Romans 2:5-7 “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”
In verse four of this chapter, Paul posed this question: “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” It does not seem to be reasonable that we would despise the riches of God’s kindness, tolerance, and patience. Yet, that is exactly what Paul is telling us. We apparently lack the wisdom to understand that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance.
Most of us would argue that we do not value wrath, and we certainly do not want to treasure it up (heap it up like treasure). However, our actions often tell a different story. Paul tells us why we do this: we are hard-hearted and unrepentant. We want God’s favor, but we want it on our terms. Even though Paul denounces such an attitude, we want to continue in sin and see abundant grace in the process (Romans 6:1-2).
With this attitude, we are heaping up cause for God’s righteous vengeance. Make no mistake: when His wrath comes, we will know that it is from Him and why we are its recipient. He may or may not make it plan to others, but He will reveal it to us. He will show us that He is righteous in His judgment.
We need to pay close attention to Paul’s next assertion. God will render, in His righteous judgment, to every man according to his deeds. The fact that this judgment is meted out acing to the deeds of men should tell us this is not about who will be saved eternally. The shed blood of Jesus Christ alone purged us from our sins (Hebrews 1:3), and we face eternity clothed in His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:19).
In God’s kingdom here, we are held accountable for how we build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ. God will try (judge) our works as though by fire. If they are found to be unworthy (wood, had, and stubble) they will be consumed. If they are found to be worthy (gold, silver, precious stones) the dross will be burned out (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
Those that exemplify building on the foundation of Jesus Christ with precious things demonstrate patient continuance (waiting hopefully). These seek for glory, honor, and immortality, but not to heap these things to themselves. To seek for glory, honor, and immortality is to seek after the things of God. These are the things that pertain to eternal life, and that life is made manifest in those who seek after godly things.
May we praise God for a heart of flesh that seeks the things that are of Him to His praise and honor and glory!