And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things [list in Rom 1], and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the Goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the Day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of GOD; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
For there is no respect of persons with GOD. (Romans 2:3-6,11)
Here Paul continues his treatise about sIn, and man's nature. He reminds us that none of us have any excuse, and that no matter what, we are all guilty before GOD. In fact, he reminds us that it is GOD's Holiness, and our utter depravity (when compared to GOD) that leads us to repentance (and should continue to do so.) He also warns us of judgment, and that we come to Christ either fully or partially out of fear of that judgment. As the Philippian jailer cried: "what must I do to be saved?" The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and it brings us to that starting place of repentance (Godly sorrow which worketh repentance) that we might be saved, and brings us back when we sIn even as Christians. For those of us who are in Christ, it is good to remember that while we now obey and do His will out of love for our Lord, there was a time that we came to Him out of fear of what He could do to us as guilty sinners. GOD's justice demands a perfect sacrifice for sIn, and we cannot provide one. That is why Jesus came. Those that never receive that free gift, since they are condemned already and without excuse will stand before Jesus Christ as their Judge and be cast out.
Those that don't know Him, and have never been born again should fear that punishment. But after salvation; when we see, that is understand the Kingdom of GOD, we no longer serve Him out of fear but because we love Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.
I urge you if you are one who has never received Christ by faith do so today. GOD wants you to be in a right relationship with Him, and you cannot do it yourself. Repent and believe in Him for Salvation.
For the Christian, remember and review that you may show others of GOD's judgment and justice, but also His mercy and grace.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
Those that don't know Him, and have never been born again should fear that punishment. But after salvation; when we see, that is understand the Kingdom of GOD, we no longer serve Him out of fear but because we love Him who loved us and gave Himself for us.
I urge you if you are one who has never received Christ by faith do so today. GOD wants you to be in a right relationship with Him, and you cannot do it yourself. Repent and believe in Him for Salvation.
For the Christian, remember and review that you may show others of GOD's judgment and justice, but also His mercy and grace.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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