Slides: God’s Just Judgment

God’s Just Judgment
Romans 2:6-16

⁶ God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” ⁷ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. ⁸ But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. ⁹ There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; ¹⁰ but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. ¹¹ For God does not show favoritism.

¹² All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. ¹³ For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. ¹⁴ (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, ¹⁵ since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) ¹⁶ This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Two paths, two outcomes

⁶ God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” ⁷ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. ⁸ But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

God’s judgment occurred in the lion’s den: faithful Daniel was saved, and the wicked enemies were destroyed. (Daniel 6)

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14)

Judgment without favoritism

⁹ There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; ¹⁰ but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. ¹¹ For God does not show favoritism.

"I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." (Peter in Acts 10:34)

God judged unfaithful Jews by allowing Gentiles from Babylon to conquer Jerusalem, destroy the temple, and carry away the temple treasures. Later God judged Babylon when King Belshazzar held a big feast in honor of his gods and used sacred cups and plates from God’s temple. A hand wrote on the palace wall, and that night Babylon was destroyed and King Belshazzar was will. (Daniel 5)

Judgment based on available guidance

¹² All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. ¹³ For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Judgment involves different degrees of reward or punishment, based on a person's actions and how how much guidance and opportunity were available to them. 

Conscience as witness

¹⁴ (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, ¹⁵ since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)

Available guidance

• Creation displays God’s power and divine nature.
• Conscience gives an inner impression of God’s law.
• Covenant through Moses gives written requirements of God’s law.
• Christ, through his gospel and Spirit, brings forgiveness and eternal life.

The first three forms of guidance can condemn sinners but cannot save them. Only Christ can save. Only in Christ can we glorify the Creator, obey our renewed conscience in the Spirit’s power, and have God’s law in our hearts as a joyful obedience of faith through the new covenant.

Degrees of punishment

That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. (Luke 12:47-48)

"If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you... If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." (Jesus in Matthew 11:21-24))

Degrees of reward

The fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.(1 Cor 3:13-15)

The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does. (Ephesians 6:8)

Judge Jesus

¹⁶ This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

• The day is already set.
• Secrets will be made public.
• The Savior will judge.