Romans: The Gospel for Everyone — Week 5 - Romans 2:6-29

"God will repay each person according to what they have done" is a verse that should make us nervous. Working through Romans 2:6-29 , this message lays out two options: self-atonement, the path of every man-made religion, or substitutionary atonement through Jesus. Paul addresses religious people who assumed heritage guaranteed standing with God, and the modern parallel is anyone trusting good behavior, family background, or addition and subtraction of deeds. There is no salvation by works; God shows no favoritism, and the conscience itself bears witness that we miss the mark. The most personal turn concerns circumcision as an outward sign that became inward—paralleled with baptism. A decision for Christ cannot be made by parents or inherited; it must be received personally. The repeated invitation is to stop riding the heritage of others and respond to God yourself.