Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice 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? (Romans 2:3-4, ESV)
The second chapter of Romans, where we will spend some time today, challenges us to think about truly trusting in Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Some people think that if they are a good person, or if they merely believe in the existence of God, this is enough to be saved from the punishment and wrath of God. However, we see through Scripture, particularly in this chapter, that acknowledging your need for a Savior due to your sin and putting your faith and trust in him is the way in which you are saved.
Most believe it is the judgment and wrath of God that will lead a person to repent.I have a good friend who was a 7-handicap golfer. He thought he was really good and also thought he couldn’t get any better. One day, he decided to get a lesson from a well-known golf instructor in the Southeast. After evaluating his swing, the instructor asked my buddy this question, “Do you want to become a real golfer.” My buddy replied, “Well, I consider myself a pretty good golfer.” The instructor simply replied, “Hang with me for a year and I’ll make you a real golfer.” My friend, seeing the seriousness, but kindness, of the instructor, complied, admitted he wasn’t a “real golfer,” and started the journey to becoming that kind of player.
There are many things we can focus on in this passage and this illustration, but let’s just focus on one idea. Look at Paul’s conclusion: It is the kindness of the Father that leads us to repentance.
This statement seems counterintuitive. Most believe it is the judgment and wrath of God that will lead a person to repent. While this can be true, it is often not the case. Those who are “scared into salvation” make an emotional decision, not based on who God is, but solely based on not wanting to spend an eternity enduring the wrath of God.
When one experiences “the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience,” it hopefully will lead one to a repentant and remorseful heart. Why? Simply this: No one, and I mean no one, deserves anything good from God; as sinners, we deserve the wrath and condemnation of God. However, when one sees the kindness of God, his grace, mercy, and forgiveness, our spirit should awaken with a desire for him.
You may in prayer say, “God, after all I’ve done, after all I’ve gone through, after all the many, many sins I’ve committed and will commit, you mean to tell me you are showing kindness, goodness, grace, and mercy toward me? Why God? Why would you do this?”
His answer is beautiful: “Because of the great love in which he loves us…” (Ephesians 2:4).
And brothers and sisters, you won’t just experience repentance toward God when you realize his love, kindness, and goodness for you. The gratitude and appreciation that will surround your heart when you meditate on these things will continue to grow until the day you get to see your Maker, your Savior, face to face. Then, and only then, will you fully understand the depths of his love, his grace, his kindness, his forgiveness, and his beauty. And this, my dear Christian friends, will last forever. Forever!
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Rosson Anderson
August 30, 2017
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.