Christian Appearance.

 We are all humans with many faults. Christians remain humans even once they've chosen to unite with Christ, submitting themselves to Christ, letting Christ live in them, wanting Christ to live in them, guiding them, saving them. The faults remain, and those faults must weigh heavy upon the Christ follower, and they must seek forgiveness for the faults- not accepting sin as being inconsequential. All sin has the consequence of separating us from Christ. We ask for forgiveness, knowing Christ wants to forgive us, wants us to have nothing separating us from Him. The outward man- the person we present to all around us, the person we reveal could appear righteous but not be righteous at all. Inwardly we must have truth! Inwardly we must belong wholly to Christ. Our struggle to be Christ's, to run this race, to live as Christ's must be true. If other's point at your failures to appear in a manner they deem Christ-like, know that it's not because you are not Christ's, but because you are fighting this spiritual war. It is much better to be struggling- seeking forgiveness - acknowledging our desperate and constant need of Christ, than to appear as one who is Christ-like while inwardly filled with unrepentant, unrecognized sin.

Please Lord, help us, keep us as YOURS, wholly Yours!

(Excerpt - EJ Waggoner)

"The Law Is Spiritual." 

In the fifth chapter of Matthew the Saviour has set forth the spirituality of the law. He says that unless our righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, we can not enter the kingdom of heaven. What was their righteousness? He said to them, "Ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity." Matt. 23:28.

Therefore, unless we are righteous inwardly, we are nothing. 

God desires "truth in the inward parts." Ps. 51:6. 

Following on in the fifth chapter of Matthew, the Saviour shows that one may break the sixth commandment,  which says, "Thou shalt not kill," by the utterance of a single word. He also shows that we may break the seventh commandment which says, "Thou shalt not commit adultery," by a look and a thought. The same principle of course obtains with all the commandments. This being the case, it becomes one to be very careful about saying that he has perfectly kept the law.

Some have said that the Ten Commandments are a very low standard, and that a man might keep them all and still not be worthy of admission into respectable society. Such know nothing about the law. As a matter of fact, a man may break all the commandments, and still figure as a shining light in the "best society."

The Name of God Blasphemed.

"The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written." Who has done this? The one who teaches the law, and who says that one who teaches the law and who says that one should not take the name of the Lord in vain. When David sinned in the case of Uriah's wife,  God said to him, "By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." 2 Sam.  12:14. That is, he was a professed follower of the Lord, and by his violation of the law of the Lord he had given unbelievers a chance to say, "There, that is a specimen of Christianity."

Who is there that can say that as a professed follower of the Lord he has always correctly represented the truth?  Who is there that must not admit to himself and God that either by his words or actions he has very often misrepresented the truth which he professed? Who is there that has not by his failures, either in teaching or acting, given people a miserably inadequate idea of what true godliness is?

In short, who is there that must not say yes to the apostle's question, "Through breaking the law, dishonorest thou God?" And since thus the name of God is blasphemed through professed Christians, who is there that can declare himself guiltless before God's law?

In these verses we have had some sharp questions to those who are "called Jews," that is, who profess to be followers of the Lord. Mere form and profession do not constitute one a proper teacher of the truth of God. He who does not exhibit in his life the power of that which he professes, is only a detriment to the cause. In the verses now before us we have a brief but explicit statement concerning - Circumcision and Uncircumcision Romans 2:25-29.

25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law; but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly;  and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Definition of Terms.

The two terms "circumcision" and "uncircumcision" are here used not only to indicate the rite and the absence of it, but also to designate two classes of people. "The uncircumcision" evidently refers to those who were called Gentiles, those who worshiped other gods. This use of the terms is very plain in the following passage: "When they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles); and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision." Gal. 2:7-9. 

Here we find that the terms "uncircumcision," "Gentiles," and "heathen," all refer to the same people.

Just what was the profit of circumcision, we are not told in this chapter. The statement of the fact was enough for this place, for the only point in the mind of the writer was to show what circumcision is, and who are the really circumcised. A great deal depends upon these few verses. They should be studied carefully, because upon them depends the proper understanding of a large portion of the prophecies of the Old Testament.

If these verses had received the consideration that they ought to have by professed Bible students, there would never have been any "Anglo-Israel" theory, and the unprofitable and misleading suppositions about the return of the Jews to Jerusalem before the coming of the Lord would never have been made.

The Heart Matters.

 As I was reading the following excerpt I came across this verse--

2Co 10:10  For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 

Man looks on the outward appearance ALL the time… ALL THE TIME. We are constantly judged even in tiny ways. Our weight, our hair, our clothes, our words, and so on. Paul is speaking in the above verse saying that people talking about his written word say that written word is WEIGHTY and POWERFUL. Those same people say that Paul's presence in person is one of a weak person, whose speaking is not good.

Paul, made an apostle by Jesus Christ was not much in physical appearance, but the power he had was from God. He didn't need to be physically stunning, his words were the power of God given to him by the Holy Spirit. Satan corrupts our minds starting when we are very young- to look upon ourselves and others- outward appearance as if this is what is most important. Is it any wonder that we grow up with feelings of inadequacy when all along we are praising and worshiping outwardly beautiful people? Their numbers are few compared to the great multitudes and yet the great multitudes spend a lot of time and millions and millions of dollars striving to be as beautiful as they possibly can be. 

Weak and contemptible- judged to be so, yet so incredibly mighty through the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

May we be nothing outwardly and all things inwardly in CHRIST! May our hearts belong to our LORD, our LIVES belong to the LORD.

*******

Excerpt - EJ Waggoner-

'The Form of Knowledge and Truth. 

Although the Ten Commandments contain a statement of the will of God,  which is the perfection of wisdom and truth, they are only a statement, and not the thing itself, just the same as a picture of a house is not a house, although it may be a perfect picture. Mere words written in a book or graven in stone have no life; but we know that the law of God is life everlasting. Only in Christ can the living law be found,  since he is the only manifestation of the Godhead.

Whoever has the life of Christ dwelling in him, has the perfect law of God manifest in his life. 

But he who has only the letter of the law, and not Christ, has only the form of knowledge and of truth. 

Thus, the law is often rightly said to be a photograph of the character of God. But a photograph or other picture is only the shadow of the reality; it is not the very substance. He who has Christ has both the form and the substance, since one can not have a thing without also possessing its form. But he who has only the statement of the truth, without Christ who alone is the Truth has the form of godliness without the power thereof.

Rom 2:19  And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 

Rom 2:20  An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 

Rom 2:21  Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 

Rom 2:22  Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 

Rom 2:23  Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? 

Hard Questions. 

In verses 21-23 the apostle asks some hard questions." Let each soul that has been wont to pride himself upon the correctness of his life answer these questions for himself. It is easy and natural for a man to pride himself upon his "morality." Men who are not Christians comfort themselves with the thought that they live "moral" lives, and that therefore they are as well off as though they were Christians. Let all such know that there is no morality except conformity to the law of God. Everything that is in any respect below the standard of that law is immorality. Knowing this, let them see if they have perfectly kept that law.

"Dost Thou Steal?" 

Most people will say, "No; I am honest in all my dealing." Very well, but let us not decide the case offhand. Let us examine the Scripture. It says, "The law is spiritual." Rom. 7:14. "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Heb. 4:12. No matter how correct we are in our outward acts, if in spirit or thought we have transgressed, we are guilty. The Lord looks at the heart, instead of the outward appearance. 1 Sam. 16:7.

Again, it is just as wrong to steal from God as to steal from man; have you given God his due? 

Have you dealt in a perfectly honest way with him? Hear what he says: "Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say,  Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation." Mal. 3:8, 9. Does this mean you? Have you rendered to God that which is his due in tithes and offerings? If not, what will you answer when the word of inspiration asks, "Thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?"

Will of God.

 The Will of God.

Joh_6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

We believe and once we believe on Jesus Christ, we believe in what our Lord believes, and our Lord believes in the law of God and states that the law - the entire royal law - the ten commandments- are summed up this way--

Mat 22:36  Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 

Mat 22:37  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 

Mat 22:38  This is the first and great commandment. 

Mat 22:39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 

Mat 22:40  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. 

Loving God, loving each other- on these two principles encompass all the laws- all.

The law contains the WILL of God for us. 

When we DO the will of God we are living as He would have us live as outlined in His word, in His law. We see the perfection of the law and realize our inability to keep the law of our own accord. We MUST live in Christ- this is the WORK of God, BELIEVING in Christ. When we believe we trust the HE has kept the law perfectly for us, He has lived the will of God perfectly. He wills to live in us, Christ in us our hope. 

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

Christ is forever our hope. We know God's will for us is to be His, now and always.

(Excerpt - EJ Waggoner)

Rom_2:17  Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God

Boasting of God.

This is something different from making one's boast in the Lord. Ps. 34:2. 

Psa 34:2  My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 

Instead of rejoicing in the Lord's salvation, the Jews boasted over their superior knowledge of God. They did indeed have more than others, but they had nothing that they had not received, yet they boasted as though they had not received it.  They glorified themselves, rather than God, for the knowledge that they had; and therefore they put themselves in the condition of the heathen who "when they knew God, glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations." 

(Albert Barnes wrote- 'Makest thy boast in God - Thou dost boast, or glory, that thou hast the knowledge of the true God, while other nations are in darkness. On this account the Jew felt himself far elevated above all other people, and despised them. It was true that they only had the true knowledge of God, and that he had declared himself to be their God, Deu_4:7; Psa_147:19-20; but this was not a ground for boasting, but for gratitude. This passage shows us that it is much more common to boast of privileges than to be thankful for them, and that it is no evidence of piety for a man to boast of his knowledge of God. An humble, ardent thankfulness that we have that knowledge a thankfulness which leads us not to despise others, but to desire that they may have the same privilege - is an evidence of piety.')

Rom_1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Whatever reader is inclined to censure the ancient Jews for their vain boasting, let him remember how he himself has often felt on comparing himself with the inhabitants of heathen countries, and with the "lowest class" in his own land.

God's Will His Law. 

Rom_2:17  Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

Rom_2:18  And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law

The apostle says that the Jew knows the will of God, because he is instructed out of the law.  This is sufficient to show that the law of God is his will. 

Indeed, no argument should be needed on this point.  The will of any government is expressed in its law. 

Where there is an absolute ruler, his will is always law.

God is an absolute ruler, although not an arbitrary one, and as his will is the sole rule of right, it follows that his will is law. But his law is summed up in the Ten Commandments; therefore the Ten Commandments contain a summary statement of the will of God.

Dependence Upon Christ.

 

Moses Believed In Christ.

 Jesus said Moses believed in Him, that Moses wrote of Him.

Joh 5:46  For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 

Joh 5:47  But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? 

Moses a Jew, who received the Ten Commandments, the Royal law from God, who saw the Heavenly Temple and then built a Tabernacle that could be moved as they traveled towards the land promised to them, believed in CHRIST!  Believing in Christ makes a person a Christian, right? A Jewish Christian. This is TRUTH.  There are Jews who do not believe, and they are not of God. There are Christians who do not believe and they are not of God.  May we BE GOD'S in ALL TRUTH!

(Excerpt - EJ Waggoner)

"Thou Art the Man" Romans 2:17-24

17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

18 and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 

19 and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 

20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 

21 Thou therefore which teachest another,  teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? 

22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? Thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? 

23 Thou that makest they boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God? 

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

A Professed Jew. 

Are professed Christians to throw away this portion of the book of Romans as not applicable to them, since it is addressed to a professed Jew? By no means. Professed Christians are the very ones who are meant by the apostle. Read the description: Thou "restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law."

Whom does he address? Every one who professes to know the Lord, no matter by what name he is called; every one who thinks himself fully qualified to instruct others in the way of the Lord.

"Called a Jew."

It should not be overlooked as a trifling matter that the apostle does not say, "Behold, thou art a Jew," but, "Behold, thou art called a Jew." People are not always what they are called, nor what they call themselves. Beginning with the seventeenth verse the apostle settles the question of who are Jews. Before we have finished the chapter it will seem that by using the word "called" he meant to intimate that the one addressed and described in the following verses is not really a Jew, and is not considered so by the Lord.

Claiming to Be Jews. 

In Revelation 2:9 we read, "I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." And again, "Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee." Rev. 3:9. From this we see that to be a Jew indeed is so high an honor that many will falsely claim it. Yet the people called Jews have been held in contempt by the greater part of the world, for many hundred years.

At no time and in no part of the world, since the New Testament was written, has it ever been an object for anybody to claim that he was a Jew, in the common acceptation of the term. The Jews as a class have never been in such honor that it would benefit one's prospects to be called one. But it has been and is very often an advantage for a man to be known as a Christian, and very many have falsely made the claim, in order to better their business prospects.

Jew and Christian. It is not straining the text at all to say that when "Jew" is used in these verses, it means what is now known as "Christian." This will be apparent if we consider what a real Jew is. We may quote enough to show that from the beginning a true Jew was one who believed in Christ. Of the head of the race the Lord Jesus said, "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad." John 8:56. He believed in the Lord, and it was counted to him for righteousness; but righteousness comes only through the Lord Jesus.  Moses, the leader of the Jews, esteemed "the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt." Heb.  11:26 

The rebellious Jews in the wilderness tempted and rejected Christ. 1 Cor. 10:9. 

1Co 10:9  Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 

When Christ came in the flesh, it was "his own" that received him not. John 1:11.

Joh 1:11  He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

And to crown all, Christ said that no one could believe the writings of Moses unless he believed on him. John 5:46, 47.

Joh 5:46  For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 

Joh 5:47  But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? 

Therefore it is evident that no one is or ever has been a real Jew unless he believes in Christ. He who is not a Jew indeed is of "the synagogue of Satan."

All Are Accountable.

 When a person who does not have the law of God- live a life following all of God's ways, they are doing by nature what is in the law given to others- these are God's. Make no mistake, God truly knows the heart of every single human being that has ever lived and that will ever live. No person who has lived their life in God will be lost to Him by the fact they did not have the law of God. Their lives are a testimony to what the law contains. Not a single person will be God's simply because they put a label upon themselves or are given a label by others from birth. You can strut about declaring your Christ following walk as something making you God's, but in truth you could be far from God- your words do not make truth out of a lie. All of us are saved by the grace of God through Christ Jesus, not by any action we take.

Romans 2:14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these,  having not the law, are a law unto themselves

Keeping the law by nature, how pure that love for God must be.

Those who choose to embrace unrighteousness, whether they have the law or not, will be lost to God- it works both ways.  They can't claim ignorance of the law as their excuse for unrighteousness. 

Accountability rests on all of us individually.

May God keep us in Him always! Please, Lord, we would be Yours!

(Excerpt- EJ Waggoner)

'And so the second chapter proceeds to show that all will be subjects of God's righteous judgment, "for there is no respect of persons with God." 

Thus we are brought to a confirmation of the fact that God is impartial, by a comparison of the two classes in the Judgment.

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these,  having not the law, are a law unto themselves; 15 which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another); 16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Without Law, and in the Law.

Although it is quite certain that when the Lord comes the second time there will be no people on the earth who have not heard the preaching of the word, it is a fact that thousands and millions have died without ever having seen or heard of the Bible. They are the ones to whom the apostle refers as "without law." Yet it is plainly set forth that they are not absolutely without law, but only without the written law. The fact that they have some knowledge of the law is stated in the verses following, and is proved by the fact that they are counted sinners; but "sin is not imputed where there is no law." Rom. 5:13.

All Sin Punished.

Whether we have had the written law or not, all are alike counted sinners. "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." Rom. 1:18. 

The heathen are declared to be without excuse; and if they who have not the written law are without excuse, they who have the law in their hands are of course far more inexcusable. God is just. "We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things." Yet all who sin, whether in the law or without the law, are to be punished.

This is sufficient to show that "without law" does not mean without any knowledge of God. The first chapter settles that. The trouble with too many who read this statement that all shall be punished, and who think that it does not seem just, is that they forget, or are ignorant of, what is contained in the first chapter. It is a great mistake to take any single verse of the Bible and separate it from its connection.

They Shall Perish.

That is declared to be the fate of the wicked. The apostle Peter tells us that the world is "reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:7. What is meant by "perish?" It means just the opposite of living forever. On one occasion some people told Jesus of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, and Jesus replied, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Luke 13:1-3. Again we read, "The wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs; they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away." Ps. 37:20. Therefore the statement that those who sin shall perish means that they shall die, that they shall be utterly extinct, that "they shall be as though they had not been." Obad. 16.

Strict Impartiality.

That means strict justice. Sinners will be punished, whether they live in heathen lands or in so-called Christian lands. But no one will be judged by that of which he knew nothing. God does not punish men for violation of a law of which they knew nothing, nor does he hold them accountable for light that they have not had. It is very plain that those who have the law must know many things that are not known to those who do not have it in written form. All men have light enough to know that they are sinners; but the written word gives those who have it a knowledge of many particulars of which those are ignorant who do not have it.

Therefore God in his justice does not hold the latter accountable for many things for which the former will be judged. "As many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law; and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." The man who has rejected light, whether it be little or much, is obviously guilty.

The Root of Sin.

To some it seems unjust that those who have had but comparatively little light should suffer death for their sins, the same as those who have sinned against the greatest light. Their difficulty arises from the fact that they do not consider what sin really is. God alone is good. Luke 18:19

Luk 18:19  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 

 He is the source of goodness.  Whatever goodness ever appears in man is only the working of God in him.

But he is also the source of life. With him is the fountain of life. Ps. 36:9.

Psa 36:9  For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. 

God's life is righteousness; therefore there can be no righteousness apart from the life of God. 

Now it is evident that if a man rejects God, he effectually cuts himself off from life. It matters not that he has had but comparatively little knowledge of God, if he rejects that light he rejects God, and thus rejects life. And by rejecting the little that he has seen of God, he shows that he would reject God in any case. Sin is simply separation from or rejection of God; and that means death.

To Belong to God, or Not, You Choose.

 Every single human being is either God's or not God's by their own choosing. 

Some choose outright to verbally announce their God denial for all to hear, and yes, God will allow them to choose not to be His. He isn't secretly snatching them up to belong to Him against their will. He isn't bending their will in His direction. He won't force a single person to choose Him to be the God of their entire life over all other would be gods. If someone says they don't believe in God, God will not force them to believe. He will give them opportunities to know Him- a multitude of opportunities, but never force a belief- He doesn't work that way. 

Others choose to acknowledge God verbally but their lives are contrary to His will. He won't denounce these people for all to know the truth of their deceptive lives, God allows them their choice to be a deceiver. God allows people to hold fast to false beliefs, to traditions of men, all the while knowing their hearts are not really His. He won't stop trying to reach their hearts with truth, but again, God will not force a single person to follow His truth.

We live in a world so convoluted with deception, with people calling on God but not in truth. Thy truly believe they are His, so caught up in their own lies they don't for a moment believe they aren't His. These people, just like those who choose blatantly to denounce God- are NOT going to belong to God- all by their own choice, their own actions, their beliefs. They may even be judging those blatant God defying people as being lost even while they themselves are lost to God.

We cannot judge a single person's eternal life, not ever! We can see actions we know are outright condemned by God and judge that action to be wrong, but then as soon as we judge that action we HAVE to extend our deepest sympathy, the depths of our love towards the person committing that action- NOT our condemnation. And if our knee-jerk reaction is condemnation we NEED to repent of that action as soon as we realize our response was not one of love, but of dark nature. We need to extend our prayers to include their being forgiven and to their coming to know the love of God in truth. We must LOVE them, all the while Satan would have us despise them. We must not judge their eternal life, not ever, not in the slightest. We must forever hold out hope for them, just as we desperately need hope held out for us! All are worthy- Christ died for ALL mankind- and He will know those who are His, and those who are not. All are worthy of Christ, but NOT all will choose Christ. 

God help us all, help us to choose Christ!

(Excerpt- EJ Waggoner)

Romans Chapter 1- Brief summary- Condition of those who do not know God. How they lost their knowledge, and are without excuse.  And any who claim superiority over them are cut down by God for judging them. 

*******

To the Jew First. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This statement is sufficient to show that God is no respecter of persons. Indeed, the apostle states as a necessary conclusion that "there is no respect of persons with God." 

Rom_2:11  For there is no respect of persons with God.

"First" does not always refer to time. 

Rom 2:10  But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:

We speak of a man as being the first man in the country, not because there were no men before him, but because he is the chief man. In school a certain one is the first one in his class because he is the best scholar.  The Jew is the one who has had the greatest revelation made to him, and therefore it is just that he should be chief in the judgment.

The text shows, however, that God has no special favor to the Jew over other men. If glory, honor, and peace come to the Jew first, so also do indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish. The question is not, "What is the man's nationality?" but, "What has he done?"

God will render to every man according to his deeds, "for there is no respect of persons with God."

A few words may suffice to bring to mind what we have already studied. 

The first chapter of Romans may be briefly summed up as setting forth the condition of those who know not God, and the way in which they lost their knowledge, together with the fact that they are wholly without excuse. 

Then, just as we are ready to hold up our hands in horror at their wickedness, and to launch forth severe condemnation upon them, the apostle turns to us, and shuts our mouths with the stinging words, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things."

*******

Willfully Clinging to Sin Means Ultimate Destruction.

 *(Excerpt) 

'Tribulation and Anguish.

Those who sin are the children of wrath. Eph. 2:3. 

Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, are sure to come upon evil doers. But tribulation and anguish will have an end. The fact that none receive immortality except the ones who are Christ's at his coming, shows that all others will eventually cease to exist.

2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

1Th_4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first

1Co_15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 

1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

There will be torment in connection with the punishment of the wicked, but the torment, however long it may continue, will come to an end in the utter destruction of the wicked. God's indignation will come to an end.  "For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction." Isa. 10:25.

The call is: "Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." Isa. 16:20,21. 

"He will not always chide; neither will he keep his anger forever." Ps. 103:9. His anger will cease, not because he will become reconciled to iniquity, but because iniquity will come to an end with its workers.

"To Every Soul. " 

Rom_2:9  Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile

Tribulation and anguish will come upon "every soul of man that doeth evil," and "glory, honor,  and peace to every man that worketh good." 

None will be left out. There is not a soul so poor and ignorant that he will be passed by, nor one so wealthy and learned that he will be allowed to escape. Wealth and position will have no influence in that court. God has made the revelation of himself so plain that every man has had an opportunity of knowing him. "The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold down the truth in unrighteousness." 

Note well that his wrath is revealed against sin. Only those persons will suffer who cling to sin, and will not allow God to take it from them. In the final blotting out of sin, they are necessarily blotted out with it.

(To be continued…  end excerpt)

Immortality and Eternal Life

 

(Excerpt - EJ Waggoner- )

Immortality and Eternal Life. 

God will render eternal life to them who seek for glory and honor and immortality.  Christ "hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Tim. 1:10. 

2Ti 1:10  But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel

Life and immortality are two different things. 

Whoever believes on the Son of God has eternal life.

"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." John 17:3.

We have eternal life as soon as we know the Lord; but we can not have immortality until the Lord comes, at the last day.

"We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." 1 Cor. 15:51-53.

Rom_2:7  To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life

We are to seek for immortality; that of itself is proof that no man has it now. 

Since Christ has brought it to light through the gospel, it is evident that immortality can be found in no other way than through the gospel.  Therefore those who do not accept the gospel will never have immortality.

Judged By Our Works-Our Work Is to Believe In Christ Jesus.

(Excerpt EJ Waggoner)

Treasuring up Wrath. 

In the first chapter we learned that "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." 

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness

Therefore all who sin are treasuring up for themselves wrath. 

It should be noted that in the judgment God is clear. Men receive only what they have worked for. God is not arbitrary. He has not fixed arbitrary decrees, and declared that whoever violates them shall be visited with vengeance. The punishment that will come upon the wicked is the necessary result of their own choice. God is the only source of life.

His life is peace. 

Now when men reject him, the only alternative for them is wrath and death.

"For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord; they would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them." Prov. 1:29-32. 

Trouble and death are bound up in sin; they are what men choose when they refuse the Lord.

"According to his Deeds."

Unbelievers often say that it is not just for God to condemn a man simply because he does not believe a certain thing. 

But he does not do so. 

Not a word can be found in the Bible about judging a man according to his belief. Everywhere it is said that all will be judged according to their works. 

"For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matt. 16:27. 

"Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Rev. 22:12.

He "judgeth according to every man's work." 1 Pet. 1:17.

The man who says that his work is all right, sets himself up as judge in the place of God, who says that every man is all wrong. God is Judge alone, and he judges strictly according to a man's work, but a man's work is decided by his faith. 

"This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." John 6:29.

It is not for any man to judge himself, and say that his work is all right. It is for him simply to trust the goodness and mercy of the Lord, that his work may be wrought in God.

Despise Not God.

 If we do NOT despise God and His goodness, His forbearance, and His longsuffering, we WILL be led to repentance, we WILL be led to salvation through Christ.

If we DO despise God, if we despise His goodness, if we despise His forbearance, if we despise His longsuffering, we will NOT be led to repentance, we will not be led to salvation. 

God help us to NEVER despise His goodness, His forbearance, His longsuffering!  His will in all things, not our idea of how things should be, how God should be! His ways are far above our ways!

(Excerpt - EJ Waggoner)

"Repentance Is a Gift. 

"By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God."  Eph. 2:8.

"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:30, 31. 

But it was not to Israel alone that God gave repentance through Christ. "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43. 

And so plainly did God make this appear that even the exclusive Jews were forced to exclaim, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." Acts 11:18.

Incentives to Repentance. 

Rom 2:4  Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 

The goodness of God leads men to repentance. Therefore the whole earth is full of incentives to repentance, for "the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." Ps. 33:5. "The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy." Ps. 119:64. God may be known through his works, and "God is love." All creation reveals the love and mercy of God.

And we need not try to improve on the Scriptures, and say that the goodness of God tends to lead men to repentance. The Bible says that it does lead them to repentance, and we may be sure that it is so. Every man is being led toward repentance as surely as God is good. But not all repent. Why? Because they despise the riches of the goodness and forbearance and long-suffering of God, and break away from the merciful leading of the Lord. But whoever does not resist the Lord, will surely be brought to repentance and salvation."

The Goodness of God.

    

The goodness of God.

Rom 11:33  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 

Psa 86:3  Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 

Psa 86:4  Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.    

Psa 86:5  For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 

Psa 86:6  Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. 

Psa 104:24  O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. 

Eph 1:18  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 

Eph 1:19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power

Eph 3:16  That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 

Eph 3:17  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love

Php 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

Col 2:2  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 

Col 2:3  In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

 

Tit 3:4  But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 

Tit 3:5  Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

Tit 3:6  Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour

Excerpt - EJ Waggoner-

'God's Goodness Leads to Repentance.

"Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Ro. 2:4

God is the perfection of purity and holiness; man is altogether sinful. God knows every sin, yet he does not despise the sinner. "God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17. Christ said, "If any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not." John 12:47.

In everything that he said and did, he was simply representing the Father. God "is long-suffering to usward;"  and "the long-suffering of our God is salvation." 2 Pet. 3:9,15. Now it is impossible that one should consider the goodness and long-suffering of God without being humbled and moved to repentance. When we consider how tenderly God bears with us, it is not possible that we should deal harshly with our fellow-men. And if we do not judge, we shall not be judged. Luke 6:37.'

Wicked Ways In Me.

 "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing,  whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:14.

Psa 139:23  Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: 

Psa 139:24  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

Our lives are laid bare before God. From the vilest of criminals intent upon destruction to the mild-mannered person who is content to live their lives without any acknowledgment of God's truths, and even to the most religious among mankind- none can hide a single thing from God. 

From the most blatant sin, and the sin which is considered the greatest of secrets, God knows them all. You may profess Christianity, while those around you witness your short temper, your snide reactions, your insincerity, your bitterness, your gossiping, your self-righteousness and they know that your Christianity is but pretense - unless - they also witness a true remorse for these things, and the great lamenting over besetting, cherished sins that you recognize in yourself and despise. If they witness the struggle of flesh and spirit in you in a sincere way- they will not be able to point the finger and cry- a pretend Christ follower! 

People try to hide truth even from themselves and guess what? It's possible, it's done all the time, day in and day out. God allows men to believe their own lies when it's certain they truly do not want His truth. 

Our lives laid bare reveal the greatest truth of all-we are vile sinners in need of a Savior. We are vile sinners who cannot remove the stain of sin-soaked into our flesh, tattooing us right down to our very heart's core with its evil condemnation. We could scrub at the filthy stains of sin but they won't come off. We don't have enough stain remover in the world to touch the smallest patch of sin stain.  All our efforts to remove our sin, sin that warrant the righteous judgment of God, is futile. We have to accept this as fact and submit ourselves to the only one who has any power to remove the stain of our sin-soaked selves. Is there any wonder at all whatsoever that we have to submit daily? And at times even minutely?  

We fall to our knees before the sin remover daily allowing Him to wash us with His blood, the only stain remover that exists for our sins. 

We can't hide from our sins, there is no escaping the revelation that will come to all of mankind at one point or another in their lives. We can ignore them, we can cover them with all sorts of pretty pictures trying to blot out the vile evil tattoo stains upon our hearts, but they are there, forever there if they are not given to our Savior to cleanse.

Truly it's not enough to acknowledge sin's existence and denounce it, we have to acknowledge our guiltiness, our part in sin's prolific destruction, it's continued hold on us at every turn. We must despise sin's constant attempts to permanently mark us. We need to humble ourselves, we need to search ourselves and see if there are any wicked ways in us…and we need to let GOD search us and lead us in the way everlasting!

Excerpt EJ Waggoner- 

'Outcry Against Sin.

In Pilgrim's Progress when Talkative left Faithful to decide upon the subject of their conversation, Faithful proposed this question:

"Faith. … How doth the saving grace of God discover itself, when it is in the heart of man?

Talk. I perceive, then, that our talk must be about the power of things; well, 'tis a very good question, and I shall be willing to answer you. And take my answer in brief, thus: First, Where the grace of God is in the heart, it causes there a great outcry against sin. Secondly –

Faith. Nay, hold; let us consider of one at once: I think you should rather say, it shows itself by inclining the soul to abhor its sin.

Talk. Why, what difference is there between crying out against, and abhorring of, sin?

Faith. Oh, a great deal! a man may cry out against sin of policy; but he cannot abhor it, but by virtue of a godly antipathy against it. I have heard many cry out against sin in the pulpit; who yet can abide it well enough in the heart, and house, and conversation. Joseph's mistress cried out with a loud voice, as if she had been very holy; but she would willingly, notwithstanding that, have committed uncleanness with him."

A keen perception of right and wrong, and a vigorous denunciation of sin, will never justify any man. 

On the contrary, they only deepen his condemnation. It is a sad fact that too many of the so-called reformers of the present day seem to think that gospel work consists largely in the denunciation of evil practices. A detective is not a minister of the gospel.

Judgment According to Truth. 

"But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things." (Ro. 2:2)

"Hold," says one, "I am not sure of that." Well, you may very easily assure yourself of it:

 1.God exists. We are agreed as to that.

 2.He is the source whence every created thing comes.

 3.Every creature is absolutely dependent upon him. "In him we live, and move, and  have our being." Acts 17:28

 4.Since all life depends on him, it is evident that the continuation of man's life  depends upon his agreement and union with God.

 5.Therefore God's own character must be the standard of judgment.

 6.But God himself is truth. "There is no unrighteousness in him." Ps. 92:15

 7.But he has made a revelation of himself and his righteousness to all men.  showed in the sight of the heathen. Ps. 98:2.

 8.Therefore all men, from the least to the greatest, are without excuse for their sin.

 9.Then it is plain enough that when God judges all men, without exception, his  judgment is according to truth. And earth will be constrained to join with heaven in  saying, "Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because  thou hast judged thus." "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy  judgments." Rev. 16: 5,7.

No Escape. 

No one need think that he can escape the righteous judgment of God. It is usually the most enlightened who flatter themselves that they shall escape. It is so easy for us to think that our great knowledge of right and wrong will be counted for righteousness, to persuade ourselves that our condemnation of the sins of others will make the Lord believe that we could never be guilty of such things. But that only makes our condemnation the more clear.

The first chapter of Romans knocks all the props from under every man. If the lowest are justly held guilty, there is no escape for the "higher classes." "God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing,  whether it be good, or whether it be evil." Eccl. 12:14.'

Sinners In Need of Salvation, Not Condemnation.

 It is so easy to condemn sin in others, forgetting that our own sins are multiplied the very moment of our condemnation of them. Yes, we are to judge between right and wrong as the Lord reveals it to us, but that is for us, that is our walk with Christ. No. I'm not labeling any sin good, or any good to be sin. I'm stating facts as I believe them. I'm never going to say something I believe to be sin is not sin, by the grace of God. I am going to acknowledge that we are all sinners - no matter the sins.  I might not have an obvious sin for all the world to see, others might have sins in their lives that are right there in view of all the world. My unseen sin is no less deadly than one that is seen. We can NEVER judge another person's eternal life, never! As soon as we make that judgement call we've condemned ourselves. We can acknowledge an obvious sin if we see it, but we should not neglect to also acknowledge along with that recognition the sinner is in need of salvation, not condemnation. Our prayers must be directed along that path. Jesus came to SAVE us, not condemn us! 

God help us to be true ambassadors of Christ, seeking to forgive, not condemn. 

Rom 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, 

Rom 1:2  (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 

Rom 1:3  Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 

Rom 1:4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: 

Rom 1:5  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: 

Rom 1:6  Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 

Rom 1:7  To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Rom 1:8  First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 

Rom 1:9  For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 

Rom 1:10  Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 

Rom 1:11  For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 

Rom 1:12  That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. 

Rom 1:13  Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. 

Rom 1:14  I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. 

Rom 1:15  So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. 

Rom 1:16  For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 

Rom 1:17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse

Rom 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 

Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 

Rom 1:23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 

Rom 1:24  Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 

Rom 1:25  Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 

Rom 1:26  For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 

Rom 1:27  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 

Rom 1:28  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 

Rom 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 

Rom 1:31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 

Rom 1:32  Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. 

Excerpt EJ Waggoner- 

A Look Backward

In this study of Romans we wish to carry along with us as much as possible of what we learn. We will therefore take a view of the first chapter as a whole. We have found that it is naturally divided somewhat as follows:

 Vss. 1-7, the salutation, containing an epitome of the whole gospel.

 Vss. 8-15, Paul's personal interest in the Romans, and his sense of obligation to them and to all mankind.

 Vss. 16,17, what the gospel is, and what it contains.

 Vss. 21-23, the corruption of wisdom.

 Vss. 24-32, the result of unthankfulness and of forgetting God.

A careful reading of the chapter shows that the main thought is that God has made himself known to every soul in his creation, and that even the most degraded heathen know that they are guilty and are worthy of death for their wickedness. "Who, knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death,  not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Vs. 32. So "they are without excuse." This leading thought of the first chapter should be well in mind before beginning the second chapter, for the second is a continuation of the first, and dependent upon it.

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A Wider View Romans 2:1-11

1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another,  thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 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; 6 who will render to every man according to his deeds; 7 to them who by patient continuance in welldoing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; 8 but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil; of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good; to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; 11 for there is no respect of persons with God.

Acknowledging their Guilt.

The truth of the apostle's statement is easy of demonstration concerning the heathen and their deeds, that they know that they are worthy of death. When Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit, they were afraid to meet God, and hid themselves. Fear is a necessary accompaniment of guilt,  and a proof of it. "Fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion." Prov. 28:1. "But the fearful . . . shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire." Rev. 21:8. If the heathen did not know that they were guilty, they would not expect punishment for murdering or stealing, and would not arm themselves for defense.

An Unanswerable Charge. 

There is wonderful shrewdness in the way that the apostle works up the charge made in the first verse. The first chapter is confined to the heathen. All will agree with the apostle's statement that they are guilty of most abominable wickedness. "They ought to know better," is the almost involuntary exclamation.  "They do know better," is the apostle's reply, or, at least, they have a chance to know better, and they do know that they are not doing right. "They are without excuse." Whatever men may think about the responsibility of the heathen, all agree that their practices are to be condemned.

Then comes the crushing rejoinder: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest; for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." 

We are caught, and can not escape. If we know enough to condemn the unrighteous deeds of the heathen, we by that very judgment acknowledge ourselves to be without excuse for our own misdeeds.

All Alike are Guilty. 

"Thou that judgest doest the same things." It is clear enough that anybody who knows enough to condemn evil in another is without excuse for his own sins; but all will not at once see that the one who judges another does the same things. 

Read, therefore the last verses of the first chapter again, and compare the list of sins with that found in Galatians 5:19-21, and it will be seen that the things which the heathen do, and for which we can readily see that they are guilty, are but the works of the flesh. They are the sins that come "from within, out of the heart of men." Mark 7:21-23. 

Rom 1:29  Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 

Rom 1:30  Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 

Rom 1:31  Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 

Gal 5:19  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 

Gal 5:20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 

Gal 5:21  Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

Mar 7:21  For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 

Mar 7:22  Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 

Mar 7:23  All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. 

Whoever is included in the term "man" is subject to just such things. "The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works."  Ps. 33:13-15.

All Are Self-condemned.

Therefore, since all men are alike sharers in one common human nature, it is evident that whosoever in the world condemns another for any misdeed thereby condemns himself; for the truth is that all have the same evil in them, more or less fully developed; and the fact that they know enough to judge that a thing is wrong, is a declaration that they themselves are worthy of the punishment which they see that the other one deserves.

Sympathy, Not Condemnation.

The robber often cries out, "Stop thief!" after some other man, in order to direct pursuit away from himself. So people condemn sin in others, in order that it may not be suspected that they are guilty of the same things. Often, too, people "Compound for sins they are inclined to by damning those they have no mind to," but of which they are actually guilty by reason of their human nature.

Since all flesh of man is the same, we ought to be filled with humiliation, instead of contempt, when we hear of a gross sin that is committed; for it is really a picture of what is in our own hearts. Instead of saying, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men," we should bear the burden of the erring, considering ourselves lest we also be tempted. Very often the man whose weakness we feel inclined to condemn, has not failed so badly as we should have done if we had been tempted in the same way, and to the same degree.

To be continued…