Understanding Romans 2:12

So this verse says that:

"Those people who don't know about the law will still be punished for what they do wrong. And the Law will be used to judge everyone who knows what it says".

It is incumbent on myself to find out and preach the law to myself and apply it. The law is not straightforward in the Bible and is often, on first appearance, contradictory. For example, the disciples were told to 'dust the sand off their shoes and leave homes and places that did not welcome them'. On the other hand, Jesus preached that we must 'turn the other cheek when someone hits you' and 'if they want your tunic, give them also your shirt'.

So I am sometimes confused about the situations in which we apply the law and what law we apply. As a law student, this is especially interesting for me, because when cases are heard in court, usually the lower courts will follow the letter of the law. That is, they are bound by precedent and also statutes. However, when the cases are appealed and progress to a higher court, judges have the power to interpret the existing law and draw distinctions, that is, distinguish between what the current situation is and existing law and make judgements accordingly.

Therefore, the situation here is that I will be judged by the highest court in the land. In Australia, the High Court is the highest court, then the Supreme Court and at the lowest the Magisterial Court. God's Court is much higher than any human court. He is the sole judge, unlike the Australian High Court that has eight judges hearing the case and in some case there are dissensions. The majority rules. But God is one and is the sole judge.

He will apply the law set out in the Bible, like 'thou shalst not commit adultery' (where the Ten Commandments can be called written law - Statutes), case law (descriptions of very specific situations in which the written law was not applied, such as the woman who was to be stoned for adultery. Jesus, perhaps knowing the background situation of her case (which is not revealed to us), but more so to make the point that we, as humans, can judge someone if we have no sin ourselves. And therefore none of those present could stone her, only Jesus could, as he was without sin. But he let her go, telling her to not sin anymore. This is grace, which covers sin, which forgives sin, if we are willing to accept it.

Yet, I cannot depend on grace to go on sinning. As a Christian, all my life, I have a fair knowledge of the Biblical law. So I don't have the excuse of saying that I don't know the law. Anyway, according to Romans 2:12, even if I didn't know the law, I would still be punished if I do wrong. It is worse still, because verse 12 goes on to say that the Law will judge everyone who knows what it says.

Reading this in the context of Romans 2:1-11, there are particular principles that apply:

1. When I judge others of the same sin I am doing, God will punish me. 2. When I am stubborn and don't want to stop doing this, it is even worse. 3. I must be aware and remind myself constantly that God is good to me because he wants me to turn to Him. 4. I must be most appreciative and aware of God's goodness, patience and willingness to put up with me. 5. God will reward me for what I have done (the good bits). 6. The rewards comprise of: (1) eternal life; (2) glory; (3) honour; and (4) peace. 7. If I am selfish, reject the truth and want to do evil, I will be punished. 8. These punishments comprise of trouble and suffering. 9. He will show me how angry ad furious He can be with me if I am selfish. 10.God does not have any favourites.

Prayer

Dear God, forgive me for my selfishness, evil deeds and the many times I have rejected the truth. If You are furious and angry with me, I accept that and deserve that. I have lived with trouble and suffering, most of which have come from the wrong choices and not applying Your laws and truth in my life. Yet You are good to me, patient with me and put up with me because You want me to turn to you. Please, like the woman who was to be stoned, look deep into my soul and see those elements of me that have loved you, tried to do good, tried to obey your laws, moments I have rejected evil and free me through your grace. I no longer want trouble and suffering, I have been so for a very long time and please give me the wisdom, humility and repentence to allow me to live in peace and gain eternal life with You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

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