To Repentance

And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 

Romans 2:3-4

We are naturally judgmental. Judgmentalism enables one person to condemn the behavior of another person from a position of supposed moral superiority. Paul is having none of it. The second chapter of Romans takes up the condemnation of the scrupulously religious individual who condemns the behaviors listed in the first chapter. He has now moved from the irreligious person to the religious person. Because he is building his case for Christ, Paul must address both groups. If he does not, the religious group will exempt themselves from needing grace because of their perceived moral superiority. Paul’s point, which we find in summary in our text, is that the religiously judgmental person is as thoroughly liable to the judgement of God as the people they condemn. The religious are as much in need of repentance as the irreligious. Both need Christ. Therefore, to convince the religious of their need of repentance Paul uses some stinging language to undercut their natural self-righteousness. No one is above the need for repentance. No one is above the need for Christ and the grace of God that comes through the Person and work of Christ. 

Our Holy and Wise God, 
we rejoice that You thoroughly reveal truth to us. 
We praise You that by it,  
we learn how much we need Christ. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning