Rom 2:7-11 “To those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.”
This portion of Scripture explains verse 6, which states, “He will render to each one according to his works.” Verse 11 explains that God judges according to works because He is impartial. Many believe God judges according to status, such as birthright, being the mindset of Israel at the time.
Verse 7 is interesting because it is impossible to secure eternal life through our efforts. Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 6:33, states, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Paul describes a difference between those seeking God’s glory and honor and those seeking glory and honor for themselves. He proves that Jews and Gentiles stand on the same level before the justice of God.
The substance of these verses is that the final judgment will turn upon character alone, which denotes the enduring and progressive nature of the new life. Consider these words of Jesus, “As for that (seed) in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15) Remember, Paul started this letter addressing the issue of knowledge. Romans 1:28 “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.” Please do not get this wrong. The issue is the condition of our hearts and how we live.
“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15)