“But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” (Romans 2:2-3).
God’s wrath has been an ongoing revelation from heaven since the introduction of ungodliness and unrighteousness in human history (Romans 1:18). Its climactic manifestation will be when Christ returns and gathers all nations before His glorious throne and separates the redeemed from the unredeemed (Matthew 25:31-46). Those who know not God and those who have not obeyed the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
When that great day of judgment occurs, two things will be true:
- God’s judgment will be according to truth (Romans 2:2). The standard used will be the truth (i.e., God’s word—John 17:17). The judge presiding over the matter is the Truth (i.e., Jesus—John 14:6). The verdict rendered will be true and accurate. It will be upon thoughts and actions you are personally and wholly responsible for. All secrets will be uncovered. Every unknown action will be revealed. All hypocrisy will be exposed. Every whisper will be proclaimed (Luke 12:1-3).
- God’s judgment will be inescapable (Romans 2:3). Not all justice is served in this life. For some, their sins precede them to judgment; for others, their sins are punished after this life is over (1 Timothy 5:24). No one, however, escapes. Like death, God’s official evaluation of your life is an appointment you cannot postpone indefinitely or cancel. You will die and after that is God’s judgment (Hebrews 9:27).
