In what ways does Isaiah 65:6 connect with Romans 2:6 about divine retribution? Divine Record-Keeping in Isaiah 65:6 • “Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but will repay; I will repay them in full”. • God keeps a perfect ledger—nothing escapes His notice. • The phrase “written before Me” pictures a heavenly record book, underscoring that judgment is not random or impulsive; it is deliberate and documented (cf. Malachi 3:16). Repayment Announced: Key Phrases Compared • “I will repay them in full.” • “He will repay each one according to his deeds.” Shared emphases: 1. Certainty—“will repay.” 2. Individual accountability—Isaiah speaks of “them,” Romans narrows it to “each one.” 3. Proportional justice—both passages promise payment “in full,” exactly matching deeds done. Romans 2:6: Continuation of the Same Principle • Paul quotes Psalm 62:12 and Proverbs 24:12, anchoring New Testament teaching in Old Testament revelation. • Romans 2:5-11 shows impartiality: Jew or Gentile, moralist or pagan—all stand under the same standard. • The immediate context highlights both wrath (vv. 8-9) and glory (vv. 7, 10), proving repayment includes both judgment and reward (cf. Revelation 22:12). Thread of Consistency Across Scripture • Psalm 62:12—“and You repay each man according to his work.” • Galatians 6:7—“God is not mocked: whatever a man sows, he will reap.” • 2 Corinthians 5:10—believers face the judgment seat of Christ “so that each may receive his due.” • Revelation 20:12—“books were opened… the dead were judged according to their deeds.” From Genesis to Revelation, God’s unchanging character guarantees: 1. Perfect knowledge of every act. 2. Just recompense without favoritism. 3. A future day when hidden things are revealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Practical Takeaways • Live transparently before the Lord; the “books” are already open to Him. • Trust God’s justice when wrongdoing seems unanswered—He promises full repayment. • For believers, Christ’s atonement satisfies justice, yet our works still matter for reward (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). • For the unrepentant, Isaiah 65:6 warns that accumulated sin debt will be paid personally. Both Isaiah 65:6 and Romans 2:6 affirm the same unwavering truth: God’s perfect record and righteous character guarantee that every deed receives its due response. |
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