'Therefore, you are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God (Rom. 2:1-11).'
No one can consider himself to be righteous because all men are sinners in the eyes of God. The Jews who judge themselves superior because they are favored by God but do the same morally wrong things as the pagans will not escape divine judgment. Having the Law of Moses is no protection against Divine Judgment. God will judge the Jews according to the Law and the Gentiles according to the natural law that is written on their hearts. God is slow to punish sin and this should lead to repentance, but their own stubborn hearts will condemn them on the day of judgment when God will repay everyone according to his or her deeds. The Jew is held to a higher level of responsibility when he sins, but he is also the first to be rewarded when he does what is right. God judges impartially so the Jews will be no better off than anyone else unless they do what God expect of them.
Heavenly Father, it is by your grace that we believe, and it is by the resurrection of your Son that we have the strength to be obedient to the natural law that is written onto our hearts. Grant us Divine grace that we may trust in you ever more deeply and our lives may even dimly reflect the light of Christ. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References:
Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, & Roland E. Murphy, (Eds.). (1990, 1968). The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentis Hall, Inc.
Jose M. Casciaro, Santiago Ausin, Gonzalo Aranda, Claudio Basevi, Vincente Balaguer, Francisco Varo, James Gavigan, Brian McCarthy & Thomas McGovern (Eds.). (2017). The Navarre Bible - New Testament. Dublin 8, Ireland: Four Courts Press.
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