Romans 14:12 - The Law of Liberty

Audio Bible

Context

The Law of Liberty
…11It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” 12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. 13Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.…

Cross References

2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.Matthew 12:36
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.1 Peter 4:5
But they will have to give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.Galatians 6:5
For each one should carry his own load.James 3:1
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.Luke 16:2
So he called him in to ask, ‘What is this I hear about you? Turn in an account of your management, for you cannot be manager any longer.’1 Corinthians 3:13
his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil.Matthew 16:27
For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.1 John 2:28
And now, little children, remain in Christ, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.Ezekiel 18:30
Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall.Psalm 62:12
and loving devotion to You, O Lord. For You will repay each man according to his deeds.

Ecclesiastes 11:9
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

Matthew 12:36
But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Matthew 18:23
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

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Romans 14

So then,
This phrase serves as a conclusion or summary of the preceding discussion. In Romans 14, Paul addresses issues of personal conviction and the judgment of others within the Christian community. The "so then" indicates a logical conclusion drawn from the argument that believers should not judge one another over disputable matters, such as dietary laws or sacred days, but rather live in harmony and love.

each of us
This emphasizes individual responsibility. In the context of the early church, which was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, this phrase underscores that every person, regardless of background or cultural differences, is personally accountable. It reflects the biblical principle that God sees and knows each person individually, as seen in passages like Psalm 139:1-4, where God's intimate knowledge of each person is highlighted.

will give an account
The concept of giving an account is akin to a steward reporting to a master. In the Greco-Roman world, accountability was a familiar concept, especially in legal and financial contexts. This phrase suggests a future event where believers will report their actions and decisions to God. It aligns with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, where servants must account for their stewardship.

of himself
This phrase reinforces personal responsibility. It indicates that the judgment will be based on one's own actions and decisions, not those of others. This is consistent with the teaching in Galatians 6:5, where Paul states that each person should carry their own load, emphasizing personal responsibility in the Christian life.

to God.
The ultimate accountability is to God, the righteous judge. This reflects the biblical teaching that God is the final authority and judge of all humanity, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:10, which speaks of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ. It also connects to the Old Testament understanding of God as judge, as in Ecclesiastes 12:14, where God will bring every deed into judgment. This accountability to God encourages believers to live lives of integrity and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. Judgment Seat of God
The event referred to in this passage, where believers will stand before God to give an account of their lives.

Teaching Points

Personal Accountability
Each believer is responsible for their own actions and decisions. We cannot rely on others to account for us before God.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your life and actions in light of Scripture to ensure you are living in a way that honors God.

Eternal Perspective
Keep in mind the eternal consequences of your actions. Live with the awareness that you will one day stand before God.

Grace and Responsibility
While we are saved by grace, we are still called to live responsibly and righteously as a response to that grace.

Encouragement to Live Righteously
Knowing that we will give an account should motivate us to live in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Romans 14What defines individualism?Is human free will central to God's moral governance?How is libertarianism defined?Is free will merely an illusion?Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

So
Ἄρα (Ara)
Conjunction
Strong's 686: Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.

then,
οὖν (oun)
Conjunction
Strong's 3767: Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.

each
ἕκαστος (hekastos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1538: Each (of more than two), every one. As if a superlative of hekas; each or every.

of us
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

will give
δώσει (dōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

an account
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

of
περὶ (peri)
Preposition
Strong's 4012: From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.

himself
ἑαυτοῦ (heautou)
Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438: Himself, herself, itself.

to God.
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

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Romans 14:12 Catholic BibleNT Letters: Romans 14:12 So then each one of us will (Rom. Ro)