November 9, 2008

Let the Moralists Beware

“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 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? Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 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, who "will render to each one according to his deeds": eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness——indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law (for not the hearers of the law [are] just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves [their] thoughts accusing or else excusing [them]) in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” (Romans 2:1-16 NKJV)

The moralist is hypocritical. He judges others by a standard he does not keep himself. Many near the kingdom of God fall victim to this deadly sin. They understand a good deal of God’s holiness, but misunderstand its true nature. Thinking to justify themselves they align themselves with the letter of the law outwardly, but inwardly are full of all manner of lusts.

The moralist judges others because it appeases his conscience. By running down others, he elevates himself. In his own eyes, he is better than all the others are and concludes he is secure because he is not like those sinners.

However, the moralist is deceived. He is not able to see his sin, or at least he will not own it, and so he fabricates his own righteous world were knowledge of truth is supreme and obedience is not required, at least for himself.

The moralist is storing up wrath for himself with this wicked self-deception. His heart is hard and unrepentant, and his hypocrisy is a stench in God’s nose.

However, the doer of the word is justified. A day is coming when all will be revealed, a day of judgment. Please examine yourselves to see if you are a doer of the word and not a hearer only. Don’t examine yourself against others. God doesn’t judge on a curve. He judges according to His perfect and righteous standard, and without the blood of Christ you will be found wanting. Jesus was the only sinless one, and His righteousness must be imputed to you by grace through faith.

Now lest you be confused, a doer of the Word is not one who walks in perfection. That is not possible. However, a doer of the word wants to walk in perfection. He does not make excuses for his sin, but confesses and repents. He judges himself by the standard of God’s Holy Word and not by comparison with his contemporaries.

Therefore, the moralist should take heed to this passage for His end is everlasting wrath. Turn from your wicked, self-righteous stronghold, and it could be that God will have mercy on your soul. However, mercy is not fitting for the unmerciful. Amen.