Romans 2:5: But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.
If you are not saved, let me say this to you: you know God has been good to you. God has blessed you. Think of the multitudes of folk on this earth who have nothing, who are literally starving to death. And here you are, a wicked man, living on top of the world. Do you think God is not going to judge you? Do you think that you are going to escape? My friend, the very goodness of God ought to lead you to repentance. 1
In this context storing up is a picturesque word. It is connected with the idea of “treasure” and means “to lay up as treasure” (cf. “riches”, v. 4).The person Paul has in mind is laying up for his treasure—the wrath of God! It signifies God’s settled opposition to all that is evil, and not some irrational passion. We should not miss Paul’s point that sin will inevitably reap its due reward, and that God will be active in the process. 2
Application
- Are you currently “sowing in faith” a spiritual commitment that will bless others?
- Does the “vault in heaven” contain many treasures from your faithfulness on earth?
Prayer
Lord, please forgive my impenitent heart. Thanks for your grace in my gracelessness.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.
