Romans 2:16: In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Paul refers to “the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.” The day of judgment is coming, and men and women need to “settle out of court” while they can. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins” (John 8:24). However, the Scriptures also tell us, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). 1
We have a false idea today that because we happen to be good folk, that is, we think we are, that we’ll be saved. God is going to judge the do–gooders. And He will judge them by Jesus Christ who said that if a man looks upon a woman to lust after her, he is guilty of adultery. This is only one example of the secrets of the human heart. Do you want the secrets of your heart brought out—not the lovely things you have said, but the dirty little thoughts that come to you? This should cause us to flee to Jesus to save us! 2
Application
- Do you really think that you have a “hidden” secret, or sin, or a future game plan?
- Since nothing is hidden from God, it is best to let His light shine over your actions, attitudes, and intentions; your past and present thought life. Live in His freedom.
Prayer
Lord, I need your grace to walk in the light. Help me overcome my fears.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
