Romans 2:6
Verse
Context
God’s Righteous Judgment
5But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”7To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who will render - Who, in the day of judgment, will reward and punish every man according as his life and conversation have been.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who will render to every man according to his deeds. God will be the Judge, who is righteous, holy, just, and true; every man in particular will be judged; as the judgment will be general to all, it will be special to everyone, and will proceed according to their works; for God will render to wicked men according to the demerit of their sins, the just recompense of reward, eternal damnation; and to good men eternal life, not according to the merit of their good works, which have none in them, but according to the nature of them; such who believe in Christ, and perform good works from a principle of grace, shall receive the reward of the inheritance, which is a reward of grace, and not of debt. In other words, God will render to evil men according to the true desert of their evil deeds; and of his own free grace will render to good men, whom he has made so by his grace, what is suitable and agreeable to those good works, which, by the assistance of his grace, they have been enabled to perform. Who will render to every man according to his deeds. God will be the Judge, who is righteous, holy, just, and true; every man in particular will be judged; as the judgment will be general to all, it will be special to everyone, and will proceed according to their works; for God will render to wicked men according to the demerit of their sins, the just recompense of reward, eternal damnation; and to good men eternal life, not according to the merit of their good works, which have none in them, but according to the nature of them; such who believe in Christ, and perform good works from a principle of grace, shall receive the reward of the inheritance, which is a reward of grace, and not of debt. In other words, God will render to evil men according to the true desert of their evil deeds; and of his own free grace will render to good men, whom he has made so by his grace, what is suitable and agreeable to those good works, which, by the assistance of his grace, they have been enabled to perform. Romans 2:7 rom 2:7 rom 2:7 rom 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing,.... These words are descriptive of one sort of persons, to whom God will render according to their works; and must be understood not of the Gentiles, the best and most moralized among them; for they sought after worldly things, after human wisdom, and popular applause, and not after God, his honour and glory, nor after immortality, which is only brought to light by the Gospel; nor of the pharisaical Jews, who sought for righteousness by the works of the law, and honour and glory from men, and not from God; nor of any unregenerate persons, but only of such who have the true principles of grace implanted in them, whether Jews or Gentiles: now the things which these men seek after are glory; not the glory of this world, nor any from the men of it; but the glory of God and Christ; to be glorious within and without, by the grace and righteousness of Christ here, and to enjoy eternal glory with him hereafter. Honour; not that which Adam had in innocence, and did not abide in; but that which is, and abides with Christ, and which all the saints have, and shall have. Immortality; not the immortality of the soul, which is common to all; but the incorruption of the body, or the glorious resurrection of it to everlasting life at the great day, or the incorruptible crown, and never fading inheritance of the saints in light. The manner in which these things are sought is, "by patient continuance in well doing"; by doing good works, and by doing these good works well, from a principle of faith and love, and with a view to the glory of God; and by patiently enduring reproaches and sufferings for well doing, and by persevering therein: not that these things are to be had, or are expected by the saints to be had for the sake of patience and well doing; yet they may be sought for, and looked unto, as an encouragement to well doing, and continuance therein; and though not "for", yet "in" well doing there is a reward. These words do not express that for the sake of which glory is had; but only describe the persons who seek, and the manner in which they seek for it, to whom God will render eternal life, which he of his rich grace promised them before the world was, and of his free favour has put into the hands of Christ for them, and which, as a pure gift of grace, he bestows on them through him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:6-11 Paul uses a chiasm (“X” arrangement) to make his point: A God judges everyone the same (2:6) B Life is the reward for doing good (2:7) C Wrath is the penalty for evil (2:8) C′ Wrath for doing evil (2:9) B′ Life for doing good (2:10) A′ God shows no favoritism (2:11)
Romans 2:6
God’s Righteous Judgment
5But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. 6God “will repay each one according to his deeds.”7To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Our Ambition Is to Please Him
By Paul Washer4.7K1:19:31ROM 2:6In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the purpose that God has prepared for each individual. He emphasizes the longing for eternal life and the desire to be clothed in immortality. The speaker also highlights the importance of ambition in serving the Lord and the anticipation of being judged by Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the gravity of the gospel message, with the possibility of spending eternity in either glory or hell.
The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne!
By Paul Washer3.6K1:03:04PSA 62:12JER 17:10ROM 2:61PE 1:17REV 22:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge and understanding of God will be taken away, leaving people in darkness. The absence of a rainbow symbolizes the absence of God's promises and covenants. The preacher also urges Christians to not be proud of worldly accomplishments, as everything that is not eternal will be lost. The sermon serves as a reminder to consider the end of our days and the certainty of standing before God in judgment.
The Word of Reconciliation
By Leonard Ravenhill2.9K1:07:35ReconciliationMAT 6:33ROM 2:6ROM 14:121CO 3:132CO 5:102CO 5:14HEB 9:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses why Christians in Texas don't get overwhelmed by the challenges and uncertainties of life. He uses the example of the apostle Paul, who remained calm and confident even in the midst of a shipwreck. The preacher emphasizes the importance of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ and receiving rewards based on our actions. He also highlights the power of the love of Christ in motivating and guiding believers. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and remain steadfast in their faith.
How to Study Your Bible - Part 1
By Kay Arthur1.8K57:51HOS 4:1MAT 4:4MAT 6:33ROM 2:62TI 2:15In this sermon, Kay Arthur teaches on how to study the Bible effectively. She emphasizes the importance of engaging all of our senses when studying, as it helps with memory retention. She shares a story of a Japanese woman who learned to observe, interpret, and apply the Bible without speaking the same language. Kay encourages marking key words and phrases in the Bible to aid in understanding and transformation. She also highlights the need for knowledge of God and addresses the societal issues of faithlessness, unkindness, and lack of knowledge in the land.
Divine Affirmation, Memorials and Communion With God
By Mike Bickle271:11:11Divine AffirmationEternal RewardsROM 2:61CO 2:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the concept of divine affirmation, explaining that eternal rewards are God's way of expressing His appreciation for how we love Him. He reassures that these rewards are not about status but about the depth of our relationship with Jesus, who honors our heartfelt intentions and struggles. Bickle highlights the importance of memorials in our faith, illustrating how acts of devotion, like those of Mary of Bethany and Cornelius, are eternally remembered by God. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their love for God, assuring them that their efforts will be recognized and celebrated in the age to come.
Eternity!
By J.C. Ryle4SalvationEternityMAT 25:46ROM 2:62CO 4:18J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound and solemn nature of eternity, urging listeners to recognize the temporary nature of earthly life and the eternal consequences of their choices. He warns against living solely for the present, reminding that both the joys of the saved and the sorrows of the lost are everlasting. Ryle stresses the importance of grounding our understanding of eternity in Scripture, as it reveals God's character and the reality of judgment. He encourages believers to seek Christ for hope and salvation, asserting that our current state directly influences our eternal destiny. Ultimately, Ryle calls for self-examination and a commitment to live in light of eternity.
The Importance of Self Knowledge
By Thomas Reade3MAT 7:13MAT 7:21JHN 3:3ROM 2:61CO 3:182CO 13:5GAL 6:3JAS 1:22REV 22:17Thomas Reade preaches about the importance of self-knowledge, highlighting the deceitful nature of the human heart and the need for humility, self-denial, and faith in Christ. He emphasizes the danger of self-deception, especially in matters concerning salvation, and the contrast between spiritually-minded and carnally-minded individuals. Reade urges believers to examine themselves, guard against false doctrines, and seek true regeneration through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 2 - 4
By John Nelson Darby0Justification By FaithUniversal SinfulnessROM 1:17ROM 2:6ROM 3:10ROM 3:23ROM 3:28ROM 4:3ROM 4:5ROM 4:7ROM 4:24John Nelson Darby expounds on Romans chapters 2 to 4, emphasizing the universal guilt of both Jews and Gentiles before God due to sin, and the futility of seeking righteousness through the law. He highlights that true righteousness comes through faith, as exemplified by Abraham and David, and is made possible by the redemptive work of Christ. Darby stresses that God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law and is accessible to all who believe, providing a foundation for justification and peace with God. He concludes that believers are justified freely by grace through faith in Christ, who has borne the penalty for sin and offers a new life in Him.
Matthew 12:41
By Chuck Smith0God's LoveRepentanceJON 3:5MAT 9:36MAT 12:41MAT 14:14LUK 11:32JHN 3:16ROM 2:6Chuck Smith emphasizes that Jesus is greater than Jonah, highlighting the historical accuracy of biblical events such as Jonah's story and Christ's resurrection. He contrasts Jonah's singular, judgment-focused message with Jesus' compassionate ministry, which offers hope and forgiveness. Smith points out that the people of Nineveh repented at Jonah's warning, while this generation has the greater privilege of hearing the message of love from Jesus. He warns that the men of Nineveh will rise in judgment against those who reject this message of grace. Ultimately, the sermon calls for repentance and belief in the love of God.
Psalms 4:4
By Chuck Smith0Trust and FaithPeace in GodPSA 4:4PSA 139:23PRO 3:5ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27ROM 2:6PHP 4:6HEB 4:131PE 5:7Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of finding peace and rest through a relationship with God, highlighting the struggles many face with sleeplessness and anxiety. He outlines four essential steps to becoming God's beloved: feeling reverent awe of God, practicing thoughtful self-examination, making a right approach to God through confession, and exercising faith in His promises. By acknowledging God's greatness and goodness, individuals can confront their hearts and find true peace. Ultimately, trusting in God leads to gladness and the ability to rest peacefully, free from inner turmoil.
2 Peter 2:13
By John Gill0Consequences of SinRighteous JudgmentPRO 14:12ISA 5:20MAT 12:36ROM 2:61CO 15:33GAL 6:71PE 4:32PE 2:13JUD 1:12REV 20:12John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:13, emphasizing the consequences of unrighteousness and the just punishment that awaits those who indulge in sinful pleasures without regard for future judgment. He describes the behavior of those who revel in sin openly, likening them to Sodom, and highlights their role in defiling themselves and others through their actions. Gill warns against the dangers of self-deception and the scandalous behavior of those who partake in feasts while living in sin, urging believers to recognize the seriousness of their conduct and the impact it has on the community of faith.
God Under Obligation to Do Right
By Charles Finney0God's JusticeMoral ObligationGEN 18:25PSA 89:14ISA 30:18ROM 2:6Charles Finney emphasizes that God is morally obligated to do right, as He embodies disinterested benevolence, which is the highest good for all beings. He explains that God's nature requires Him to establish moral governance and act in accordance with the law of benevolence, which is essential for His moral character. Finney argues that all moral beings must be willing for God to do right, as this willingness is crucial for salvation and true virtue. He asserts that any reluctance to accept God's actions as right reflects a rebellion against His moral authority. Ultimately, Finney reassures that the Judge of all the earth will always do right, providing comfort and hope to believers.
Sowing and Reaping
By Theodore Epp0God's MercySin and ConsequencesNUM 32:232SA 12:72SA 12:10PSA 51:4PRO 14:12ECC 12:14LUK 8:17ROM 2:6GAL 6:7JAS 1:15Theodore Epp emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping through the story of David and Nathan in 2 Samuel 12:1-10. David's failure to recognize his sin and the consequences of his actions stemmed from his disconnection with God, leading to a harsh judgment against him. Nathan's confrontation served as a reminder of God's mercy and the inevitable sorrow that follows sin. Epp highlights that believers cannot escape the repercussions of their actions, as God sees all and the truth will ultimately be revealed. The sermon underscores the importance of acknowledging our sins and understanding the gravity of our choices.
Two Exhortations to Theodore After His Fall - Part 3
By St. John Chrysostom0ISA 5:8MAT 11:28JHN 14:2ROM 2:61CO 15:412CO 5:101TH 4:1HEB 4:13John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of repentance and the dangers of despair, emphasizing the need to confess sins with true remorse and seek forgiveness through a genuine change of heart. He warns against the traps of indolence and despair, urging believers to cut off these roots and manifest zeal in turning towards God. Chrysostom highlights the significance of good deeds in balancing out sins and the ultimate judgment according to one's works, as declared in the divine oracles.
Homily 5 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0ROM 1:28ROM 2:6ROM 2:10ROM 2:12ROM 2:16ROM 2:21ROM 2:29John Chrysostom preaches about the consequences of rejecting God and living in sin, emphasizing that God gives people over to a reprobate mind when they choose to ignore Him. He highlights the distinction between those who do evil and those who seek to do good, pointing out the intense nature of sin and the importance of repentance. Chrysostom urges believers to examine their hearts and actions, reminding them that God's judgment is just and based on truth, rewarding those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in well-doing. He warns of the impending judgment where God will reveal the secrets of men through Jesus Christ, calling for repentance and a sincere love for Christ above all else.
The Vain Judgments of Men
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 118:6PRO 29:25ROM 2:61PE 5:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about trusting firmly in the Lord and not fearing the judgment of men, emphasizing the importance of humility, patience, and trusting in God's judgment rather than in the opinions of others. He encourages believers to focus on pleasing God rather than trying to satisfy everyone, reminding them that mortal man's opinions are fleeting while God's judgment is eternal. Kempis urges listeners to keep their eyes on God, not getting entangled in quarrels or being afraid of the words or actions of others, as God is the ultimate judge who will reward each person according to their deeds.
Jesus Talks About the Final Judgment Matthew 25:31-46
By David Servant0MAT 25:31JHN 13:35ROM 2:6EPH 1:4EPH 2:82PE 3:91JN 3:14REV 20:10David Servant emphasizes the importance of showing love to fellow Christians as a reflection of our faith in Jesus. The judgment of individuals is based on their deeds, which reveal their belief or unbelief in Christ. True believers demonstrate their love through actions of kindness and care towards others, while unbelievers show their lack of faith through indifference or hostility towards fellow Christians.
Be Not Allured by Worldly Lusts
By Clement of Rome0MAT 25:31ACT 3:19ROM 2:6GAL 6:2Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of repentance with our whole heart to avoid perishing, urging believers to not only follow God's commandments but also help and uplift one another in faith. He warns of the day of judgment when the Lord will gather all nations and tongues, rewarding the righteous and condemning the unbelievers who rejected salvation. The righteous, witnessing the fate of the ungodly, will give glory to God for their faithfulness and endurance in the face of trials.
Godliness the True Riches
By Clement of Rome0PSA 37:7ROM 2:61TI 6:6HEB 11:61PE 5:4Clement of Rome encourages believers not to be troubled by the prosperity of the unrighteous or the struggles of the servants of God, but to have faith in God's divine plan. He emphasizes that the righteous must patiently wait for their reward, as immediate blessings would lead to pursuing gain over godliness. Clement praises the invisible God, the Father of truth, who sent the Saviour to reveal truth and offer eternal life, giving glory to Him forever.
The Gospel in Rome
By Clement of Rome0MAT 25:46JHN 3:16ROM 2:62CO 5:10HEB 9:27Clement of Rome delivers a powerful message urging the people of Rome to heed the proclamation of the Son of God who has come to offer eternal life to those who follow the Father's counsel. He emphasizes the need to change from a worldly lifestyle to an eternal one, warning of the consequences of unbelief and the eternal punishment awaiting those who do not repent in this present life. Clement expresses his disappointment that many did not take action to verify the truth of the Son of God's message, which promises either eternal joy or eternal punishment based on one's choices.
What Will You Do When the Day of His Wrath Is Come?
By Catherine Booth0MAT 12:36MAT 25:46JHN 3:36ROM 2:6ROM 2:151CO 4:5HEB 9:27HEB 10:31REV 14:10REV 20:12Catherine Booth preaches about the coming wrath of God, emphasizing that it will be just and in accordance with each person's guilt, with conscience serving as an impartial witness that knows all about an individual's thoughts and motives. She warns that in the day of judgment, every sin will be brought to remembrance, and conscience will be a terrible witness against each person. The sermon stresses the importance of repentance and accepting Jesus to avoid the uttermost wrath that will be unmixed with mercy and everlasting, as described in the Bible.
God Will Get Even
By Allan Halton0ROM 2:6Allan Halton preaches about the righteous recompense of God, emphasizing that those who trouble the righteous will face His vengeance, while those who endure patiently will receive rest and salvation. He highlights the connection between knowing God and obeying the Gospel of Jesus Christ, stating that through the Gospel, man comes to know God. God's recompense is just, rendering to each according to their works, whether trouble or rest. The day of vengeance is dreaded by the wicked but longed for by those who accepted God's salvation offer.
The Resurrection of the Dead
By Athenagoras0ECC 12:7ROM 2:6ROM 14:121CO 15:522CO 5:10Athenagoras argues that the resurrection is necessary for justice to prevail, as it would be unjust for the soul alone to be judged for actions that involved both the soul and body. He highlights the inequality and lack of equity if the body and soul are not both included in the judgment and rewards or punishments for deeds done in life. Athenagoras questions the fairness of attributing virtues or vices solely to the soul when they are experienced and influenced by the body as well. He emphasizes that for true justice to be served, both the body and soul must be considered in the judgment after death.
The "Second Epistle"
By Clement of Rome0MAT 6:24MAT 10:32MAT 25:34ROM 2:61CO 9:242CO 4:181TI 6:10JAS 2:141PE 4:172PE 3:9Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of thinking highly of Jesus Christ as God, the Judge of the living and the dead, and not taking lightly the salvation He offers. He urges believers to confess Christ before others through their actions, not just words, by living righteously and loving one another. Clement stresses the need to despise the things of this world and focus on the eternal kingdom to come, serving God faithfully and trusting in His promises. He encourages repentance, preparation for the day of judgment, and striving for righteousness, reminding believers of the reward of the righteous and the consequences of ungodliness.
The Scripture View of the Present State of Man
By Thomas Reade0PSA 14:2JER 17:9MAT 7:24MAT 15:8MRK 7:20LUK 6:46ROM 2:61CO 3:13HEB 4:12REV 2:23Thomas Reade preaches about the sinful state of man as depicted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the necessity of divine illumination and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to understand and acknowledge our wretched condition. The sermon highlights the importance of an inward change of heart and the deceitful nature of the human heart, as described by various prophets and Jesus himself. It calls for humility, self-examination, and a deep desire for God's transformative work in our lives, stressing the need to love the Lord wholeheartedly and seek a radical change from within.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who will render - Who, in the day of judgment, will reward and punish every man according as his life and conversation have been.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who will render to every man according to his deeds. God will be the Judge, who is righteous, holy, just, and true; every man in particular will be judged; as the judgment will be general to all, it will be special to everyone, and will proceed according to their works; for God will render to wicked men according to the demerit of their sins, the just recompense of reward, eternal damnation; and to good men eternal life, not according to the merit of their good works, which have none in them, but according to the nature of them; such who believe in Christ, and perform good works from a principle of grace, shall receive the reward of the inheritance, which is a reward of grace, and not of debt. In other words, God will render to evil men according to the true desert of their evil deeds; and of his own free grace will render to good men, whom he has made so by his grace, what is suitable and agreeable to those good works, which, by the assistance of his grace, they have been enabled to perform. Who will render to every man according to his deeds. God will be the Judge, who is righteous, holy, just, and true; every man in particular will be judged; as the judgment will be general to all, it will be special to everyone, and will proceed according to their works; for God will render to wicked men according to the demerit of their sins, the just recompense of reward, eternal damnation; and to good men eternal life, not according to the merit of their good works, which have none in them, but according to the nature of them; such who believe in Christ, and perform good works from a principle of grace, shall receive the reward of the inheritance, which is a reward of grace, and not of debt. In other words, God will render to evil men according to the true desert of their evil deeds; and of his own free grace will render to good men, whom he has made so by his grace, what is suitable and agreeable to those good works, which, by the assistance of his grace, they have been enabled to perform. Romans 2:7 rom 2:7 rom 2:7 rom 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing,.... These words are descriptive of one sort of persons, to whom God will render according to their works; and must be understood not of the Gentiles, the best and most moralized among them; for they sought after worldly things, after human wisdom, and popular applause, and not after God, his honour and glory, nor after immortality, which is only brought to light by the Gospel; nor of the pharisaical Jews, who sought for righteousness by the works of the law, and honour and glory from men, and not from God; nor of any unregenerate persons, but only of such who have the true principles of grace implanted in them, whether Jews or Gentiles: now the things which these men seek after are glory; not the glory of this world, nor any from the men of it; but the glory of God and Christ; to be glorious within and without, by the grace and righteousness of Christ here, and to enjoy eternal glory with him hereafter. Honour; not that which Adam had in innocence, and did not abide in; but that which is, and abides with Christ, and which all the saints have, and shall have. Immortality; not the immortality of the soul, which is common to all; but the incorruption of the body, or the glorious resurrection of it to everlasting life at the great day, or the incorruptible crown, and never fading inheritance of the saints in light. The manner in which these things are sought is, "by patient continuance in well doing"; by doing good works, and by doing these good works well, from a principle of faith and love, and with a view to the glory of God; and by patiently enduring reproaches and sufferings for well doing, and by persevering therein: not that these things are to be had, or are expected by the saints to be had for the sake of patience and well doing; yet they may be sought for, and looked unto, as an encouragement to well doing, and continuance therein; and though not "for", yet "in" well doing there is a reward. These words do not express that for the sake of which glory is had; but only describe the persons who seek, and the manner in which they seek for it, to whom God will render eternal life, which he of his rich grace promised them before the world was, and of his free favour has put into the hands of Christ for them, and which, as a pure gift of grace, he bestows on them through him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:6-11 Paul uses a chiasm (“X” arrangement) to make his point: A God judges everyone the same (2:6) B Life is the reward for doing good (2:7) C Wrath is the penalty for evil (2:8) C′ Wrath for doing evil (2:9) B′ Life for doing good (2:10) A′ God shows no favoritism (2:11)