Romans 2:12–13

Memory Verse

For as man without the law sin, without the law also will perish, and as many by law sin, through law will be judged. For it is not the hearer only of law who is righteous before God, but those who do law who are justified (Romans 2:12–13).

Although sin is not imputed where there is no law (Romans 5:13), a man who sins without being under law is still liable for his works. Sin is doing lawlessness (1 John 3:4). Therefore, sin—which is always exterior to the body (1 Corinthians 6:17)—is an action based on rebellion against an established order. The law exposes the sin nature residing in the flesh; it does not dictate what sin is (Romans 7:7)—that is, just because the law does not forbid something, doing what is wrong will still work out sin. For a Christian, who is not under law, sin is anything not done out from faith (Romans 14:23). This includes living under the Mosaic law, or any type of law by which a standard for righteousness is dictated, for law is not out from faith (Galatians 3:12).

The Gentile who is not under law still has a conscience (Romans 2:14). This conscience is based upon the knowledge of good and evil that Adam obtained by eating in disobedience to God from the forbidden tree in the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17; 3:22). Therefore, when the Gentile violates his conscience, he acts in a rebellious manner against the standards that he knows are right.

God will render to each one according to his works. To those who in patience work good, they will be rewarded by being in a state where their righteousness is properly displayed, giving them honor and immortality. However, for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, they store up wrath in the day of wrath (Romans 2:6–10). This is not about works for salvation, for salvation cannot come by works because it is by grace (Romans 11:6). Paul is referring to obedience to the truth, which requires faith in God’s promises (1 Corinthians 15:1–4; Hebrews 11:6).

Therefore, a Jew who judges others while doing the same thing is not going to escape the judgment from God because he is of the seed of Abraham (Romans 2:1–3). The only reason a Jew would obey the law was if he believed God’s promise of health, wealth, and happiness. Otherwise, he would follow the traditions of his fathers, who did not believe and thus added to the law, thereby violating the law by these traditions (Matthew 15:3).

Listening to Scripture has no value unless you respond to what you hear. This is a proper response, not one based upon self-seeking and thus imposing what you want Scripture to say. The one who listens will understand his righteousness is based upon who he is in Christ, not his works. This one will live a life of freedom in Christ as he lives out the righteousness he possesses in Christ, thereby doing good works. The one who does not listen and respond will seek to use law or the basic principles of the world system to dictate that standard for his and others’ righteousness based upon works, not faith.