Objective 6
- At the end of this topic, you will be able to list several principles of divine judgment.
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Lesson 2: Man's Need of Salvation (Rom 1:18-3:20)
Topic 3: Self-Righteous People Condemned (Continued)
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This section of Romans is introduced by a general principle: God will reward--i.e., "pay back, recompense"--each man according to his works (Rom 2:6). It is then applied to the regenerate in verses 7 and 10 and to the unregenerate in Romans 2:8-9. Please read Romans 2:5-10.
The principle of judgment Paul teaches here is that all men, believers and unbelievers, will be judged by their works (Rom 2:6). Paul applies this principle first to the believer in Romans 2:7 and Romans 2:10, and secondly to the unbeliever in Romans 2:8-9. For the unbeliever, no matter how many good works he does, the consequence is eternal separation from God because no amount of work meets the necessary standard of perfection. For the believer, however, the reward is an enhanced experience of life now (Jn 10:10) and a richer experience of eternal life in heaven--a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Cor 3:12-15; 2 Cor 5:10-11). Paul says that the outcome of a faithful life is "glory, honor, and peace." In other words, the result is praise for a life well lived. It is hearing the Master say, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Not all servants will hear these wonderful words!
Paul now turns to the problem that some have received revelation from God (the Law) and some have not. The Jews have received it, but Gentiles have not. How will God treat this situation?
The Jews believed that in order to be saved, one must possess the law of God and be circumcised. Yet Paul's ministry was to the Gentiles who neither received revelation of the law of God nor were circumcised. He now must meet the objection from the Jews that Gentiles without ever receiving the Old Testament Law can still be saved even if they have not received this special revelation from God.
Please read Romans 2:11-16. The word "for" (v. 11) usually tells us that what follows is connected to what occurred immediately before and will explain it.
Perhaps the biggest problem in interpreting these verses is Paul's statement in Romans 2:13. Please read Romans 2:13 and Romans 3:28.
Enter your answer for the question in the "Course Life Notebook Questions" page found in the "Personal Life Notebook" section.
We must consider more carefully the meaning of the word "justification" in the New Testament. While we know that the word refers to the legal imputation of Christ's righteousness to the believer at the moment he believes, in some contexts another well-established meaning appears. Please read Matthew 5:19-20; 12:37; Luke 7:35; 16:15; Romans 3:4; James 2:24, 25. Open your Life Notebook and summarize this alternative meaning. What are the conditions for obtaining justification in these verses and what kind of justification is in view? After you have done this, read the author's conclusion.
