The self-righteous are guilty also.
Paul established that the unrighteous, sinful humankind, were guilty of sin even though they did not have the law. Humans are guilty of sin in the garden of Eden even if they did not sin personally. Before the Old Covenant, prophetic visions, and the written code, humankind had what God made for them that always revealed the character and exact nature of the Creator. However, sinful humankind did not think it “worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God” obtained through what God created. “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done.” Romans 1:28, NET. Because they rejected the knowledge about God, they could not know God.
Having established that sinful humankind is without excuse because of its choice, Paul turns his attention to those who did have all the necessary guidance. Beginning with chapter two, Paul addresses the Jews who considered the rest of humankind unworthy of the kingdom of God. “Therefore, you are without excuse, whoever you are, when you judge someone else. For on whatever grounds you judge another, you condemn yourselves, because you who judge practice the same thing.” Romans 2:1, NET. The self-righteous, who pass judgment on those they consider ungodly, demonstrate ungodliness because they do not understand the nature of sin. Those that are self-righteous by the works of the law are subject to the same judgment as the rest of humankind because all righteousness comes from God only. Those who, on their own, are striving to obey the law are breaking the law because they cannot follow it correctly. The law demands perfect obedience to it. The self-righteous have nothing to say in defense of self.
Paul assures us that God judges those who are judging others. He judges them by the truth, Jesus Christ. God, through His prophets, told the lawbreakers that they could not do good. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots! Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jeremiah 13:23. Because of sin in the garden of Eden, humankind became a sinner by nature and utterly unable to change its condition. Unfortunately, many refuse to admit it because of their selfish pride.
Does anyone have an advantage? Read the next blog.
