Home>
Ministries>
The Pastor Nathaniel's Blog>
The Pastor's Blog Archives>
Pastor's Blog Archives 2021>
Pastor's Blog March 25, 2021
"View of God in Romans III"
{Scroll over scripture reference to read the scripture or reference.
According to Romans 1, God's wrath is shown in his respect for our freedom; and according to Romans 2, God's judgment is shown in his kindness toward us in leading us to repentance. But these demonstrations of God's character beg the question of impartiality: does God ever play favorites in either of these scenarios? Does God honor some individual's freedom but not other's, and does God judge some people lovingly and others harshly?
Paul makes very clear how God shows that he doesn't play favorites with people: by giving everyone what they really want, based on what they think is good and the best. In Romans 2:6, Paul quotes Psalm 62:12 about God giving to everyone according to their deeds or actions. Psalm 62 is a praise for the fact that the strength of powerful people can't rescue me from my enemies, and the only hope I can ever have is in God - which invites me to put my hope and trust in God to save and protect me.
So Paul's main point in Romans 2:6-11 is about whether or not you will trust in God and how he has used his goodness to rescue and deliver you, rather than how good or bad YOU potentially are. In Romans 2:7-8, Paul echoes Micah 6:8 about God showing us what is the good thing he requires of us - namely, having a relationship with him that is characterized by justice, mercy, and humility. Those who pursue a connection with God that is based on wanting to glorify and honor him will receive eternal life (Romans 2:7), while those who are persuaded to hate, doubt, and disobey the truth of who God is will receive "wrath" (Romans 2:8) - which Romans 1 has already informed us is simply God allowing rejectors of his love to actually reject him.
God shows that he doesn't play favorites with us and judges with impartiality: he will always give us what we want. If you want to live your life in relationship with God, he'll enable you to do that forever; and if you want to live your life outside of that relationship, he'll also allow that to heartbreakingly happen - forever. Your deeds do not save or condemn you; they simply show you what your heart desires and what kind of judgment you are rendering on God's character and a relationship with him.
Friends, I hope you will desire a good relationship with the God who deeply wants you.
God bless,
Pastor Nathaniel Gamble
