While there was most often a gentleness in Paul’s words to the people to whom he wrote, every now and then there comes out a severity that strikes like a pointed sword. This is the case with some of the opening statements of his Epistle to the Romans. See how pointed the following words are:

Romans 2:5—But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

(MSG) 5-8 You're not getting by with anything. Every refusal and avoidance of God adds fuel to the fire. The day is coming when it's going to blaze hot and high, God's fiery and righteous judgment. Make no mistake: In the end you get what's coming to you—Real Life for those who work on God's side, but to those who insist on getting their own way and take the path of least resistance, Fire!

Here again Paul is writing with reference to the Day of the Lord. We have noted that he is inconsistent with how he makes reference to that Day. Here it is the day of wrath. It will be a time of judgment, with the threat of severe penalty for holding on to sin. But, we can take note also that the Epistle from which the above reference comes has in it some of the most amazing reference to God’s grace. While God is severe in His judgment on sin, it becomes very clear that all sin’s penalty was satisfied in the death of the Lord Jesus. The sinner must but repent and believe.

FATHER, how great is Your Love for us who have sinned! I bless Your Name for loving us so much that You gave Your only begotten son. I want my gratitude to be manifest in the way I live for You. And even here, You have given us of Yourself to live in us. What a great God You are! Please make me able to always glorify Your Name.

We must use our bodies in a way that honors God.—I Corinthians 6:19,20