“For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
— Romans 2:12-16
Hello, friends. In today’s discussion we will look into the primary word “law” with its multiple usages and definitions so that we may understand what God is saying to those with and without the “law” … but especially to His Church and church goers.
Let’s begin with verse 12, where there are two clauses — the phrase “without law” and the word “law.” The first clause in the verse “without law” literally denotes “The Law of Moses” and in the second clause the word “law” refers to the following:
- the law of Moses;
- the prophets (Old Testament);
- the gospels (New Testament);
- the epistles (New Testament);
- the principles of the doctrine of Christ;
- the ENTIRE word of God….
In verse 13, Paul goes on to say, “…For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.” — from here throughout the remainder of this passage the word “law” refers to the entire word of God.
Verse 14 says, “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves….” Here is a precept upon precept “…God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” — Romans 12:3
God gave every man the “measure of faith” — the Greek word for “measure” in Romans 12:3 is “metron” a measure (“metre”), which is the British spelled word for “meter” as it is spelled in the United States. This word implies “a limited portion (degree).” Every man was/is imbedded with a limited portion of faith whether he/she know(-eth) the word of God or not … and will, therefore, be judged accordingly.
Consider the following references:
- (Proverbs 24:12) If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?
- (Matthew 16:27) For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
- (1 Corinthians 3:14-15) If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
- (Revelation 20:11-13) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
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First Special Note—
The content in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 only apply to those who are saved or waiting to complete the salvation process. References include:
- true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31-32);
- baptized of the water, and of the Spirit (John 3:5);
- baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin [includes: those waiting to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost] (Acts 2:38);
- received the Spirit of adoption [waiting period ended] (Romans 8:15);
- partakers of the first resurrection (Revelation 20:6);
- those who will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10)….
Please be advised that, the content in 1 Corinthians 3:14-15 with its references … DO NOT APPLY TO ANY UNSAVED PERSON!!!
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Second Special Note—
The content in Revelation 20:11-13 refers to the day of the great white throne of judgment (vs. 11).
First, it does not apply to the blessed and holy partakers of the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power… (Revelation 20:6).
Second, the white throne of judgment applies to those who will NOT be partakers of the first resurrection … but if their name is written in the book of life their soul will escape eternal judgment. And whosoever [is not] found written in the book of life [will be] cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15).
Revelation 21:8 says, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
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Third Special Note—
The ungodly and sinner in the congregation of the righteous will not stand in the judgment (Psalm 1:5). Because they refuse to be godly sorrow which worketh repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), they will NOT partake of the first resurrection …and… their name will NOT be written in the book of life … because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be saved (while alive in the congregation of the righteous) …and… because they believed not the truth (though they were exposed to it long enough to be saved, from God’s perspective) but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) — they will be guilty of unbelief (Revelation 21:8).
Friends, please know and understand, “…it is appointed unto men ONCE to die, but after this the judgment…” (Hebrews 9:27) — the righteous and unrighteous; the believer and unbeliever; the godly and ungodly; with or without the law….
The question is … do you know which one you are?
Believe what God said in His word … and live!
In Christ We Do Remain
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