Every human being carries within them a sense of right and wrong. We may not always agree on the details, but we all have a conscience—an inner voice that tells us what we ought to do, and condemns us when we fail.
Where does this voice come from?
THE LAW WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS
Most cultures throughout history have shared basic moral values:
- That murder is wrong.
- That stealing is unjust.
- That compassion is good.
- That loyalty, honesty, and courage are virtuous.
Where did these values originate?
If morality is just a social construct or an evolutionary survival tool, then right and wrong are just illusions. Yet we all live as though some actions are really evil—and others are truly good.
There is a difference between preferences and principles. You may prefer tea over coffee, but you don’t feel guilty for it. You do feel guilt, however, when you lie or betray a friend. That’s more than preference—it’s moral conviction.
IF THERE IS LAW, THERE MUST BE A LAW GIVER
C.S. Lewis put it well: “A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.”
If we recognize injustice, it’s because we have some idea of what justice is.
- Conscience implies command.
- Guilt implies standard.
- Justice implies Judge.
None of these make sense in a purely material universe governed only by physical laws. You cannot weigh conscience or photograph guilt. Yet they are real.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
If God does not exist, then morality is nothing more than opinion. There is no higher court. No ultimate justice. No meaning to right or wrong beyond cultural consensus.
But if God does exist—then we are not only accountable, but also immeasurably valued. The moral law becomes not a burden, but a signpost—pointing us back to the One who made us.
FINAL REFLECTION
This Blog has been more difficult to write than my others, but I believe that its message is just as vital.
The moral law within us is not an accident. It’s a whisper from our Creator.
When we act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, we are not just following instincts. We are reflecting the image of a God who is just, merciful, and good, and we are exercising our free will to make the right decisions. Our free will helps us decide what is right and what is wrong, faced with temptation at every point. It takes a strong will to ignore temptation.
And that inner voice—the one that urges us to do what is right even when no one is watching—might be God Himself, speaking softly to the soul.
Finally, if God exists, then we will be accountable for our behaviour throughout our entire lives, and it will reflect upon how we spend our eternities. This does not mean that all hope is lost, however, but we do need to turn to God, acknowledge His existence, implore His forgiveness of our misdemeanors, and put our trust in Him. How long is eternity – spare a thought on that!
Mike
mike@acaseforgod.com
Post 8 of a 33-part series exploring the evidence for the existence of God.
PLEASE read my next Blog – ANSWERING COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT GOD
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