The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 65

Vera 4-S.-Long-sujjeri11g. It is certain that we live under a moral government ad.ministeed by a holy and righteons Ruler, of infinite knowledii:e and irresistible power. Yet there are sinful men who, while admitting this to be the case, live as if they believed that government and retribution had no reference to themselves. The apostle, in this passage, appeals to such persons, expostulates with them, and shows them the gnilt and folly of disregarding the Di vine Law and authority, and of presuming too fac upon the Divine forbearance. L THE FACT OF GoD's LONG-SUFFERING. This may be traced: 1. In human history, which abounds with examples of Divine patience with the sins of nations. 2. In the Christian dispensation, which is certainly the crowning proof of the long- suffering of the Eternal. 3. In individual experience; for no man who will be candid with himself will question that such forbearance has been exercised towards him. II. THE Al!USE OF GoD"s LONG-SUFFERING. There are many who, instead of grate- fully acknow~oing Divine forbearance, and using aright the opportunity of repentance and reformation which they owe to it, despise the riches of God's long-suffering and mercy. L The facts upon which this abuse is founded are these: God in his nature is kind and gracious, delighting in the exercise of clemency and compassion. God in his retributive action is slow and patient, often withholding the condemnation e.nd penalty threatened and deserved. 2. The false inferences drawn from these facts me.y be thus stated: Either, God will not fulfil the threats which be has made, will not enforce by the awful sanctions of hie justice the laws which he has promulgated ; or, we are for some reason exempt from the operations of God's judicial authority. 'fhis last eee:ns to have been the belief of many of the Jews, who, because theirs was the chosen and favonred nation, believed themselves secure from the penalties which would befall the w:.believing and impenitent sinners of the Gentiles. IIL 'IHE EnUUSTlON OF Goo's LONG-BUFFERING. 1. It must not be forgotten ' that what the apostle calls "wrath," and righteous retribution, are facts in the govern- ment of tbe Eternal. They do not cease to be facts, because God is forbearing and kind. He can have no compromise with sin. He cannot overlook the distinction between the rebel and the loyal subject. He cannot admit to hie favour e.nd fellowship those who detest hie laws and defy hie authority. 2. And it ls equally important to remember that the government of God is universal and impartial. It extends to all mankind.. There is not one code for the Jew and another for the Gen tile ; one for tb.t privileged and another ~or the unprivileged.. "Because sentence a~alnst an ev:n work ie not e1ecnt.ed speeclily, therefore the heart of the sons of men 1s fully set Ill them to do evil" But m thiH case it is vain for them to hope that they shall eecapo Gcid'M jllllt cewAll'e awl condem.ua.tion. All alike a.re guilty ; and all alike, If ae.ved 1 on. n. 1-20.] THE EPIB~.'LE OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. 69