Romans 2:13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.
Paul’s point to the Romans was that the righteous standard by which God judges is a standard no one can perform: 100% conformity to the Law in all one’s actions. Who are the doers of the Law who are just or righteous before God? He made it clear in the next chapter that no one is justified by the works of the Law (3:20). So what are we to conclude? Can anyone escape from God’s righteous judgment, His wrath, and indignation? He wanted them asking that question, and these verses in chapters 2-3 were written to help them see that Jesus Christ is the only answer. As sure as God’s wrath has been revealed from heaven, God’s salvation has also been revealed from heaven. Salvation results from a God-given righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ on the basis of grace alone through faith alone.
Paul wrote to the Galatians that the Law of God could be summed up in one word in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Gal. 5:14). The justified by faith are those who love with Jesus. His righteousness not only satisfies what God’s Law requires, but also bestows the grace to love through the Holy Spirit who indwells them. Today be encouraged by this great truth that you have become a doer of the Law through faith in Jesus Christ by grace. These verses in chapter 5 thrill my heart and testify to this wonderful reality. Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Do I hear an Amen from all who are living to love with Jesus today?
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
