So much is sin a part of the core of our being that we are unable to free ourselves from it. We compare ourselves to other men and say, well I am better than he is. The reduction of God to the world of the senses does not resonate with what we know from conscience. Conscience does not seem like the creation of ourselves or our authority figures or our society. Indeed, it often forbids us to commit acts winked at by all of these.
Conscience carries with it a sense of obligation.
It seems to stand over against all, as a voice of transcendent judgment. This power is, of course, the Living and holy God, of whom Jeremiah speaks. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried and the house was filled with smoke. This vision dramatically illustrates the separation from God that is the lot of fallen man. But it will not save us, this God of our own devising.