Conscience Development: Why Have Laws?

The Mosaic Law (Ex. 20) was given to show man his sin and the impossibility of perfectly pleasing God. Romans 3:20 says the knowledge of sin comes through the Law. The Law cannot save anyone, but it points us to the One who can save us, Jesus Christ (Rm. 3:21-24). The kindness of God leads us to repentance (Rm. 2:4), and Titus 3:5-6 says we are saved by His mercy through Jesus Christ our Savior.

Responding to the Standard

The sin nature, which separates us from God, seeks for its own rule (the boastful pride of life) and for pleasure (the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes) (Rm. 5:12; 1 Jn. 1:8-10; 2:16). However, each child has a conscience, the capacity to sense right and wrong. Romans 2:15 indicates that the words of the law are written in the heart and either accuse or excuse the sinner.

Matthew 6:24 says no man can serve two masters. He will hate one and love the other; we cannot serve God and mammon (riches). Children need to understand that there is no halfway obedience to God. You are either seeking after God and following Him, or you are in sin; there is no inbetween. Parents can help children recognize and develop these values.

Topic Sections:

        Introduction
Why Have Laws?

Next Page: Sin and Culpability
Personal Responsibility
Appeals and Rewards