A Matter of Conscience

One of the questions ministers often get from those who are still seeking salvation is, “Well, what about little children on deserted islands who never heard of Jesus. Are you telling me that they’re all going to Hell because they don’t believe in Him?”

I love this question because it so has an answer!

And the answer is the conscience. So what is the conscience? It’s that little part of your being that sort of connects your soul (mind, will, emotions) to your spirit. Think about it. When you “know” something is wrong, you just know it. No one has to tell you it’s wrong and it’s not necessarily something you have to learn. Let me give you an example.

Have you ever met parents who actually teach a child to steal or lie? Of course not. Any 3-year-old will take something that’s not his, hide it because he “knows” he’s not supposed to have it, and then lie to cover up the theft! Right? Of course I’m right! Why do you think thieves steal things in the dark of night? To cover up what they “know” is wrong.

Believe me, people, it’s not just “Christians” who “know” the difference between right and wrong; nor is it Muslims nor Jews nor any other religion professing enlightenment. So where in the Bible can we ensure that this is the truth?

Let’s look at Romans 2:14-16 which tells us that people who don’t have a law to guide them, actually guide themselves in a manner much like a law but which is in their hearts. It also says that it’s a person’s conscience that actually bears witness and either accuses them of their actions or excuses them of their actions.

As for the folks living on that island, well, God will judge them based on how well they follow the leading of their consciences. But what about those of us who have heard about Jesus? Our conscience lets us know what’s right or wrong there, too. And in order to reject Jesus, we actually have to make a conscious decision to do so. We all have a conscience; we all have to decide to either believe that Jesus is the Son of God or make a conscious decision to reject Him.

Keep that in mind the next time someone asks about little kids on deserted islands!