Romans 2:3-4 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
We can fool ourselves into thinking that our religious acts are enough for salvation. We may go to church regularly (or not so often), even give tithes, but still our hearts can be darkened and corrupt by inward sin. The real problem is deeper than outward actions. Outward actions will not be enough to get to heaven. God desires a repentant heart of faith and obedience (Micah 6:8). Living in sin buy trying to look religious on the outside is a way to presume on God’s grace. God’s grace will change us, but we must open our lives up in faith. When we come in repentance, we will receive “kindness and forbearance and patience.” But if our motives are selfish and we hide our sins, we will experience God’s wrath. The goal of God’s wrath and God’s patience is to help us come to the point of repentance. The choice is always ours. God comes to us with the offer but we must accept it.
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