A Study of Romans (4)

Judgment for Sinners (v. 12)

Sin is an equal opportunity offence - it crosses all lines and has no favorites;

Therefore judgment is coming for all who fall short of the standard which is Jesus Christ - by the way we all have failed to meet the standard;

There are two groups of peoples that Paul mentions so let’s look at them individually;

“without the law”

This grouping in Paul’s original audience, would have been the Gentile or heathen world, because they had been given the law of Moses;

Today, because of having the Bible, this would be non-Christians and non-Jewish people.

“in the law”

This grouping in Paul’s original audience, would have been Jewish people because they were given the law of Moses;

Because they were given the “revealed requirements of God” that will be their gauge for judgment.

So what does v. 12 make clear - our deeds (actions), our actual wrong doings is what we will be lens of judgment.

Judgment by Standard (v. 13-15)

In vs. 13 - 15 Paul makes the standard clear for both groups mentioned in v. 12;

In v. 13 Paul makes it clear there is more to it than hearing the law people must respond with action;

Today, while we are under grace, we have been called out to a higher standard and service which means choosing Christ or the world;

Let’s look at Matthew 6:24 for a clear understanding;

We can’t say we belong to Christ and chase the world’s desires at the same time we must choose our master;

In vs. 14-15 Paul is referencing those that have never heard of the law of Moses, which excludes the modern Christian because are aware of the law;

So Paul is talking about a law of conscience in these verses by which they will be judged;

Deeds

“...by nature do the things in the law,...” - even though they do not have the written law there is an understanding of right and wrong;

Conscience

“... their conscience also bearing witness...” - they have a since of guilt or a lack of guilt regarding their actions;

Judgment

“...their thoughts accusing or else excusing them...” - they have an understanding of guilt or innocence based on the action;

The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 2:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 2:15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The New King James Version. (1982). (Ro 2:14). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Understand Paul is not talking about a works justification, but that deeds (actions) are the basis of judgment;

No one can just work themselves into heaven.

Judgment by Savior (v. 16)

On the day of judgment Jesus Christ will be not only the center but also the gauge;

All men, whether Jews or Gentile will stand face to face with Him;

But what about the wording - “according to my gospel” that Paul says, is he placing himself above Christ;

No he is meaning that the gospel he has preached points to the truth of Jesus Christ and His judgment;

Jesus is the standard and our relationship with Jesus will lay out the terms of our judgment;

We will all be judged by the same standards and all our secrets will be revealed.