Ever heard that?
The assumption is if you’re bad you’ll go to hell.
What will happen when Putin stands before God?
Or what about the incredible sacrifice of the Ukrainian solder who yesterday in blowing up the bridge to stop Russian tanks rolling over had to lay down his life for his nation? What happened when he stood before God?
Works are certainly part of our thinking at times when it comes to the judgment of God.
In this next section Paul is speaking about every human being, Jew or Gentile:
“God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honour and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favouritism.” (Romans 2 v 6-11)
According to what you have done, no favouritism, whoever you are, you will be judged according to how you have lived your life. That’s what Paul seems to be saying.
Here is the standard by which God judges everybody: what you do on earth, good or evil.
Judged by works.
So how do I know I have done enough good works? There comes the Muslim problem!
Is Paul really saying it is about works? If you do evil you will be condemned and if you do good you will have eternal life?
If the letter stopped here then yes I think it does look like that. But Paul is building his case. Soon we will be reading in 3 v 20 that no amount of good works will save you.
No one is good enough to get to heaven.
But this is the gospel that Paul is writing about. We are justified by faith. He makes us good! See you in heaven!
Missions Paul 