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Daily Devotions

Romans

Romans 
Day 
Day 31

"Render to each one according to his deeds."

Text: Romans 2:6

TWO WAYS REVEALED

How would God judge man? Paul intimated that the first way in which God would judge man would be “according to truth” (Romans 2:2). He now reveals the second way in which God would judge man.

“Who will ‘render to each one according to his deeds.'”
Romans 2:6

1. The roots of this principle of judging

This principle may be traced to the Old Testament. Paul was citing from memory a principle that was recorded in the Psalms.

“God has spoken once,
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God.
Also to You, O LORD, belongs mercy;
For You render to each one according to his work.”
Psalm 62:11-12

Another important text that must be looked at is taken from Proverbs.

“If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’
Does not He who weighs the heart consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?

And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?”
Proverbs 24:12

2. God is aware of how sinful man may object to His judgment.

a) Principle: According to truth

Man may well object and quarrel with the first principle of judging. He may object on the premise that God may be biased. He may also object on grounds that truth may be seen from many angles.

i) He may argue that he has little knowledge of God’s truth.
ii) He may argue that he was just not born religiously inclined.
iii) He may argue that he did not have time for religion or God.
b) Principle: According to his deeds

But what about this principle of judging? Surely it is a valid and fair principle! A person must be held accountable for his own personal deeds. He must take responsibility for all his actions. God would never unfairly judge anyone. He would allow the individual to assess and judge his own deeds and misdeeds. How would man fare if he were to be judged on this principle?