COMING JUDGMENT
Romans 2:1–13
Romans 1 ended with a thorough description of those who reject the eternal sovereignty of God. That rejection caused them to have a “corrupt mind” by which they worshipped the creation rather than the Creator. As fallen people continue to say no to God, they eventually get what they ask for — no God.
We should have compassion and concern for those who are held captive by Satan and their own skewed perspective.
No Excuses (1–5)
Romans 1:20 tells us that because mankind has rejected what God has made plainly visible in creation, they are “without excuse.” I can see many self-righteous Jews in Paul’s audience encouraging him with the words, “Preach it to those lousy sinners!” As chapter 2 begins, however, Paul personalizes the message by stating, “You … [are] without excuse.” He admonishes the reader not to judge others because they are guilty of the same things.
He contrasts man’s judgment, which is based on a warped mind and perspective, with the perfect judgment of God, which is absolutely true and fair.
As Jesus warns in Matthew 7:1, “For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others.” Why do we tend to measure ourselves against someone who makes us feel better about ourselves rather than by God’s holy standard? Remember that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
Perfect Standard (6–11)
In this section of Romans 2, Paul describes God’s judgment as it relates to those who obey the truth and those who are “self-seeking and disobey the truth.” Our response to God’s pursuing and redeeming offer of forgiveness and new life in Jesus Christ will determine where we will spend eternity.
Paul is looking forward to the time when Christ comes as the righteous Judge. Jesus spoke of that coming day in Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done.”
It is difficult to officiate at the funeral of an unbeliever because I cannot give them the biblical assurance that their loved one is with Jesus. The only comfort I can offer them is that God will be absolutely fair with their loved one. I also encourage them by saying, “Only God knows what might have transpired in those final moments.”
If God asks you, “Why should I let you into My heaven?” what do you think you would say?
One Way (12–13)
The theme of this section is the impartiality of God. Impartiality is hard to find in the courts of man. However, God doesn’t play favorites. He will judge those under the law according to the law.
Those without the law will be judged by their response to the internal law of God written on their hearts. It’s not about hearing the law but rather obeying the law and doing works of righteousness.
Since we all “fall short of the glory of God,” we are all guilty and stand condemned apart from the mercy of God manifested in Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins.
The Jews felt that their national heritage made them acceptable to God and sought to win His approval by good works. However, Isaiah 64:6 says, “All of our righteousness is as filthy rags.” Remember that “you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift” (Eph. 2:8).
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
