Judgment, Kindness, and Repentance

Some of the most revealing words in the Bible about the love of God and the problem of man are found in what we know as the Book of Romans. In it original context, Romans was written as a letter from the Apostle Paul to Roman believers. I am reading through Romans at a steady pace right now; at this rate, roughly a chapter a day, I'll be headed into 1 Corinthians on August 4th. I hope you'll join me in reading through this amazing letter over the next couple of weeks.

Today, I want to briefly highlight the first five verses of Romans chapter two. As you read them notice why God says in judging others we condemn ourselves.

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (Romans 2:1-5 ESV)

It is so encouraging to be reminded that no man is the real judge. Only God has the wisdom to judge the world rightly. God sees all and knows all, and therefore he has the unique ability to bring judgement that is perfectly just. And, at the very same time He has the ability to reconcile His having shown us loving kindness when we in fact deserved damnation.

Did you notice why God shows us his kindness? He does so in order to lead us to the path of repentance. I am not saying that God will always pour kindness and blessings on us in the way we generally think of blessings, because I also know that God will use whatever it takes to lead us to repentance.

God will not force us to repent, at least at this stage in redemptive history. Anything God brings upon us in this life, whether it feels like a blessing or a tragedy, if it leads us down the path of godly sorrow, repentance, and obedience, then it is a blessing. Even if we do not want to admit it right now, if hard times or tragedies come our way and they cause us to turn to God then it was God's kindness. Think of the alternative for a moment. If we do not repent from our evil rebellion toward God then we will suffer for all of eternity.

Today, as an act of worship, let us thank God for His kindness toward us. Praise Him for who He is, and thank Him for what He has done in your life to lead you down the path of repentance.

On a side note: If you want to dive deep into Romans and are looking for insight into any particular verse in Romans, one of my favorite preachers, John Piper, preached through Romans verse by verse. The sermon series spanned eight and half years. All the messages are online audio, video, and transcripts for free. Click here to check it out. It's awesome stuff!