Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Romans

February 19, 2006 #16 in series

THE HYPOCRITE NEEDS THE GOSPEL

(continued)

The Basic Charge Against the Moralist

Part Two

Romans 2: 6-10

God “will give to each person according to what he has done,” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile (NIV)

The hypocrite is judged, not only on the basis of truth, – what he really is, but also on the basis of deeds or works – what he does.

This is one of the more difficult passages in Romans. At first reading it would seem to teach salvation by works. However, we know that salvation is by faith alone, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Judgment according to deeds! This is a very important principle. Essentially he is saying to those who are on God’s side… who know and love him…who are living for His glory … will in the end be in the presence of God eternally. This is the conclusion of a life lived for the glory of God. On the other hand, those who are fighting against God …who are of this world system … can receive nothing but tribulation and anguish. This is the conclusion of their lives lived apart from God.

This is true for both Jew and Gentile. Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse has an excellent note at this point in his volume on Romans. I would like to include it verbatim. What is in view in our passage is the expression of one more of the great principles of divine judgment. Mankind is divided into two classes: Those who obey God and those who refuse to be submitted to Him. On the one side there is a group that is characterized as seekers after glory, honor and incorruption. (He is saying that these are those who have come in faith to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior). To them, at the end of their persevering pursuit of well-doing, there shall come the glory of the eternal reward. On the other side is the rest of humanity. They may be subdivided into evil unbelievers and the not so evil unbelievers, but the results are the same. They shall come into the condemnation of God’s just wrath which shall be exercised according to truth and righteousness against those who know Him not, and who obey not the gospel of His Son. (II Thess. 1:8).

When it comes to a relationship with God, Paul makes no distinction. Jews and Gentiles are on the same level. He writes in verse 11 “for there is no partiality with God.” As we will see later, the Jewish nation had more light from God than any other people on earth at that time. In Romans 9:3-5, Paul writes “For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.”

By way of application for today - I believe America has received more light from God than any other modern nation. We have churches, Bible colleges, and seminaries galore. Although we have good , sound Bible teaching coming from many of our churches – there is a sense in which others are turning away from the faith. In Scripture its called the apostasy (I Tim. 4:1). And its going to get worse as time moves on. So let us stay in the Word and take seriously what God says to us. Let us determine to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in our life and in our walk.

God bless.