“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” Romans 2:16 (KJV) [Read verses 1-16].
Without careful consideration, it is so easy to misunderstand Scripture. I suppose that is why the Psalmist wrote nine different passages about meditating on the things of God.
Today’s passage is in the context of human judgment versus God’s judgment (Rom. 2:1-3). Speaking generically, we humans look at others around us and judge them based on our own standards. Then, in many cases, we become guilty of similar failures in our own lives. O, the folly of human rationale! It causes us to miss “the riches of his goodness” and patience. Worse, it causes us to ignore repentance (v.4). And it allows our heart to become hardened as sins pile up without regard for “the wrath and righteous judgment of God” (v.5).
Because, when that day comes, God will judge every person according to his/her deeds (v.6). Note from verses 7-10 that judgment is tied directly to the good or evil nature of the deeds. Second, judgment is according to whether the deeds obey or disregard truth. Third, judgment is determined without partiality or favoritism to religious or non-religious status (Jew or Gentile v.11).
We must understand that whoever sins without the benefit of law, will die without the protection of law. And whoever sins under law, will be judged by law. Remember, hearing or knowing law will not justify anyone. One must practice or obey the law to be justified in God’s sight (v.12-13).
And even when there is no law, if a person naturally obeys the requirements of law, then he/she becomes the revealer of law (v.14). And it shows that the demands of law have been inscribed in the heart, to which the conscience and personal thoughts testify, by either accusing or excusing the person (v.15), “when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ,” who Paul preached (v.16).
This is profound truth, which Paul lays before us, demanding careful consideration. Perhaps we should ask ourselves a three-part question. Since God is going to judge each of us according to our works, and since he will use Jesus Christ as the standard, and since Paul has revealed it to us in the gospel, don’t you think we should live and act according to that standard?
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. Help us who are under the law of Christ to remember that we are not only saved from sin but are also saved to obey all that Christ has commanded. Empower us with the faith to persevere. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his refuge of grace and live to his glory,