Based on Romans 2:2-5
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
Verse 1 talked about the problem of judging, because we are all sinful. But some of us are educated in what is right and what is wrong, because we have been taught it or read it in the Bible. The Jews would have fit into this category in apostolic times, but the Gentiles would not. This section is talking to those of us who know the truth, believe in a judgment and are sure of their faith. That would be the cream of the Bible-believing Christians today.
3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
What is that question about? As a Bible-believing Christian; do you live in such a way that shows you think your belief in the truth will save you although you are still sinning? Do you think you will escape God's judgment because you know that sodomy is wrong? What about those other sins? Do you say bad things about people behind their back? Or... have a look at the list from two days ago. Do you think that you will get away with this because you know it's wrong? You won't, you need to change.
4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 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;
This is your other option, sinner :) I'm talking to my fellow Bible-believing Christians.
Maybe your problem is that you think when they sin it's bad but when you sin it's not a big deal. Perhaps your theology is that now you are saved you can't sin, or that your sins aren't really doing any harm to anyone. The Bible declares that by refusing to turn away from your sin you are accumulating the punishment you will be dealt when you bear the full punishment of your sin in hell. You think you are saved because you said the sinners prayer out of fear of hell, and now you live life with little change inside. You think the riches of God's goodness and forbearance and longsuffering are worth little and can be abused. You don't mind adding to the burden Jesus bore on the cross, because you figure he could take it, that's what they call cheap grace. You may only need a fear of hell to say the sinner's prayer, but you need to know that the goodness of God is what causes you to actually want to change your life. Of course, only God can change it, but he won't do it if you refuse to be changed.
I used to think that thinking wrong is wrong and not wanting to be punished for it was the sum of true religion. But the Bible teaches a very different religion.
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." James 1:27 (Don't forget the oft forgotten last section of the verse)
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
God is too good to be despised and too powerful to be ignored, what will you do with his requirements?
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