ROMANS 2:6-10
ACCORDING TO WORKS The Judge takes the bench applying yet another principle to His righteous judgment of men. He already knows all the facts about every person who He will judge according to his deeds. The works people do are all written in the books "according to their works." God does not desire a person to be damned but to come to repentance and faith in Christ. The choices in life we make have eternal consequences. Some obey the truth and some choose to reject it.
Well-doing is not the means of salvation but describes those who have eternal life and are obedient to the light God has given them. People of faith have been documented in the scripture as examples to us in well- doing. There have always been those who have chosen to commit themselves to God and want to live for Him and please Him by doing His will. Their response is that of a grateful heart that wants to do good.
There are others who are self-seeking and contentious people who will not obey the truth. They subject themselves to unrighteousness. There are many examples of those in the Bible like Saul, who sacrificed in his own way rather than obey God. "Wrath" is God's settled state of mind towards those who are willful and impenitent. "Indignation" is the out-break of righteous wrath on those who reject God and His grace. Tribulation is the carrying out of God's holy vengeance when the wrath of the Righteous Judge hits the object of God's rejection. People may think the life they have chosen will leave them unscathed and able to do what they desire without interference. "Anguish" will be the real experience of the self-righteous, self- centered person who thought themselves above others and immune to the plan of God for them. They are members of the "I did it my way" group who will find their voice when calling for mercy when it is too late to find it.
In the future there will be glory displayed in those who sought the Lord God and His way. That righteousness will be seen in public honor and peace as the Judge declares His holy satisfaction with those whose works of patient continuance brings glory to Him. The works of the contentious will be bringing to them wrath and indignation from the One who knows the intentions and deeds of every person.
There is no way to avoid the consequences of the works we do in life. The results of patient, steady living or of a life that's filled with strife, Will someday be put on display, the fruit we cannot avoid. Works done in life reveal what is inside, whether for self or for the Lord.
Only those with simple minds would think works will go unjudged. Works don't earn us a place in heaven or add to what Christ has done. They are evidence of a grateful heart in those who are saved by grace; Or proof of an attitude of no repentance in those who have no faith.
A man like Abel will bring to God just what he knows God wants. Noah's well-doing preserved life on earth when he built the ark to save his house. Abraham, Job, Cornelius and Paul and many from then to now; With "patient continuance" testify of God's grace when they to His will did bow.
Others are left to warn us of the results of being contentious men. Cain and Esau knew better but chose to be self-centered to the bitter end. Pharaoh and Saul, scribes and Pharisees refused God's word to obey. Indignation and the wrath of God is upon them to this very day.
And the future is dark when we consider the fact that hell is just the beginning; For the future is dark and eternally bleak for those who insisted on sinning, Thinking it was no one's business but their own when they chose their own satisfaction; Unwilling to accept the knowledge of God that He knows every deed and action.
There is no escaping the final decision of the Righteous Judge who sits on the throne. His judgments are righteous and inescapable, the results come from Him alone. Every thought, every word, every work addressed is evaluated by holy eyes. There is no avoiding the lasting consequences of life after a person dies.
For those who in gratitude faithfully serve the God they know and love; There will be full recognition from the Judge of all according to the light we have. Glory and honor, peace is there too because of the works that are done. The Righteous Judge knows the reason behind each and every one.
"Holy, Righteous God - the Judge of all mankind: in reverence I approach Thee this morning to honor Thee and to pray that the activities engaged in yesterday, and
those before me this day, will meet with Thy divine approval and can be blessed by Thee. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."