Why We Are Without Excuse (The Second Reason)

As we saw earlier Paul has laid out an argument about why everyone is without excuse. His first argument for us being without excuse was laid out in the fact that all of creation testifies to the presence and reality of God. (Romans 1:19,20) Paul now begins his second argument about why all men are without excuse. In chapter two of the book of Romans we will explore how Paul shows that Jews and Gentiles alike are without excuse because everyone has the knowledge of right and wrong. This is really a three part argument, so let us look first at part one of this argument.

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who do such things. Do you suppose, O man--you who judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself--that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. Romans 2:1-5

The apostle Paul points to the fact that each on of us is without excuse, for as we sit in judgment over others condemning them for their unrighteous acts, our judgment of them condemns us as well. Why does our judgment of them condemn us though? Is it because we are judging that we are condemned? I would say the answer to that is no! It is not because we are judging them that we are condemned, but it is because by our judging them that we begin to show that the work of the Law, God’s moral law, the Ten Commandments, is written upon our hearts. Paul even points out that we know inwardly that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who do such things.

He then goes on further to point out that we should not presume that God’s kindness, and patience will let us escape judgment. Rather that his patience and kindness is meant to lead us unto repentance. However because of our hardened hearts we continue to store up wrath for ourselves on the Day of Judgment! This is a strong appeal for us to repent of the wicked works that we are involved in.

Lord,
Please open my heart to the truth that all men are without excuse otn the Day of Judgment. Father open my heart to the fact that I know the difference between right and wrong, and that as I have judged others for their wrong and sinful actions in their life I am actually showing that your moral law is written on my heart. Father lead me into all truth, and to a place of true and lasting repentance before you, a Holy and Just God!