The possession of conscience, which was the effect of eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, is thrice acknowledged in this epistle.

   1. First, in relation to the Gentiles, who had not the law. These “show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness:” Romans 2:15.

   2. The inspired apostle, when speaking of the truth in Christ, confesses his possession of it. “I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost:” Romans 9:1.

   3. And believers generally are to move in accordance with it, as enlightened by the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit. “Ye must needs be subject” to the rulers of earth, “not only for wrath, but also for conscience’ sake:” Romans 13:5.

   Conscience set under the law brings “the knowledge (not of salvation, but) ‘of sin.’” And hence all are guilty before God; guilty in tempers, thoughts, words, and deeds. 

   That conclusion reached, the apostle presents the Gospel of God, which is the testimony concerning what the Son of God hath wrought. He has brought in redemption by His death, and propitiation by His blood; this and His active righteousness forming the complete “righteousness of God.”

   The type of this salvation was given in Eden. The first evidence of the possession of conscience, as the result of disobedience, was the sense of nakedness, and the attempt to remove it. The attempt was vain. When set before God, both Adam and Eve felt themselves naked. But “unto Adam and his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” 

On Romans - Robert Govett