“…God’s kindness leads to repentance” Romans 2:4

Paul did not mince words with those new Christians in Rome, stating they were complicit in the licentiousness of their own culture IF they enabled those who practiced those things God finds detestable (vv. 1:18 – 32). All mankind is without excuse (vv. 1:20 & 2:1) to continue in rebellion towards God, since God’s invisible qualities have been clearly seen through what was created. First century Rome reflected the heyday of Hellenism: a hodge-podge of polytheism, hedonism, polygamy, and Greek philosophy… all changing to suite the demands of the ruling class and then filtering ‘down’ through the layers of society. In his letter to the Roman church, Paul was confronting the entire Roman social order. He wasn’t necessarily charging the Roman Christians with compromise, though he was making it clear that they had better be salt and light in a very dark environment – not unlike America today.

Most Christians of the first century were converted from Judaism, believing Jesus to be The Promised Messiah Who was sent to establish a new order, thus a new covenant which replaced the old covenant through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Paul’s letters would be surreptitiously shared to the local Jews (v. 2:17) who knew exactly what Paul was referring to in this next section of his letter: the religious leaders who live corrupt lives, similar to the historical account of Eli’s two sons (read 1 Samuel 2:12-36). Paul did not want the early Christian church to be polluted by such a mindset, giving stern warning to church and temple leaders who might consider compromising one’s life to ‘fit in’ with their society whose predominant theme was, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”.

The first verse of chapter two is often misused by liberal theologians and those who live compromised lives. They leave off the end of the verse. Here’s how the entire verse reads:

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”

Paul is indicting the licentious acts filtering into the community of faith. He confronts them, once again, with the ideal of absolute truth – God’s unchanging standard of righteousness (v.2):

“Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.”

Like a skilled litigation attorney, Paul is building his case to eventually show that everyone will stand guilty before a holy, righteous God… but I’m getting ahead of myself. The absolute truth is revealed through what was created. Paul’s indictment continues against the compromised religious leaders with the weight of a witness against them (as the accused know that God sees everything):

“So, when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? (v.3)

While Paul is presenting the absolute truth that all will be held accountable before God, he also presents the loving character of God, Who is rich in tolerance, patience and kindness, desiring that none should perish (vv. 4 & Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:4; & 2 Peter 3:8-10). God’s wrath should never be presented without revealing His longsuffering and desire to see all come to repentance. Indeed, God’s kindness leads to repentance… and repentance leads to the heart of God through Jesus Christ.

While the theme of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is God’s righteousness, Paul had to begin by exposing the corrupt nature of man. America today is very similar to the first century Roman culture. In fact, Americans have even developed their own saying to enable compromise. Have you ever heard the words, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”? And we have bought-in to the lie of embracing the sin of others with labels of “choice” and “alternative lifestyle”.

It is only when one sees oneself as a sinner, unrighteous, that one is able to grasp the divine work of Christ on the cross – dying for the sins of mankind. It is God Who made the provision for our sin, not we ourselves. We can do nothing to justify our worthiness for Heaven. God’s kindness was ultimately expressed through Jesus Christ on the cross… it all points to the cross and the empty tomb. For His kindness, we celebrate the risen Christ every Sunday, which reminds us to be forever grateful – rising every day to bless the Lord!

Have a blessed day…