What consequences are mentioned for those "without the law" in Romans 2:12? Scripture Focus “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.” (Romans 2:12) Immediate Consequence Highlighted • Those who are “without the law” (Gentiles, or anyone lacking the written Mosaic code) and who sin will “perish apart from the law.” Clarifying “Perish” • The Greek term (apollymi) speaks of ruin, destruction, loss of well-being—not annihilation of existence. • It embraces: – Physical death (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). – Spiritual separation from God (Isaiah 59:2). – Final, irreversible condemnation (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Revelation 20:15). Why Judgment Is Still Just • God shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11). • Even without Sinai’s tablets, people have: – Creation’s witness (Romans 1:19-20). – Conscience bearing inner testimony (Romans 2:14-15). – Basic moral knowledge that renders them accountable (Acts 14:16-17). • Therefore, “ignorance of the law” is not innocence before God. Parallel and Supporting Passages • John 3:18 – “Whoever does not believe has already been condemned.” • Romans 5:13-14 – Sin reigned from Adam to Moses, proving accountability before written law existed. • Acts 17:30-31 – God now commands all people everywhere to repent, having fixed a day of judgment. • Romans 6:23 – “The wages of sin is death,” universal in scope. • 1 Timothy 1:15 – Christ Jesus came to save sinners—those under the law and those outside it. Take-Home Reflections • Universal peril: Whether holding a Bible or never having opened one, sin carries the same fatal sentence—perishing. • Universal remedy: The gospel supplies the only escape from that sentence (Romans 1:16). • Urgent mission: Because “perish apart from the law” is real, sharing Christ with the unreached is an act of love, not mere option. • Personal humility: Awareness that mercy alone keeps any of us from the same end fuels gratitude and compassion toward others. |
    |