Slade's paraphrase (with help from Aland and
Stern):
God shows no partiality: for those who-are-without-Torah sin, they
also perish without Torah; and those within Torah who sin, by Torah they will
be judged (2.11-12). (The hearers of Torah are not just with G-d, but
the doers of Torah will be justified) (Romans
2.11-13).
Verse 2:14-16a appears to be an example of how
this works:
For when Gentiles, not having Torah, by nature practice the things
of Torah even though they do not have Torah, are Torah! They demonstrate the
works of Torah written in their hearts; their consciences and their thoughts
bear joint witness and between one another accusing (or even
defending) in [the] day when God judges the hidden things of
men.
I
attempt to understand the text from the original language, so my renderings
may be a bit different than your favored translation.
It
appears that both the conscience and the thoughts of man are designed to
keep us holy and going good. The question, appears to be is the conscience
the Imago Dei? Since I tend to look at the text in active voice, I do not
think Imago Dei has to do with the static nature of man (i.e.,
body+soul+spirit = Father+Son+Holy Spirit) but that the Imago Dei is
seen in the activities of man. When we behave as Messiah, we demonstrate the
Imago Dei.
Is
the conscience the Holy Spirit... or is the conscience the internal reaction
to the Torah written on our hearts? I don't know.
I
thank G-d we are given the assurance of salvation through Messiah Yeshua. I
would hate to be like one who does not have that
assurance.
Am I
on the right track or have I failed to address the issue?
--
slade
Conscience and the Imago Dei, discuss amongst
yourselves. Slade, what do you think?
