12 Those people who don't know about God's Law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says.
13 God accepts those who obey his Law, but not those who simply hear it.
14 Some people naturally obey the Law's commands, even though they don't have the Law.
15 This proves that the conscience is like a law written in the human heart. And it will show whether we are forgiven or condemned,
16 when God appoints Jesus Christ to judge everyone's secret thoughts, just as my message says.
17 Some of you call yourselves Jews. You trust in the Law and take pride in God.
18 By reading the Scriptures you learn how God wants you to behave, and you discover what is right.