Today’s devotion comes from Romans 2:12-16.
“For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:12-16.
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We can appear quite righteous. We can quietly sit in church today and hear a sermon. We can even have coffee afterwards and mingle with fellow church members. We can even say “Hello” to visitors.
But, what do we really believe? And, what do we do when we go home or go to work?
What are our secrets?
Today’s devotion will focus on two points presented by today’s Scripture. First, “for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.” Verse 13. Second, “… God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” Verse 16.
Regarding this first point, “for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.”, we likewise read in Scripture: “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” James 2:14-17.
Regarding this second point, we likewise read in Scripture: “… For He knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 44:21.
Who can do what they should do?!
Who can believe what they should believe?!
But, there is hope!
The hope is not in other doctrine which trusts man and his own wisdom and his own alleged free-will.
The hope is in Reformed Doctrine which trusts God and His wisdom and His will.
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 