alone. By the Divine arrangementChrist, who was perfect, was made flesh and gave Himselfon behalf of Adam and his race, so that God can bejust and still be the Justifier of him who believes in Jesus.--Rom. 326.Neither Jew nor Gentile can have eternal life exceptas the result of faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle tells