14for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16in the day when God judges the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.
Truth to Learn
Even the hidden thoughts and actions of the unsaved will be judged by our Savior.
Behind the Words
The word translated “accusing” in verse fifteen is translated from the Greek word katēgoreō, which is a legal term that means “to speak openly against, that is, to condemn or accuse.” It is what the plaintiff does in a court of law.
“Excusing” in verse fifteen is from the Greek apalogeomai, which is also a legal term. This word means “to defend or speak or plead on behalf of oneself or another before a tribunal.”
The word “secrets” in today’s verse is the Greek word kruptos, meaning “something that is hidden or concealed.”
Meaning Explained
We’ve included the previous two verses with today’s so that you will see the context of today’s verse. Remember, we are talking about the fact that even the unsaved (Gentiles) do some good things, and they know the difference between good and bad as evidenced by their consciences. Yesterday’s verse indicated that the Gentiles will be accusing and excusing one another, and today’s verse tells us when that accusing and excusing will be going on.
Paul is clearly talking about a legal setting where judgment will take place. In today’s verse he tells us when that will be. It is “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” This may be a reference to a verse in Ecclesiastes. At the end of Solomon’s search for the meaning of life he concluded:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this applies to all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14)
And in his first letter to the Christians at Corinth the Apostle Paul warned them not to be judgmental, because our Lord is coming who will judge even the hidden things of the heart:
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. (1Cointhians 4:5)
Paul is talking about those who deny that God exists even though there is ample proof of His existence and His power. These will stand before the One they have denied and they will have to explain their actions as well as their thoughts. And on that day even their own consciences will condemn them. They will be without excuse! And … they will be without a savior!
Application
We too will stand before the Judge, but it will not be for condemnation. We will stand before the Bema Seat of Christ where our works will be judged to determine our rewards. The fire will destroy all that was not done for His glory, and what is left is all we will have to show for this life.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2017 Will Krause. All rights reserved