Romans 2:12-16

Passage

For as many sin while being not bound by Law, they will also be destroyed while being not bound by the Law.  And as many sin while being in the Law, they will be judged through the Law.  For the hearers of the Law are not righteous before God; but the ones who do the Law will be declared righteous.  For whenever the Gentiles – the one who do not have the Law by nature – should do the things of the Law,  these ones are a law to themselves while not having the Law.  They make it known that the work of the Law is written in their heart while bearing witness with their conscience – while being between the accusations of one another’s reason and their own defense – on the day when God will judge the secrets of mankind through Jesus Christ according to my Gospel.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul’s opening comment for us is a grim one.  Many sin without ever hearing about the Law.  They will be judged accordingly.  However, many who have heard of the Law also sin!  They will likewise be judged accordingly.  The point that Paul is trying to get at is that it is not one’s hearing or possession of the Law that saves us!  We have no right to go before God and say, “I have heard Your Word; You must save me!”  Instead, God judges us based on our actions whether we have heard about the Law or not.  There is the same standard of judgment for all people who have ever lived, regardless of how much you’ve heard or know.

How does the argument that all people will be judged by the same way actually make God seem fairer?  How can you actually feel invitation through the understanding that you don’t need to have a high intellectual grasp of God’s Law?  How can this actually help open the door for all people to be in relationship with God?

Second Thought:

Paul then speaks about the doers of the Law.  As always when we start talking about works, we must be careful that we do not fall into an argument of works based salvation.  We are never saved by what we do; we are saved by Christ on the cross.  However, if we are saved by Christ on the cross, then we should do the things that Christ tells us to do!  In fact, Paul takes this one step further.  It is possible for people to follow the leading of God in their lives even though they have never heard of God officially.  Even in that case we can see that it isn’t their ability to act that God celebrates but their ability to respond to Him.  It is not our actions that prove to God that He should save us.  It is our obedience to His call that demonstrates that He already has called us to Him and we have responded to His initial calling.

Where is the freedom in knowing that we are saved by Christ’s death, not our perfection?  How is our obedience then tied to our submission to Him?  Is it easier for you to respond to God out of gratitude than it is for you to try and attain His standard of perfection?

Third Thought:

The last half of this reading is a fairly confusing portion of the letter.  What it appears that Paul is trying to say is that those who do not have the Law but who still respond to God will be in an unusual place on the Day of Judgment.  After all, their own thoughts and the opinions of others will accuse them of their guilt.  However, they will also see that their response to God – even if they didn’t understand what they were doing – will lead to grace because they humbled themselves before Him.  In fact, although they may not understand how, they will see that while their sinfulness condemns them their obedience to an unknown God will demonstrate grace and their own being excused from sin.  After all, it is not our deeds that will lead to eternal life and grace but rather the judgment through Jesus Christ and His atonement for our sake.  That is what is predominantly important in our life.

Is it inspiring to think that there are people in this world who in spite of never hearing about God officially will hear God’s subtle call within their heart and bow to Him – even if they don’t know to whom they are submitting?  If such a person can find God in those circumstances, what excuse do we have?  How does this passage help us understand God’s grace – even to those who never had a chance to officially hear the Gospel?

Passage for Tomorrow: Romans 2:17-24