Week 5 - Wednesday

Nothing is Secret

For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus. (Romans 2:14-16)

God's Law had been given to the Jews through the prophet Moses. God chose the Jews to be His special witnesses to the rest of the world. In the Bible, people who are not Jews are called Gentiles. Instead of teaching God's Law to the Gentiles, the Jews grew to despise the Gentiles. As a result, not many Gentiles of Paul's time knew anything about God's written Law. Even today, with our advanced communications and emphasis on mission work, there are still a lot of people in the world who never learn about God's Law. But even those who haven't heard God's Law will be condemned for not obeying it. Although some people may not think this is fair, this is what the Bible says. The reason God holds everyone accountable for keeping His Law is because God's Law is written in their hearts. Man has a God-given, basic knowledge of right and wrong. That's why our conscience tends to make us feel guilty when we do what is wrong and good when we do what's right. Those who do not have God's Law, give evidence of this because they instinctively do things that are required by the Law. People generally know that helping orphans, widows and the poor is good. They also know that stealing, lying, murder and rape are wrong. The many nations and tribes throughout history, have for the most part all had their own laws against those things. When people do something that their conscience tells them is wrong, even if they don't know God's Law, it is a sin (Rom. 14:14). How many times have you gone ahead and done things, even though something inside you, was telling you it was wrong. Since people have this basic knowledge of God's Law inside them, they are responsible for obeying it and they will be condemned if they do not.

The gospel says there is going to be a day of judgment. Every person will stand before Jesus Christ and their deeds will be judged to see if they are righteous. His judgment will be perfect too. He will not incorrectly judge anyone because He knows everything. Jesus knows everything about you, even the things that you think are secrets. He knows everything you have ever done. He knows every word you have ever said and every thought you have ever had. Jesus knows whether you have truly repented or if you are deliberately continuing to sin. This should produce fear in your heart if you don't follow Christ, and give comfort to you if you do. Have you truly turned from your sins and received Christ? If not, or if you're not sure, ask Jesus to help you to do that. Tell Him that you're sorry for your sins and ask Him to forgive you. Tell Jesus that from now on, you want to follow Him. If that what's in your heart, Jesus will know, and He will give you the faith you need to do it.

Readings for today: 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:11-12; Psalm 139:1-4; Jer. 17:10; Luke 11:9-10