In the first part of his letter to the Roman churches, having discussed God’s wrath upon the unrighteous the apostle Paul now writes about those who condemn others, describing their fate as self destructive. Paul describes God’s judgment as fair and according to scripture in spite of race or creed.
The apostle then points out the fact anyone trying to abide by the law of Moses would not necessarily be saved rather, only those abiding by the true circumcision would inherit the kingdom of God.
“1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” (Romans 2:1)
Paul states that no one will have any excuse before God upon judgment day, specially those who passed judgment upon others in this life, ignoring the fact they too are sinners. By passing judgment on others we condemn ourselves before God.
“2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.” (Romans 2:2)
Here the truth is the sinful nature of man, both Jews and Gentiles. All will be judge according to their character placed against the perfection that is Jesus Christ.
“3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Romans 2:3-4)
Many among Roman churches convinced themselves their own sin would not be judged by God as swiftly as He would the unrighteous. Anyone in Christ should know the extent of the kindness of God cannot be measured. All Christians should also be aware His judgment upon all sinners is not based on His love for us, which is unconditional, but our love for Him.
“5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Romans 2:5)
Instead of living in repentance glorifying God in all we do, the Romans allowed their sinful nature to lead their footsteps thereby ignoring God’s wrath to come upon judgment day. Through sin Christians are storing up wrath to be revealed by God at the judgment throne.
“6 God will give to each person according to what he has done.” (Romans 2:6)
Paul declares the fairness of God will be shown upon judgment day when all will be given according to their works, to their harvest. Since all sins are punished either in this life or upon judgment day, no one can escape God’s wrath.
“7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.” (Romans 2:7-8)
Sinners who do not feel God’s wrath in this life fool themselves into believing they will escape judgment. Fortunately it is not so for all will be judged. Those who seek God and live to glorifying the Lord will inherit a place with Him in heaven. Those who reject Jesus Christ and succumb to their sinful nature will reap a harvest of pain and suffering for all eternity.
“9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 2:9-10)
Here Paul points out the fact God’s judgment will be cast upon both Jews and Gentiles according to their character and works. Equally His blessings will be bestowed upon all men and women who glorified and served the Lord.
“11 For God does not show favoritism. 12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.” (Romans 2:11-12)
Though the Jews are God’s chosen people His mercy shows no favoritism; neither does His wrath. In the verse above Paul declares both Jews and Gentiles will be judged according to their character and their works.
“13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. 14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15 since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)” (Romans 2:13-15)
Here Paul writes about the moral law versus the law of Moses. The apostle indicates that Gentiles, who are without the law of Moses very much have a moral law embedded within them. By abiding to this moral law or “law of nature” Gentiles are made righteous, knowing right from wrong and choosing to do what is right.
“16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” (Romans 2:16)
Upon judgment day God will separate the sheep and the goats according to each person’s acceptance and love for Jesus, the Lamb of God.
At the judgment throne God will reveal all our secrets and expose the wolves among us, the hypocrites who hid among the righteous preying on meekness.
Only the penitent few who lived according to the gospel will pass, those who rejected Jesus Christ and the gospel will be cast into hell where there will be gnashing of teeth for all eternity.
Do you fear judgment day? Is your life littered with sin or are you a seed planter looking forward to the harvest? Seekers of the Lord who allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit should not fear judgment day. Rather those pursuing Jesus Christ and His father must look forward to the day of reckoning as the pinnacle of their climb toward heaven. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
