The Day Every Life Will Be Weighed

Many in Israel had the misguided notion Many in Israel had the misguided notion that belonging to the chosen people was that belonging to the chosen people was that belonging to the chosen people was a free pass a free pass a free pass at the judgment day. And so John the at the judgment day. And so John the at the judgment day. And so John the Baptist and Jesus after him and Paul Baptist and Jesus after him and Paul Baptist and Jesus after him and Paul after him had to struggle to make it after him had to struggle to make it after him had to struggle to make it clear that it was not one's race or clear that it was not one's race or clear that it was not one's race or one's outward form of religion or one's one's outward form of religion or one's one's outward form of religion or one's heritage that saved one. It was whether heritage that saved one. It was whether heritage that saved one. It was whether one stood with Jesus or not. >> I think there are people who assume that >> I think there are people who assume that they're in a good place with God because they're in a good place with God because they're in a good place with God because of what they've been around, what of what they've been around, what of what they've been around, what they've known, or maybe even how they've they've known, or maybe even how they've they've known, or maybe even how they've [music] lived. But is that actually what [music] lived. But is that actually what [music] lived. But is that actually what will matter in the end? I'm your host, will matter in the end? I'm your host, will matter in the end? I'm your host, Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper turns to Romans 1 verses 28 Piper turns to Romans 1 verses 28 Piper turns to Romans 1 verses 28 through chapter 2 verse 11 to show that through chapter 2 verse 11 to show that through chapter 2 verse 11 to show that God's final judgment will be according God's final judgment will be according God's final judgment will be according to works, not in the sense that our to works, not in the sense that our to works, not in the sense that our works ground our acceptance with him, works ground our acceptance with him, works ground our acceptance with him, but in the sense that they publicly bear but in the sense that they publicly bear but in the sense that they publicly bear witness to the reality of saving faith witness to the reality of saving faith witness to the reality of saving faith in Christ.

in Christ. in Christ. This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 31st, Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 31st, Bethlehem Baptist Church on August 31st, 1980. >> Listen to just a few texts so that you >> Listen to just a few texts so that you can see the sweep. can see the sweep. can see the sweep. Whoever does not receive you, speaking Whoever does not receive you, speaking Whoever does not receive you, speaking to his disciples, to his disciples, to his disciples, nor heed your words, as you go out from nor heed your words, as you go out from nor heed your words, as you go out from that house or that city, shake off the that house or that city, shake off the that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet. Truly, I say to dust from your feet. Truly, I say to dust from your feet. Truly, I say to you, it will be more tolerable you, it will be more tolerable you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city. the day of judgment than for that city. the day of judgment than for that city. Paul, in a sermon to the Athenians in Paul, in a sermon to the Athenians in Paul, in a sermon to the Athenians in Acts 17, "God has fixed a day in which Acts 17, "God has fixed a day in which Acts 17, "God has fixed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness he will judge the world in righteousness he will judge the world in righteousness through a man through a man through a man whom he has appointed having whom he has appointed having whom he has appointed having proven to all men that he will do this proven to all men that he will do this proven to all men that he will do this by raising him from the dead. by raising him from the dead. by raising him from the dead. Two texts from Hebrews. It is appointed Two texts from Hebrews. It is appointed Two texts from Hebrews. It is appointed unto man once to die, unto man once to die, unto man once to die, but after that the judgment. but after that the judgment. but after that the judgment. Or Or Or if we go on sinning willfully after if we go on sinning willfully after if we go on sinning willfully after receiving knowledge of the truth, there receiving knowledge of the truth, there receiving knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, no longer remains a sacrifice for sin, but a certain terrifying expectation of but a certain terrifying expectation of but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment judgment judgment and the fury of a fire which will and the fury of a fire which will and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversary. I do not see how consume the adversary. I do not see how consume the adversary. I do not see how any preacher can avoid this theme with a any preacher can avoid this theme with a any preacher can avoid this theme with a clear conscience clear conscience clear conscience seeing how prominent it is in scripture.

seeing how prominent it is in scripture. seeing how prominent it is in scripture. The second reason I feel one must preach The second reason I feel one must preach The second reason I feel one must preach on judgment is that there are some on judgment is that there are some on judgment is that there are some people people people for whom the fear of judgment might be for whom the fear of judgment might be for whom the fear of judgment might be the only motivation to cause them to the only motivation to cause them to the only motivation to cause them to consider consider consider Christ as savior. Christ as savior. Christ as savior. Now, to be sure, there are better Now, to be sure, there are better Now, to be sure, there are better reasons for coming to God reasons for coming to God reasons for coming to God than the fear of hell. But if the fear of hell is the only But if the fear of hell is the only thing that might shake a person loose thing that might shake a person loose thing that might shake a person loose from his bondage to sin from his bondage to sin from his bondage to sin and cause him to consider the beauties and cause him to consider the beauties and cause him to consider the beauties of Christ, then for love's sake, of Christ, then for love's sake, of Christ, then for love's sake, so be it. so be it. so be it. Because I have ringing in my ears the Because I have ringing in my ears the Because I have ringing in my ears the words of Jesus when he said, words of Jesus when he said, words of Jesus when he said, "Don't fear the person who can "Don't fear the person who can "Don't fear the person who can kill the body and after that has nothing kill the body and after that has nothing kill the body and after that has nothing that he can do. I will tell you whom to that he can do. I will tell you whom to that he can do. I will tell you whom to fear. Fear him who after he has killed fear. Fear him who after he has killed fear. Fear him who after he has killed the body can cast both body and soul the body can cast both body and soul the body can cast both body and soul into hell."

into hell." into hell." Luke That's the second reason. That's the second reason. The third reason, The third reason, The third reason, and this one I think may be the most and this one I think may be the most and this one I think may be the most important of all. If we don't If we don't preach about God's righteous judgment, preach about God's righteous judgment, preach about God's righteous judgment, there's an aspect of his character there's an aspect of his character there's an aspect of his character that we miss, that we miss, that we miss, and therefore we cannot love him for who and therefore we cannot love him for who and therefore we cannot love him for who he is. he is. he is. If hearing about the righteous judgment If hearing about the righteous judgment If hearing about the righteous judgment of God makes it harder of God makes it harder of God makes it harder for you to love God, then the God you for you to love God, then the God you for you to love God, then the God you love is probably a figment of your own love is probably a figment of your own love is probably a figment of your own imagination, imagination, imagination, and not the true God. and not the true God. and not the true God. If we will love the true God, we must If we will love the true God, we must If we will love the true God, we must know the true God. know the true God. know the true God. There's something wrong when we cannot There's something wrong when we cannot There's something wrong when we cannot praise God for his righteous judgment, praise God for his righteous judgment, praise God for his righteous judgment, because he is God and he is admirable in because he is God and he is admirable in because he is God and he is admirable in all his nature. And we ought not imply all his nature. And we ought not imply all his nature. And we ought not imply by our silence that his judgment is not by our silence that his judgment is not by our silence that his judgment is not admirable.

admirable. admirable. And so for those three reasons, it's And so for those three reasons, it's And so for those three reasons, it's imperative for every pastor to preach to imperative for every pastor to preach to imperative for every pastor to preach to his people now and then about his people now and then about his people now and then about final judgment. final judgment. final judgment. And the text that I've chosen that I And the text that I've chosen that I And the text that I've chosen that I would like you to look at with me is would like you to look at with me is would like you to look at with me is Romans 1 Romans 1 Romans 1 verse 28 through Romans 2 verse 11. And verse 28 through Romans 2 verse 11. And verse 28 through Romans 2 verse 11. And if you have a Bible, I would like very if you have a Bible, I would like very if you have a Bible, I would like very much for you to look at it with me. much for you to look at it with me. much for you to look at it with me. And I'll try to answer three questions And I'll try to answer three questions And I'll try to answer three questions from this passage. from this passage. from this passage. Who will be judged? On what basis will Who will be judged? On what basis will Who will be judged? On what basis will they be judged? And into what they be judged? And into what they be judged? And into what alternatives alternatives alternatives will they come? First, who will be judged? Verses 5 and First, who will be judged? Verses 5 and 6. 6. 6. According to your hardness and According to your hardness and According to your hardness and unrepentant heart, you You storing up unrepentant heart, you You storing up unrepentant heart, you You storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath wrath for yourself on the day of wrath wrath for yourself on the day of wrath and the righteous judgment of God who and the righteous judgment of God who and the righteous judgment of God who will render to each person will render to each person will render to each person according to his deeds.

according to his deeds. according to his deeds. The simple answer is everybody The simple answer is everybody The simple answer is everybody will be judged. will be judged. will be judged. But now there was in Paul's day But now there was in Paul's day But now there was in Paul's day a group of people a group of people a group of people who felt that they would escape judgment who felt that they would escape judgment who felt that they would escape judgment and that's why Paul has to stress as he and that's why Paul has to stress as he and that's why Paul has to stress as he moves on through this text moves on through this text moves on through this text that that's not the case. that that's not the case. that that's not the case. Namely, the Jews. Namely, the Jews. Namely, the Jews. Paul approaches the problem like this. Paul approaches the problem like this. Paul approaches the problem like this. Romans 1 verses 20 and 21. Romans 1 verses 20 and 21. Romans 1 verses 20 and 21. He shows that a typical Gentile of his He shows that a typical Gentile of his He shows that a typical Gentile of his day, that is a non-Jew, day, that is a non-Jew, day, that is a non-Jew, is without excuse and liable to judgment is without excuse and liable to judgment is without excuse and liable to judgment because he has sufficient knowledge of because he has sufficient knowledge of because he has sufficient knowledge of what he should do yet doesn't do it. what he should do yet doesn't do it. what he should do yet doesn't do it. Since the creation of the world, God's Since the creation of the world, God's Since the creation of the world, God's invisible attributes, his eternal power invisible attributes, his eternal power invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly and divine nature, have been clearly and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has seen, being understood through what has seen, being understood through what has been made. been made. been made. So that they are without excuse. So that they are without excuse. So that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did For even though they knew God, they did For even though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give thanks.

not glorify him as God or give thanks. not glorify him as God or give thanks. In other words, where there is In other words, where there is In other words, where there is sufficient knowledge sufficient knowledge sufficient knowledge that God is to be glorified and thanked, that God is to be glorified and thanked, that God is to be glorified and thanked, and yet men do not do it, they are and yet men do not do it, they are and yet men do not do it, they are inexcusable inexcusable inexcusable and liable to judgment. and liable to judgment. and liable to judgment. Then in the latter part of chapter 1, Then in the latter part of chapter 1, Then in the latter part of chapter 1, we read the sorts of activities into we read the sorts of activities into we read the sorts of activities into which people who do not acknowledge God which people who do not acknowledge God which people who do not acknowledge God come. Verse 28 following. come. Verse 28 following. come. Verse 28 following. Just as they did not see fit to Just as they did not see fit to Just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a acknowledge God, God gave them over to a acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind depraved mind depraved mind to do things which are not proper, being to do things which are not proper, being to do things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, filled with all unrighteousness, filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, malice. wickedness, greed, malice. wickedness, greed, malice. Now let me interrupt here. Now let me interrupt here. Now let me interrupt here. Lest you say, as we read this, "Oh, my. Lest you say, as we read this, "Oh, my. Lest you say, as we read this, "Oh, my. I'm sure not guilty of all those." I'm sure not guilty of all those." I'm sure not guilty of all those." That's not the point. That's not the point. That's not the point. Nobody's guilty of all of them, Nobody's guilty of all of them, Nobody's guilty of all of them, probably. probably. probably. The point is this is the sort of thing The point is this is the sort of thing The point is this is the sort of thing that people do who do not acknowledge that people do who do not acknowledge that people do who do not acknowledge God.

God. God. Strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are Strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are Strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, gossips, gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, disobedient to parents, disobedient to parents, foolish, untrustworthy, foolish, untrustworthy, foolish, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful. unloving, unmerciful. unloving, unmerciful. And although they know the ordinance of And although they know the ordinance of And although they know the ordinance of God that those who practice such things God that those who practice such things God that those who practice such things are worthy of death, are worthy of death, are worthy of death, they not only do the same, they not only do the same, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those but also give hearty approval to those but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. who practice them. who practice them. Those are the sorts of things Paul saw Those are the sorts of things Paul saw Those are the sorts of things Paul saw in the social and family fabric of the in the social and family fabric of the in the social and family fabric of the Gentile world as he looked around. But Gentile world as he looked around. But Gentile world as he looked around. But there was a small enclave of people in there was a small enclave of people in there was a small enclave of people in that Gentile world that Gentile world that Gentile world who said to themselves, who said to themselves, who said to themselves, "That's awful." "That's awful." "That's awful." And in passing judgment in disdain upon And in passing judgment in disdain upon And in passing judgment in disdain upon the Gentiles, the Gentiles, the Gentiles, reinforced their own sense of security reinforced their own sense of security reinforced their own sense of security that they themselves would escape the that they themselves would escape the that they themselves would escape the judgment of God.

judgment of God. judgment of God. Yet according to the Apostle, not only Yet according to the Apostle, not only Yet according to the Apostle, not only are these Jews are these Jews are these Jews subject to judgment, subject to judgment, subject to judgment, so are the Gentiles. Or not only are the so are the Gentiles. Or not only are the so are the Gentiles. Or not only are the Gentiles, but so are the Jews. This is Gentiles, but so are the Jews. This is Gentiles, but so are the Jews. This is what verses 1 to 3 of chapter 2 mean. what verses 1 to 3 of chapter 2 mean. what verses 1 to 3 of chapter 2 mean. Therefore, you are without excuse, oh Therefore, you are without excuse, oh Therefore, you are without excuse, oh man, everyone who judges. man, everyone who judges. man, everyone who judges. You could just see somebody as Paul read You could just see somebody as Paul read You could just see somebody as Paul read that list standing back and saying, "Oh, that list standing back and saying, "Oh, that list standing back and saying, "Oh, I don't do those." I don't do those." I don't do those." You are without excuse, oh man who You are without excuse, oh man who You are without excuse, oh man who judges, for in judging another you judges, for in judging another you judges, for in judging another you condemn yourself, for you who judge are condemn yourself, for you who judge are condemn yourself, for you who judge are practicing the same thing. practicing the same thing. practicing the same thing. And we know that the judgment of God And we know that the judgment of God And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice rightly falls upon those who practice rightly falls upon those who practice such thing. such thing. such thing. Or do you suppose this, oh man, that Or do you suppose this, oh man, that Or do you suppose this, oh man, that when you pass judgment on those who when you pass judgment on those who when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same practice such things and do the same practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the yourself, that you will escape the yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? judgment of God? judgment of God? That's exactly what some Jews That's exactly what some Jews That's exactly what some Jews in Paul's day supposed. Do you remember in Paul's day supposed. Do you remember in Paul's day supposed. Do you remember how John the Baptist first preached to how John the Baptist first preached to how John the Baptist first preached to the unbelieving in Israel when he came the unbelieving in Israel when he came the unbelieving in Israel when he came on the scene before Jesus did?

on the scene before Jesus did? on the scene before Jesus did? He said, He said, He said, "You brood of vipers, "You brood of vipers, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to who warned you to flee from the wrath to who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? come? come? And do not begin to say to yourself, And do not begin to say to yourself, And do not begin to say to yourself, 'Oh, we have Abraham as our father.' Because God can raise up from stones Because God can raise up from stones children to Abraham." children to Abraham." children to Abraham." In other words, many in Israel had the In other words, many in Israel had the In other words, many in Israel had the misguided notion misguided notion misguided notion that belonging to the chosen people was that belonging to the chosen people was that belonging to the chosen people was a free pass a free pass a free pass at the judgment day. And so John the at the judgment day. And so John the at the judgment day. And so John the Baptist and Jesus after him and Paul Baptist and Jesus after him and Paul Baptist and Jesus after him and Paul after him had to struggle to make it after him had to struggle to make it after him had to struggle to make it clear that it was not one's race or clear that it was not one's race or clear that it was not one's race or one's outward form of religion or one's one's outward form of religion or one's one's outward form of religion or one's heritage that saved one, it was whether heritage that saved one, it was whether heritage that saved one, it was whether one stood with Jesus or not. Jesus said to the Jewish city of Jesus said to the Jewish city of Chorazin and Bethsaida, "Woe to you, Chorazin and Bethsaida, "Woe to you, Chorazin and Bethsaida, "Woe to you, for if the miracles that occurred in you for if the miracles that occurred in you for if the miracles that occurred in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, the had been done in Tyre and Sidon, the had been done in Tyre and Sidon, the Gentile cities, they would have repented Gentile cities, they would have repented Gentile cities, they would have repented in sackcloth and ashes, but as it is, it in sackcloth and ashes, but as it is, it in sackcloth and ashes, but as it is, it will be easier for Tyre and Sidon, the will be easier for Tyre and Sidon, the will be easier for Tyre and Sidon, the Gentiles, than it will be for you on the Gentiles, than it will be for you on the Gentiles, than it will be for you on the day of judgment." He said to the Jewish day of judgment." He said to the Jewish day of judgment." He said to the Jewish cities.

cities. cities. Jesus takes the false notion and turns Jesus takes the false notion and turns Jesus takes the false notion and turns it right on its head. Worse for the Jews it right on its head. Worse for the Jews it right on its head. Worse for the Jews because they were because they were because they were greatly privileged above the Gentiles. greatly privileged above the Gentiles. greatly privileged above the Gentiles. And isn't that precisely what Romans 2 And isn't that precisely what Romans 2 And isn't that precisely what Romans 2 verses 9 and 11 mean? verses 9 and 11 mean? verses 9 and 11 mean? Look at Romans 2:9 and 11. Look at Romans 2:9 and 11. Look at Romans 2:9 and 11. There will be tribulation and distress There will be tribulation and distress There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, to for every soul of man who does evil, to for every soul of man who does evil, to the Jew first the Jew first the Jew first and also to the Greek. and also to the Greek. and also to the Greek. But glory and honor and peace to every But glory and honor and peace to every But glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and man who does good, to the Jew first and man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. To whom much is also to the Greek. To whom much is also to the Greek. To whom much is given, will much be required. And given, will much be required. And given, will much be required. And therefore, the Jews are first into therefore, the Jews are first into therefore, the Jews are first into blessing blessing blessing and first and first and first into judgment. into judgment. into judgment. No man is saved by his race or his No man is saved by his race or his No man is saved by his race or his heritage or his outward religious form. heritage or his outward religious form. heritage or his outward religious form. God is no respecter of these things. He God is no respecter of these things. He God is no respecter of these things. He looks on the heart and the outflowing of looks on the heart and the outflowing of looks on the heart and the outflowing of the heart in daily life. Romans 3:9 and the heart in daily life. Romans 3:9 and the heart in daily life. Romans 3:9 and 22 says this, 22 says this, 22 says this, "What then? Are we Jews any better off "What then? Are we Jews any better off "What then? Are we Jews any better off than they?

than they? than they? Not at all. Not at all. Not at all. For we have already charged that both For we have already charged that both For we have already charged that both Jews and Greek, or Gentile, are all Jews and Greek, or Gentile, are all Jews and Greek, or Gentile, are all under sin. under sin. under sin. There is no distinction for all have There is no distinction for all have There is no distinction for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of sinned and fall short of the glory of sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Now, the upshot of that for us God." Now, the upshot of that for us God." Now, the upshot of that for us here in this room is that every single here in this room is that every single here in this room is that every single person here who has not fled to Jesus person here who has not fled to Jesus person here who has not fled to Jesus for mercy and forgiveness is under the for mercy and forgiveness is under the for mercy and forgiveness is under the wrath of God and heading for hell, no wrath of God and heading for hell, no wrath of God and heading for hell, no matter what else is true about us. matter what else is true about us. matter what else is true about us. And the other thing it means is that in And the other thing it means is that in And the other thing it means is that in our society here, in the Twin Cities, in our society here, in the Twin Cities, in our society here, in the Twin Cities, in Minneapolis, there are no pockets of Minneapolis, there are no pockets of Minneapolis, there are no pockets of society which will escape judgement. society which will escape judgement. society which will escape judgement. From the top of that IDS tower to the From the top of that IDS tower to the From the top of that IDS tower to the dens of Hennepin Avenue, dens of Hennepin Avenue, dens of Hennepin Avenue, corporate heads and cab drivers, corporate heads and cab drivers, corporate heads and cab drivers, congressmen and custodians, secretaries congressmen and custodians, secretaries congressmen and custodians, secretaries and sailors, housewives and harlots, and sailors, housewives and harlots, and sailors, housewives and harlots, pimps and pastors, they're all going to pimps and pastors, they're all going to pimps and pastors, they're all going to be there. We are all going to be there be there. We are all going to be there be there. We are all going to be there before God's final bar at that last fork before God's final bar at that last fork before God's final bar at that last fork in the road.

in the road. in the road. And all of the power and money And all of the power and money And all of the power and money and looks and looks and looks and prestige in which our hearts sought and prestige in which our hearts sought and prestige in which our hearts sought refuge in this life will be like dust refuge in this life will be like dust refuge in this life will be like dust that has to be blown off the scales that has to be blown off the scales that has to be blown off the scales before the real issue of life before the real issue of life before the real issue of life can be weighed. Which now brings us to the second Which now brings us to the second question. question. question. What is the real issue of life? On what What is the real issue of life? On what What is the real issue of life? On what basis will judgement happen? basis will judgement happen? basis will judgement happen? And the answer is given in Romans 2 And the answer is given in Romans 2 And the answer is given in Romans 2 verse 6. God will render to every man God will render to every man according to his deed. according to his deed. according to his deed. Or verses 9 and 10 make it even more Or verses 9 and 10 make it even more Or verses 9 and 10 make it even more specific. specific. specific. There will be tribulation and distress There will be tribulation and distress There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil. for every soul of man who does evil. for every soul of man who does evil. But glory and honor and peace But glory and honor and peace But glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good.

to everyone who does good. to everyone who does good. The real issue of life is not our race The real issue of life is not our race The real issue of life is not our race or our job or our status or our salary or our job or our status or our salary or our job or our status or our salary or our looks or our religious form. or our looks or our religious form. or our looks or our religious form. The real issue is whether one does good The real issue is whether one does good The real issue is whether one does good or whether one does evil. But that's a problem, isn't it? But that's a problem, isn't it? Does Christianity really talk like that? Does Christianity really talk like that? Does Christianity really talk like that? What about believe on the Lord Jesus What about believe on the Lord Jesus What about believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved? Christ and you will be saved? Christ and you will be saved? Didn't Jesus promise that there would be Didn't Jesus promise that there would be Didn't Jesus promise that there would be mercy and justification for the ungodly? mercy and justification for the ungodly? mercy and justification for the ungodly? Didn't Paul say God saved us, Titus 3:5, Didn't Paul say God saved us, Titus 3:5, Didn't Paul say God saved us, Titus 3:5, "Not on the basis of works done by us in "Not on the basis of works done by us in "Not on the basis of works done by us in righteousness, but he saved us according righteousness, but he saved us according righteousness, but he saved us according to his mercy through the washing of to his mercy through the washing of to his mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy regeneration and renewal in the Holy regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit." And didn't he say also in Spirit." And didn't he say also in Spirit." And didn't he say also in Ephesians 2:8, "By grace you have been Ephesians 2:8, "By grace you have been Ephesians 2:8, "By grace you have been saved through faith." saved through faith." saved through faith." That's not your own doing, it's the gift That's not your own doing, it's the gift That's not your own doing, it's the gift of God, not of works.

of God, not of works. of God, not of works. Lest anybody should boast. How can we be Lest anybody should boast. How can we be Lest anybody should boast. How can we be saved by grace through faith saved by grace through faith saved by grace through faith on the one hand on the one hand on the one hand and on the other hand hear Paul say and on the other hand hear Paul say and on the other hand hear Paul say you will be judged according you will be judged according you will be judged according to your deeds. to your deeds. to your deeds. Now, Now, Now, one way that people go about getting out one way that people go about getting out one way that people go about getting out of this apparent contradiction is by of this apparent contradiction is by of this apparent contradiction is by saying saying saying that this passage in Romans 2 that this passage in Romans 2 that this passage in Romans 2 verses 7 through 11 does not apply to verses 7 through 11 does not apply to verses 7 through 11 does not apply to believers. believers. believers. It only applies to unbelievers. It only applies to unbelievers. It only applies to unbelievers. I don't believe that. I think that I don't believe that. I think that I don't believe that. I think that contradicts the intention of Paul contradicts the intention of Paul contradicts the intention of Paul and the teachings of Jesus. Paul said, and the teachings of Jesus. Paul said, and the teachings of Jesus. Paul said, "God will render to every man "God will render to every man "God will render to every man according to his deeds." Not just to according to his deeds." Not just to according to his deeds." Not just to unbelievers. unbelievers. unbelievers. And it is sunshine clear from the rest And it is sunshine clear from the rest And it is sunshine clear from the rest of Paul's writings that he does believe of Paul's writings that he does believe of Paul's writings that he does believe there is a lifestyle that excludes from there is a lifestyle that excludes from there is a lifestyle that excludes from the kingdom of God and therefore must be the kingdom of God and therefore must be the kingdom of God and therefore must be avoided by Christians.

avoided by Christians. avoided by Christians. For example, For example, For example, Galatians chapter 5 verse 19 to 21. Galatians chapter 5 verse 19 to 21. Galatians chapter 5 verse 19 to 21. We're probably pretty familiar with the We're probably pretty familiar with the We're probably pretty familiar with the list of the works of the flesh and the list of the works of the flesh and the list of the works of the flesh and the works of the spirit. He lists off the works of the spirit. He lists off the works of the spirit. He lists off the works of the flesh like envy and works of the flesh like envy and works of the flesh like envy and drunkenness, strife, jealousy, disputes, drunkenness, strife, jealousy, disputes, drunkenness, strife, jealousy, disputes, factiousness, and then he adds factiousness, and then he adds factiousness, and then he adds these words. these words. these words. Those, and he's talking to Christian Those, and he's talking to Christian Those, and he's talking to Christian Galatians, those who do such things Galatians, those who do such things Galatians, those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. shall not inherit the kingdom of God. shall not inherit the kingdom of God. In other words, final judgment will In other words, final judgment will In other words, final judgment will accord with one's lifestyle. accord with one's lifestyle. accord with one's lifestyle. And then we turn to Jesus And then we turn to Jesus And then we turn to Jesus who more strongly than Paul who more strongly than Paul who more strongly than Paul stressed that you cannot pass muster at stressed that you cannot pass muster at stressed that you cannot pass muster at the judgment day if your life has not the judgment day if your life has not the judgment day if your life has not been changed in accordance with Jesus' been changed in accordance with Jesus' been changed in accordance with Jesus' teaching. teaching. teaching. Consider Matthew 6: 14 and 15. If you Consider Matthew 6: 14 and 15. If you Consider Matthew 6: 14 and 15. If you forgive men their trespasses, your forgive men their trespasses, your forgive men their trespasses, your father will forgive your trespasses. If father will forgive your trespasses. If father will forgive your trespasses. If you do not forgive men their trespasses, you do not forgive men their trespasses, you do not forgive men their trespasses, your father will not forgive your your father will not forgive your your father will not forgive your trespasses.

trespasses. trespasses. That's pretty simple and plain, and That's pretty simple and plain, and That's pretty simple and plain, and there's no weaseling out of that. That there's no weaseling out of that. That there's no weaseling out of that. That means judgment. means judgment. means judgment. Matthew 7: 24 to 20 Matthew 7: 24 to 20 Matthew 7: 24 to 20 7. That very familiar parable of the two 7. That very familiar parable of the two 7. That very familiar parable of the two builders, the wise and the foolish. builders, the wise and the foolish. builders, the wise and the foolish. Everyone who has heard these words of Everyone who has heard these words of Everyone who has heard these words of mine and does them is like a man who mine and does them is like a man who mine and does them is like a man who builds his house on a rock, and it won't builds his house on a rock, and it won't builds his house on a rock, and it won't get washed away when the floods come. get washed away when the floods come. get washed away when the floods come. But everyone who hears these words of But everyone who hears these words of But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a man mine and does not do them is like a man mine and does not do them is like a man who builds his house on sand, and he who builds his house on sand, and he who builds his house on sand, and he will be washed away in the deluge, and will be washed away in the deluge, and will be washed away in the deluge, and that's a picture of judgment. And the that's a picture of judgment. And the that's a picture of judgment. And the issue there is have we only been hearers issue there is have we only been hearers issue there is have we only been hearers of the word of the word of the word or have we been doers of the word? or have we been doers of the word? or have we been doers of the word? One more text from Jesus, One more text from Jesus, One more text from Jesus, and this is very crucial because in this and this is very crucial because in this and this is very crucial because in this text I find the clue for how to solve text I find the clue for how to solve text I find the clue for how to solve this apparent contradiction between how this apparent contradiction between how this apparent contradiction between how we can be judged according to deeds we can be judged according to deeds we can be judged according to deeds and yet be saved by faith.

and yet be saved by faith. and yet be saved by faith. Matthew 12: 34 37. Matthew 12: 34 37. Matthew 12: 34 37. Jesus says to the Pharisees, Jesus says to the Pharisees, Jesus says to the Pharisees, "You brood of vipers, "You brood of vipers, "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, how can you, being evil, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? speak what is good? speak what is good? For from the fullness of the heart For from the fullness of the heart For from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks. the mouth speaks. the mouth speaks. The good man, out of his good treasure, The good man, out of his good treasure, The good man, out of his good treasure, brings forth what is good. brings forth what is good. brings forth what is good. The evil man, out of his evil treasure, The evil man, out of his evil treasure, The evil man, out of his evil treasure, brings forth what is evil. brings forth what is evil. brings forth what is evil. And I say to you And I say to you And I say to you that for every careless word that men that for every careless word that men that for every careless word that men speak, they will render an account in speak, they will render an account in speak, they will render an account in the day of judgment. For by your words the day of judgment. For by your words the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." you will be condemned." you will be condemned." In other words, In other words, In other words, on the judgment day, we will be judged on the judgment day, we will be judged on the judgment day, we will be judged according to our deeds, including the according to our deeds, including the according to our deeds, including the deeds of the tongue, one of the hardest deeds of the tongue, one of the hardest deeds of the tongue, one of the hardest members of our body to control, because members of our body to control, because members of our body to control, because deeds are an infallible sign of the deeds are an infallible sign of the deeds are an infallible sign of the fullness of the heart.

fullness of the heart. fullness of the heart. From the fullness of the heart the mouth From the fullness of the heart the mouth From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks, and so do the hands and the legs speaks, and so do the hands and the legs speaks, and so do the hands and the legs and the face. and the face. and the face. You can judge a tree by its fruit, You can judge a tree by its fruit, You can judge a tree by its fruit, and you can judge a heart by its deeds. and you can judge a heart by its deeds. and you can judge a heart by its deeds. The issue is not really are we saved by The issue is not really are we saved by The issue is not really are we saved by faith or are we saved by works. The faith or are we saved by works. The faith or are we saved by works. The issue is, on the judgment day, how will issue is, on the judgment day, how will issue is, on the judgment day, how will God's judgment be shown to be just? And God's judgment be shown to be just? And God's judgment be shown to be just? And the answer is, he is going to certify the answer is, he is going to certify the answer is, he is going to certify that we have faith or not by calling our that we have faith or not by calling our that we have faith or not by calling our deeds to a test in the court deeds to a test in the court deeds to a test in the court to the reality or the absence of our to the reality or the absence of our to the reality or the absence of our faith. faith. faith. In the courtroom of the kingdom of God In the courtroom of the kingdom of God In the courtroom of the kingdom of God at the end of the age, at the end of the age, at the end of the age, all of us are going to be assembled. all of us are going to be assembled. all of us are going to be assembled. And we are all going to be guilty of a And we are all going to be guilty of a And we are all going to be guilty of a capital offense and worthy of capital offense and worthy of capital offense and worthy of condemnation. condemnation. condemnation. But in this massive people, But in this massive people, But in this massive people, some are going to be acquitted some are going to be acquitted some are going to be acquitted and some are going to be condemned.

and some are going to be condemned. and some are going to be condemned. And the deepest reason why some are And the deepest reason why some are And the deepest reason why some are acquitted and some are condemned acquitted and some are condemned acquitted and some are condemned is that those who are acquitted have is that those who are acquitted have is that those who are acquitted have been identified been identified been identified with Jesus Christ in his death and with Jesus Christ in his death and with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection whereby he paid the penalty resurrection whereby he paid the penalty resurrection whereby he paid the penalty of their sin. of their sin. of their sin. And the other group refused him And the other group refused him And the other group refused him and did not live with him. and did not live with him. and did not live with him. But Paul in Romans 2:7-10 is not calling that into question. is not calling that into question. What he's doing is saying this. What he's doing is saying this. What he's doing is saying this. Also in that courtroom, something else Also in that courtroom, something else Also in that courtroom, something else is going to happen. is going to happen. is going to happen. The judge is going to call a witness The judge is going to call a witness The judge is going to call a witness forward. forward. forward. And that witness is going to attest to And that witness is going to attest to And that witness is going to attest to the reality of whether we indeed had the reality of whether we indeed had the reality of whether we indeed had saving faith or not. And that witness is saving faith or not. And that witness is saving faith or not. And that witness is our deeds. And we know from Romans 1:28-32 And we know from Romans 1:28-32 that we better not constrict deeds to that we better not constrict deeds to that we better not constrict deeds to just movements of the body but attitudes just movements of the body but attitudes just movements of the body but attitudes of the mind as well. You can read verses of the mind as well. You can read verses of the mind as well. You can read verses 28-32 of Romans 1 and see many such 28-32 of Romans 1 and see many such 28-32 of Romans 1 and see many such attitudes. It is by our attitude and our attitudes. It is by our attitude and our attitudes. It is by our attitude and our actions that our faith will be actions that our faith will be actions that our faith will be certified. It is by grace that we are certified. It is by grace that we are certified. It is by grace that we are saved through faith and that not of saved through faith and that not of saved through faith and that not of ourselves. It is the gift of God but ourselves. It is the gift of God but ourselves. It is the gift of God but the heart of faith will overflow the heart of faith will overflow the heart of faith will overflow in a lifestyle

in a lifestyle in a lifestyle that is very different than the that is very different than the that is very different than the lifestyle that flows from unbelief. lifestyle that flows from unbelief. lifestyle that flows from unbelief. Therefore, our deeds will testify truly Therefore, our deeds will testify truly Therefore, our deeds will testify truly to the genuineness or the absence to the genuineness or the absence to the genuineness or the absence of our faith. And it is not inconsistent of our faith. And it is not inconsistent of our faith. And it is not inconsistent for God to judge us according to for God to judge us according to for God to judge us according to our deeds. our deeds. our deeds. Now, let me stress Now, let me stress Now, let me stress this distinction because it's very this distinction because it's very this distinction because it's very crucial. This is not to say that by our crucial. This is not to say that by our crucial. This is not to say that by our deeds we earn our salvation. deeds we earn our salvation. deeds we earn our salvation. Rather, our deeds exhibit our salvation. Rather, our deeds exhibit our salvation. Rather, our deeds exhibit our salvation. It is not that It is not that It is not that we merit we merit we merit righteousness. righteousness. righteousness. Rather, our deeds mark Rather, our deeds mark Rather, our deeds mark our new life in Christ. our new life in Christ. our new life in Christ. And it is not that our deeds deserve And it is not that our deeds deserve And it is not that our deeds deserve God's favor, but rather they demonstrate God's favor, but rather they demonstrate God's favor, but rather they demonstrate our faith. our faith. our faith. Keep those three distinctions in mind.

Keep those three distinctions in mind. Keep those three distinctions in mind. Deeds do not earn, they exhibit. Deeds do not earn, they exhibit. Deeds do not earn, they exhibit. Deeds do not merit, they mark. Deeds do not merit, they mark. Deeds do not merit, they mark. Deeds do not deserve, they demonstrate. Deeds do not deserve, they demonstrate. Deeds do not deserve, they demonstrate. And therefore, God will render to every And therefore, God will render to every And therefore, God will render to every man according to his deeds, including man according to his deeds, including man according to his deeds, including Christians. And now, finally and briefly, our third And now, finally and briefly, our third question. question. question. What are the alternatives of judgment What are the alternatives of judgment What are the alternatives of judgment into which into which into which we will come? we will come? we will come? The answer is given in verses 7 and 8 The answer is given in verses 7 and 8 The answer is given in verses 7 and 8 of Romans 2. of Romans 2. of Romans 2. To those who by perseverance in doing To those who by perseverance in doing To those who by perseverance in doing good good good seek glory and honor and immortality, seek glory and honor and immortality, seek glory and honor and immortality, God will give God will give God will give eternal life. eternal life. eternal life. But to those who are selfishly ambitious But to those who are selfishly ambitious But to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, and do not obey the truth, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, but obey unrighteousness, but obey unrighteousness, God will give wrath God will give wrath God will give wrath and fury.

and fury. and fury. Eternal life Eternal life Eternal life or wrath and fury. or wrath and fury. or wrath and fury. Those are the two alternatives. Those are the two alternatives. Those are the two alternatives. And wrath and fury is not for a moment And wrath and fury is not for a moment And wrath and fury is not for a moment but forever. but forever. but forever. Second Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 9, Second Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 9, Second Thessalonians chapter 1 verse 9, Paul speaks of those who have refused to Paul speaks of those who have refused to Paul speaks of those who have refused to obey the gospel and he says they will obey the gospel and he says they will obey the gospel and he says they will pay the penalty of eternal pay the penalty of eternal pay the penalty of eternal destruction. destruction. destruction. And Jesus more clearly yet And Jesus more clearly yet And Jesus more clearly yet concludes that great parable of the concludes that great parable of the concludes that great parable of the final judgment in Matthew 25 with final judgment in Matthew 25 with final judgment in Matthew 25 with these words, these words, these words, "These will go away into eternal "These will go away into eternal "These will go away into eternal punishment punishment punishment and the righteous and the righteous and the righteous into eternal life." Hell is the most appalling reality that Hell is the most appalling reality that we can imagine. we can imagine. we can imagine. No horror of suffering in this age from No horror of suffering in this age from No horror of suffering in this age from the creation to this present day can be the creation to this present day can be the creation to this present day can be compared to what John called the lake of compared to what John called the lake of compared to what John called the lake of fire. fire. fire. And where Jesus said their worm does not And where Jesus said their worm does not And where Jesus said their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.

die and the fire is not quenched. die and the fire is not quenched. To go through life distrusting To go through life distrusting To go through life distrusting and disobeying an infinite God is an and disobeying an infinite God is an and disobeying an infinite God is an infinite sin and will be punished by infinite sin and will be punished by infinite sin and will be punished by eternal torment. eternal torment. eternal torment. But But But if hell is unutterably if hell is unutterably if hell is unutterably unimaginable on the one side, unimaginable on the one side, unimaginable on the one side, heaven heaven heaven and life with Christ in the age to come and life with Christ in the age to come and life with Christ in the age to come is indescribably beautiful to is indescribably beautiful to is indescribably beautiful to contemplate. contemplate. contemplate. The happiness of the saints in the age The happiness of the saints in the age The happiness of the saints in the age to come is going to be greater than all to come is going to be greater than all to come is going to be greater than all the happiness of all the people in all the happiness of all the people in all the happiness of all the people in all the experiences of happiness that the the experiences of happiness that the the experiences of happiness that the world has ever known. Has there ever world has ever known. Has there ever world has ever known. Has there ever been a moment been a moment been a moment perhaps similar to the one I had perhaps similar to the one I had perhaps similar to the one I had yesterday as I walked yesterday as I walked yesterday as I walked out of this building after spending all out of this building after spending all out of this building after spending all day cooped up inside into that day cooped up inside into that day cooped up inside into that unbelievably lucid air of 5:00 unbelievably lucid air of 5:00 unbelievably lucid air of 5:00 yesterday. yesterday. yesterday. A moment in which you felt you would A moment in which you felt you would A moment in which you felt you would just explode for happiness.

just explode for happiness. just explode for happiness. Part of that was that I'd spent all day Part of that was that I'd spent all day Part of that was that I'd spent all day in Psalm 23. So in Psalm 23. So in Psalm 23. So if you have ever had a moment like that, if you have ever had a moment like that, if you have ever had a moment like that, do this with it. Multiply it a thousand do this with it. Multiply it a thousand do this with it. Multiply it a thousand times and then start letting it increase times and then start letting it increase times and then start letting it increase for an eternity. for an eternity. for an eternity. An eternity of increase. An eternity of increase. An eternity of increase. And then you might get a little glimpse And then you might get a little glimpse And then you might get a little glimpse of what the happiness of the saints in of what the happiness of the saints in of what the happiness of the saints in the age to come will be. the age to come will be. the age to come will be. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper On our next episode, John Piper continues our six-part series, The continues our six-part series, The continues our six-part series, The Cross, [music] Cross, [music] Cross, [music] The Spirit, and The Final Day, with a The Spirit, and The Final Day, with a The Spirit, and The Final Day, with a message titled, The Cross Vindicate's message titled, The Cross Vindicate's message titled, The Cross Vindicate's God. I hope you'll join us. God. I hope you'll join us. God. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit For more resources, visit For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.