Romans 2:12-16 NKJV – 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law [are] just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves [their] thoughts accusing or else excusing [them]) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
V12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law…
The Jews have the Law; Gentiles do not. Gentiles are not judged by Mosaic law but by the law written on every human heart/soul (Romans 2:14). Jews will be judged by the Law. Their forefathers agreed to follow Mosaic (God’s) law while at Mt Sinai.
The basic principles of natural law and Mosaic Law are the same. Natural law contains 9 of the Ten Commandments. The Sabbath is seen as one day of rest every 7 days. The Sabbath is a sign between God and Israel. See Exodus 31:13-17.
V13 …(for not the hearers of the law [are] just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified…
God examines in human life our thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. All things are written down (Revelation 20:12) and will be examined on judgment day (Revelation 20:11-15). Also see Ezekiel 18 which explains those who always refuse to obey, those who obey, those who obey but stop obeying, and those who do not obey but begin obeying. The hearers do not refer to hearing with the ear but pupils and students.
Wuest Word Studies: “The word for “hearers” here is not the usual word akouō which refers to the act of hearing, but akroatēs, used of pupils who hear, constant hearers who are educated in the law. Denney says, “No degree of familiarity with the law avails if it is not done.” Vincent comments, “Like the Jews, who heard it regularly in the synagogues. Only here in Paul. Three times in James. It brings out, better than the participle hoi akouontes those that hear, the characteristic feature, those whose business is hearing.” Alford says, “This is to explain to the Jew the fact that not his mere hearing of the law read in the synagogue (his being by birth and privilege a Jew) will justify him before God, but (still keeping to general principles and not touching as yet on the impossibility of being thus justified) the doing of the law.”
V14 …for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves…
If one were able to obey natural law perfectly, then God would recognize it. Since all are born with a sin nature, obedience never brings eternal life. We are all born with a sin nature (Psalm 51:5 and Romans 5:12) that seeks our own ways instead of God’s ways. We sin from the moment we are born (Psalm 58:3 and Matthew 15:11). See Romans 8:3.
Found on Precept Austin:
“Ray Stedman – Now, men are continually charging God with injustice because they say, He condemns men to hell who have never heard of Jesus Christ. This is the most frequently voiced charge against the Christian gospel. We are always hearing somebody say, “Well, what about the heathen who never hear about Christ? How can a just God condemn them to hell without their hearing about Christ?” But, you see, God never condemns anybody on that basis. As we are told right here…That is, if you disobey the truth that you have, even though you have never heard of Moses or of Christ, you perish, not because you didn’t hear of Moses or of Christ, but because you have disobeyed truth that you already know — that is the whole point. If you know of Moses and of Christ, and you still disobey the truth, you perish also, because your condemnation is even greater — because of the greater light involved. (Ed note: See above for discussion of the principle of judgment proportionate to light received) But, as it says here, even pagans have a form of basic law written on their hearts, and this is the basis of God’s just condemnation of man. It is because they are not what they themselves know they ought to be. In other words, God judges you, not by some artificial standard of His, but by your own standard. (The Secrets of Men).”
V15 …who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves [their] thoughts accusing or else excusing [them])…
If they obey, it proves that there is a law written on their heart (soul). Most people suppress the truth, making excuses for their sin. No one likes the consequences of their sin, so they suppress their conscience.
Found on Precept Austin on this verse:
“William Newell (Romans 2) asked Chinese who had never heard the Law or the gospel if they knew these things were wrong; they all admitted they did. Even those persons who have never heard of the Bible have still been preached to with sufficient clarity (God has made it evident within them – Ro 1:19-note, as well as without – Ro 1:20-note) to remove every excuse from their hearts forever. He is not saying that the Law of Moses is written on their hearts, as people often say, but that the work of the law, i.e., what the law requires of people, is written there.”
Our mind has been corrupted by sin. We have elevated our opinion above God’s. Making excuses does not forfeit the consequences of our sin. The only option for salvation and forgiveness of sin is faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 2:15 (NLT) They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.
Romans 2:15 (GNB) Their conduct shows that what the Law commands is written in their hearts. Their consciences also show that this is true, since their thoughts sometimes accuse them and sometimes defend them.
V16 …in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
All people have the opportunity for salvation. God someplace and somewhere sovereignly decrees the minds and hearts to be open to God’s laws. Based on that, God judges individuals based on that information. The more light, the greater judgment; conversely, the less the light, the less the judgment. Yet, both are judged. Both can be saved if they call out to the one and only God.
(Holman Commentary) “Therefore, if one has an abundance of light about God (the Jews), judgment will be based on this abundance of knowledge about God. If one has a paucity of light about God (the Gentiles), then judgment will be based on very little knowledge (relatively speaking) about God. No one will be judged for light they did not receive; everyone will be judged for light they did receive.”
We learn:
- Being a Jew has advantages concerning knowledge of God and His ways.
- Being a Jew offers no guarantee of salvation.
- A Gentile can be saved (Acts 10).
- All have some understanding of God’s laws and will be judged accordingly.
Questions:
- Have you placed your faith in Jesus alone?
- What excuses have you met from others when they hear the Gospel?