Romans 2:12-16

                                                         Romans 2:12-16

For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.  For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

 

Ignorance of the Law is no excuse.  All men stand condemned before God no matter how much of the Law of God has been revealed to them.  Since all men are sinners, all men stand guilty before God.  Man constantly seeks to justify himself by making excuses or claiming exemption in some way.  None of these excuses will stand up in the light of God’s judgment.  

 

BREAKING OF THE LAW CONDEMNS: Those who sin are condemned no matter how much or little exposure they have to the Law.  The only difference is the witnesses that are called to testify against each one.  God’s judgment against all sinfulness is sure and also just.  Apart from Christ there is no escape from the condemnation sin afflicts on us.

 

KNOWLEDGE OF THE LAW CONDEMNS: We are responsible for all we know.  The Jews were given special revelation from God in the form of the Law.  This was a great privilege and a great responsibility.  The same true for all of us who have the Bible in our language.  It is a blessing to have God’s revelation to man, but if we do not respond to that blessing with obedience, our condemnation becomes even more severe.  Having God’s Word does not make us exempt from following it.

 

CONSCIENCE OF THE LAW CONDEMNS: There are still billions of people who do not have access to the Word of God.  However, their condemnation remains just because they sin against their own conscience.  God has placed a basic knowledge of right and wrong in every person of every culture.  All men fail to follow that conscience and are therefore justly condemned.

 

APPLICATION: Pay close attention to the Word of God.  God beyond simply understanding Scripture to obeying what God teaches us.  Do not do those things that the conscience condemns God’s will as revealed in our hearts through conscience and the promptings of the Holy Spirit is vital for us to follow.

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