He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but wrath and indignation to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth but are obeying unrighteousness; affliction and distress for every human being who does evil, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek; but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does what is good, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. There is no favoritism with God.      Romans 2:6-11 HCSB

In Romans chapter 2, Paul begins by warning us against judging others since we are all sinners. We all like to criticize those who do wrong. We all want them to get what they deserve. But we must be careful because if we got what we deserved we would be in some serious trouble.

Let me say, here, there is a difference between judging others and inspecting their fruit. In Matthew 7:20, Jesus said, “So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.” We are warned to stay away from evil people (2 Timothy 3:5).

We study and earn degrees to get the job we deserve. We work hard to get the recognition and the pay we deserve. As Christians, we expect to get into heaven, but not because we deserve it. We will get there because of God’s grace and our faith.

If we got what we deserved, we would all die and spend eternity in a fiery hell. Romans 3:23 says we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. We are all sinners in need of a Savior. Those who go to heaven will not go because they deserve it, they will go because they accepted Christ as their Savior.

This is what Paul is saying in our Scripture passage. God will repay each one for their works. We all know that our works cannot get us into heaven. But they are how we produce good fruit. You see, if you are truly saved you will strive to do good works. You will produce good fruit.

As human beings, we deserve to die, face judgment, and be sent to hell to spend eternity. Because of God’s grace, He has provided a means of escape from hell (John 3:16). He has provided a way to salvation and eternal life in glory with Him (John 14:6).

You can get what you deserve if you choose to reject Christ. We are told in Romans 1:18-24 that those who reject Christ will eventually be given over to their evil desires. If you reject Christ, eventually you will succeed in getting what you deserve.

If you want to avoid getting what you deserve, trust in Him. Put your faith in Him. We are told in Ephesians 2:8-10 that we are saved by grace through faith. This is God’s gift to us. It’s nothing we do. It’s not works, so none of us can brag about what we do. It’s because we were made by Him to do good works which He calls us to do. God has a plan for each and every one of us.

He has a purpose and a calling for each of us. Romans 8:28 tells us all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. We don’t deserve for God to work everything out for us but if we love Him and do what He has called us to do, He will.

I thank God that I am not going to get what I deserve. I have messed up many times in my life. I spent years of my life wandering around like Israelites in the wilderness. But God in all His mercy and grace decided to give me this free gift of eternal life. All because I chose to accept Christ as my Savior.

You are offered this same opportunity. Will you gladly accept His gracious gift? Or will you decide to get what you deserve?

Have a great day!