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NASB | Romans 2:7 to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 2:7 to those who by persistence in doing good seek [unseen but certain heavenly] glory, honor, and immortality, [He will give the gift of] eternal life. |
Bible Question: Is Paul saying human beings can earn eternal life? |
Bible Answer: Hi Hank, I apologize for the length of this reply, but concise I'm not. :) I believe a thorough review of the Scriptures is the best way to answer your question, which is worthy of addressing. You see, I've found that it helps me to look at what's foggy through lenses that are clear; In other words, compare an unclear verse to the overall context of surrounding text and to other verses that are clear on a certain topic. Taking Romans 2:7 in context with adjoining verses as well as in comparison with Paul's other writings for instance, we can determine whether Paul was saying "human beings can earn eternal life." Reading the entire 2nd chapter of Romans, one sees that "eternal life" is not the focus or primary message of the chapter at all, but rather a warning against the dangers of hypocrisy is. Those who judge others for doing the same wrong things they themselves have secretly done will face a righteous God who will judge them likewise. "God 'will give to each person according to what he has done.'" Eternal life is said to be given among others things, namely glory, honor, and peace, to those who persist in doing good. Notice the word "give." Now let's look at other NT verses, also written by Paul, that do focus on the issue of salvation/eternal life and good/righteous deeds. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE through Jesus Christ our Lord." (EMPHASIS Mine in all Bible quotes) I've always found this verse particularly interesting because it mentions "wages", as in payment or earnings for a deed or action: Doing bad deeds (Sin) is the action; death is the earned payment. But the latter part of the verse changes terminology completely to "gift" as in something received freely from God. Looking at other verses, we find Paul using various forms of "gift" repeatedly in reference to salvation or eternal life. Romans 5:17-18 "For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which RECEIVE abundance of grace and of the GIFT of righteousness shall reign in LIFE by one, Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the FREE GIFT came upon all men unto justification of LIFE." Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye SAVED through faith; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." 2 Timothy 1:9 "(God) Who hath SAVED US, and called us with an holy calling, NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was GIVEN us in Christ Jesus before the world began." Titus 3:5-6 "NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS which WE have done, but according to his mercy HE SAVED US, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;" In none of the these verses does Paul say salvation or life is earned or purchased through "good works," but instead, repeatedly contradicts that concept, stating clearly that salvation is "given" to us "freely" by God through Christ Jesus and "not" because "we do" any righteous act. Does that mean our salvation is a "given" so to speak and we can therefore eat, drink, and be merry however we choose? No, because "God 'will give to each person according to what he has done.'" Those doing wrong, will face God's "wrath and anger." But as believers or recipients of God's Gift, we must accept it in the same loving manner with which it was given--through sacrifice and service to God, bringing him honor and glory as a witness/representative of God to unbelievers so that they may turn to Him. In Titus 2:7-8, Paul instructs believers to "in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us." About unbelievers, Paul writes in Titus 1:16 "They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed." If we, as believers in Christ, do likewise, what does that do to our testimony? We are witnesses for Christ, and as such, we should conduct ourselves according to His teachings. Our actions do not earn us our salvation, but they do reflect on our Savior, potentially making us a stumbling block to unbelievers seeking Him. Titus 3:14 "And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful." Anyway, I hope all this helps clarify that verse for you some. Brandi |