S. Scripture | Romans 14:12 “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

O. Observation | In the midst of Chapter 14, verse 12 reminds the believer that though in gracious forgiveness Jesus has taken our condemnation upon himself, we will still stand before him on judgment day. Why would this be so? He tells us, to “give an account.” We see a thread of the truth of the believers accounting on judgment day in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-17). As well as in Paul’s teaching (1 Corinthians 3:10-16) and his reason and ambition for living to please the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:10-16).
The key here is knowing Christ has already taken the guilty verdict upon himself. The condemnation (Greek word “krino”) of sin has been laid on Him. So that although those who trust in Him will stand before Him in judgment (also the Greek word “krino”) it will not result in condemnation.
So, those who do not trust in Jesus, in His life, death, and resurrection. Those who reject Him as their Savior and/or as their master and king will be condemned justly before God to eternal punishment in the pit of fire and torment called hell. This is justice and the deserved punishment of rebellion against the holy and living God.
Yet, those who have faith, which is a confident trust, in Jesus are fully forgiven. They too stand before Jesus on judgment day, but will not be declared guilty. Why? Because Jesus has taken their guilt on Himself and endured their punishment for them.
However, “each one,” Paul says in our verse, that is everyone will “give an account of himself to God.” How is our life accounted? Against what? The holy and righteous will of God, as revealed in the scriptures.
To stand with much glory for God on that day is to be the true believer’s great desire and ambition in life (2 Cor 5:9). Some discern God’s will inaccurately, selfishly, and rebelliously. These will judge, condemn and persecute those who live a godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12). Yet, their false judgment matters not. Only God’s truth and holy judgment of our lives matters on that last day. And we will be joyed on that day for the greater suffering we went through in order to live in His will and for His glory.

A.Application | In what ways do I live in the fear of man or the approval of others? How do I need to more joyfully accept all the ridicule of men and scoffing disapproval as I seek to live in a way that pleases my Savior and Lord and will be a good accounting on judgment day (Galatians 1:10)? Today and each day after will I live in light of the day I get to give an accounting of this life to the God I love, the One who saved me, my Lord who is both holy and pure? Do I accept and follow all of scripture as the sufficient revelation of His will for all of my life or do I follow the teachings and philosophies of men (2 Timothy 3:16-17)?

P. Prayer | Heavenly Father, forgive me and cleanse me of self-pleasing and man-pleasing ways of living. I have failed to live for your pleasure. I have failed to live in light of my accounting on judgment day. Thank you that I can confidently know even this you have forgiven two thousand years ago because of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Through the power of your Word, change me and make me more holy as I seek to please you in my thoughts, words, and deeds every day. All for your glory, and your glory alone. Amen.

NOTE ON ROMANS 14 | In the spirit of our age of tolerance, some who claim the name of Jesus oppose God’s call in scripture for biblical accountability of sin and error (Proverbs 27:6, 17; Ezekiel 33:1-11; Matthew 18:15-20; Acts 20:26-30; Galatians 6:1-5; Jude… etc). Some of these use Romans 14 to nullify other verses that teach the doctrine of accountability and discipline. This disregards the rule of faith, that Scripture interprets Scripture but never nullifies another passage.
There are two keys to interpreting Romans 14 rightly within the context of the rest of the scripture. First, a right understanding of the Greek word “krino” which is translated as “judgment” at times, and “condemnation” at other times within and outside of Romans 14. The result of one’s translation of “krino” when it appears will affect the compatibility of the text with the doctrine of accountability, as well as the obedience of it.
The second key is seeing the end result of using Romans 14 to call for modern tolerance of error and sin. God is not calling us to accept that everyone can do what is right in their own eyes. This is unquestionably un-biblical (Judges 21:25; Psalm 36:2; Proverbs 26:12; Isaiah 5:21 etc.). No one can disobey God’s will and ways and do it for God’s pleasure and glory. That is irreconcilable and nonsensical. And scripture teaches that God does not change. That is He does not change what is righteous for one man, making it sin for another and vice versa (Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17).
The emergent avoidance of orthodox and dogmatic truth within the church today use Romans 14 to teach us to tolerate and accept others’ who are in errors and sins. They say we are to make no distinction between false doctrine and accurate doctrine. This is an abuse and twisting of God’s Word in Romans 14.
What is the call of Romans 14? Not to abuse what we are expressly permitted in scripture to do, by offending others with our God given freedoms. This is written especially concerning what was previously not permitted in the old covenant (ie. eating certain meat). To cause those who have not come to see and receive a freedom that is their in scripture, makes them stumble in their conscience over old covenantal ways of pleasing God. They aim to please God in Faith, not earn salvation. Yet, the gentiles who have faith have never known a life in the old covenant and have only known the new covenant life that has been sufficiently revealed in scripture. There is more concerns in Romans 14 then eating meat, such as those who go farther into self-denial and restrain their flesh from things God does not restrain us from. We are not to use our freedom in knowing God’s will and permission in His Word and cause these to stumble by rubbing our freedom in their face. At the same time, they are not to condemn us for such freedom God gives in His Word as they restrain or discipline their flesh, while we are not to condemn them for such restraint.

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