Even in the heathen world there were those who spoke against immorality and other vices. There were moralists, reformers and philosophers who condemned evil, but they also were sinners. God sees all mankind to be on the same level. All practiced evil because all had an evil heart. God did not immediately judge, but rather showed goodness, forbearance and long-suffering to man, if perhaps he would repent and turn from his evil way.
God does hold out a promise to those who seek Him in faith. If they continue to patiently seek for glory, honor and immortality, God will give them eternal life. This is the gift of God (Romans 6:2323For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)) to all those who receive His Son as their Lord and Savior. They are the only ones who can have glory, honor and peace at the end, because God has promised it.
There is coming a day when everything is going to be made manifest. Man has a conscience that tells him that he is doing wrong. Inwardly, he knows that someday he will stand before God. Their secrets will then be exposed and judged by Jesus Christ, to whom all judgment has been committed (John 5:2222For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: (John 5:22)).
The Jewish people had the advantage over others in that they had the law of God and knew His will, whereas other nations were in darkness. But they didn’t keep God’s law — they broke it and dishonored God. Therefore, the only people whom God considers to be a Jew are those who inwardly have their hearts changed by being “born again” (John 3:77Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:7)).
1. What does God desire to lead us to when He shows us His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering? __________ Romans 2:___
2. If a person seeks glory, honor and immortality by patiently continuing in doing good, what is the blessing they will enjoy? __________ Romans 2:___
3. Does God show greater respect to Jews over Gentiles or vice versa? __________ Romans 2:___
4. Who will God have judge the secrets of men’s hearts? __________ Romans 2:___
5. What gets blasphemed among the Gentiles when a Jew breaks the law? __________ Romans 2:___