“…you are storing up wrath…” Romans 2:5

 Though salvation comes entirely through faith, those who reject God’s way through an unrepentant heart store up wrath against themselves. How? According to Paul, every person will appear before God to give an account for one’s actions at the time of judgment. For those who sought to do good through life, God will reward with eternal life. For those who sought selfish causes and evil practices, God will return the evil back to them and they will experience trouble and distress (vv. 5 – 10).

Many theologians use this section of scripture to support a more liberal interpretation of salvation by works. Indeed, James (the half-brother of Jesus) provided a clearer perspective of the significance of works in one’s life:

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action is dead.

But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.

You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deed is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,’ and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”

We see, then, that the disciples thought it expedient that those who profess Christ had to back up their words with actions. This is seen in the first days after the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, whose name became Paul. The disciples and other Christians were quite tentative toward Paul, especially considering how he had been the leader of those who were hunting-down Christians to have them stoned to death (read Acts 7:58, 9:1-19).

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul clarified his remarks on one’s actions: “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.” (v.13) So, we see that even Paul would concur with James about one’s deeds validating one’s faith.

Have you rejected faith in Christ? You are storing up wrath against yourself. You may not believe it, but what if you’re wrong? Are you willing to place your soul in such jeopardy? Eternity is real. Consider the claims of Christ. He died for your sins which separate you from God. Pray, asking Christ to speak to you and surrender your heart and soul to Him today. Then… live so that others would never question your faith walk, for faith without works is dead.

Have a blessed day…