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Four Facts About the Judgement From Romans 2:16
Four Facts About the Judgement From Romans 2:16 By Derek Long
Romans 2:16 is the conclusion of a thought which runs from Romans 2:12-16 explaining how Gentiles will be judged on the basis of their deeds even though they were not given the written law Israel had received. Romans 2:16 by itself though teaches us some important points about the judgment which are found in other passages as well. Romans 2:16 says, “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel” (NKJV). 1. There is a day, “when God will judge” (Romans 2:16, NKJV). We can be assured God will one day judge the world (Acts 17:31). No one knows the day or hour when the final judgment will occur (Matthew 24:36). The New Testament speaks of the day of judgment coming like a thief in the night (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). The concept of coming like a thief in the night refers to the unexpectedness of its coming (Matthew 24:42-44). 2 Peter 3:8-9 reminds us the passage of time does not lessen God’s resolve to keep His promises regarding the Lord’s second coming. On the day of judgment, all who do not know God and have not obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). Let’s make sure we have made the necessary preparations to be watching and ready for the day “when God will judge”! 2. God will judge “the secrets of men” (Romans 2:16, NKJV). God’s judgment will not simply take into account those things everyone knew we did. God’s judgment will also take into account those things others were unaware of but which God knew about all along. Many verses in the Bible remind us nothing will be overlooked in the final judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:14 says, “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (NKJV). Hebrews 4:13 says, “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (NKJV). It is easy to think if no one else is aware of our sins then we are safe. However, God is aware of everything we do whether it is good or bad (Proverbs 15:3). It is important to remember God will also take into consideration at the final judgment those secret things we did which were pleasing in His sight (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18). 1 Timothy 5:24-25 reminds us, “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (NKJV). Everything we have done whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10) will be brought out in the judgment and we will have to give an account for it. 3. God will judge “by Jesus Christ” (Romans 2:16, NKJV). In other words, Jesus will be the judge. There are many other passages which remind us Jesus will be the One who is our judge at the final judgment. Matthew 25:31-40 pictures Jesus as being the judge of all the nations. Jesus Himself says in John 5:22-23, “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him” (NKJV). Peter in Acts 10:42 speaking of Jesus says, “that it is He who was ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead” (NKJV). Acts 17:31 speaks of how God will, “judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained” (NKJV). The Man whom He has ordained is identified in the following statement as the One He raised from the dead, which would be Jesus. Romans 14:10 says, “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ,” (NKJV) and 2 Corinthians 5:10 says a very similar thing. Jesus came to earth to provide a means for us to be saved from our sins. Yet, if we reject His sacrifice, we will one day stand before Him and He will act as our judge. 4. Judgment will take place “according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16, NKJV). A couple of thoughts come to mind when we think about judgment being “according to my gospel.” The first thought which comes to mind is the gospel or the words of Jesus will be the standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48). The second thought is that the idea of final judgment is part of the gospel message. The gospel is only good news if sin is actually going to be punished. If there is no judgment or possibility of the sinner perishing, then God’s love in sending Jesus becomes pointless (John 3:16). Teaching about the final judgment is not in conflict with preaching the gospel but is in fact part of what is involved if we are going to preach the gospel.
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