Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.… The argument of this chapter goes to prove that Christians are not mutual judges, but fellow-servants of Christ. The truths wrapped up in these words are principles to guide us in our daily life, as well as predictions about the great day. These principles are — I. THE UNIVERSALITY of human accountability. "Every one of us." The old and young, rich and poor, ignorant and cultured, rejector of religion and professor, etc. "I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God." II. ITS INDIVIDUALITY. "Of himself." Christianity, while in some aspects the true socialism, is also the great individualiser. It teaches the right use of the pronoun "I" It empties it of pride, but crowns it with responsibility. In the judgment, "the books will be opened," and amongst them Memory and Conscience. These will be quite sufficient to condemn. Their revealings have made kings tremble on their thrones, and will make sinners quake before the judgment seat of Christ. III. ITS SOLEMNITY. It is to God. He "with whom we have to do," is the All-wise, All-holy, All-good. And all sin is against Him, though it be also against His creatures. Conclusion: Our subject gives light — 1. On our tendency to pass judgment on others. We may not judge; but we all must be judged. 2. On the intervention of sacerdotal authority. All priestism is, by the principles of our text, cleared away, that the relationship of man to God may be intense, close, vivid. 3. The erection of social standards of right and wrong. We are to guide our life, not by maxims of markets, professions, Churches, but the law of Him to whom we must give account. (U. R. Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. |
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