God’s final judgment is impartial

Romans 2:6–11 is a sobering reminder that God’s final judgment is impartial — He rewards those who persevere in doing good and punishes those who act from selfish ambition and cause harm to His people. Let’s work through it carefully, verse by verse, and then apply it to the situation in the Bible-Presbyterian Church context.

Romans 2:6–11

Text (ESV):

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, He will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.

1. God’s Impartial Judgment (v.6, 11)

Paul emphasizes that God is perfectly just — He rewards or punishes not based on status, background, or position, but according to each person’s deeds and motives.
There is no partiality — not for Jews, not for Greeks, not for pastors, elders, or members. All will stand before the same holy Judge.

2. The Two Paths (vv.7–8)

There are only two directions in the moral life:

• Those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in doing good — who live out faith by obeying God’s truth — will receive eternal life.

• Those who are self-seeking and reject truth — who live to advance themselves or their agenda — will face wrath and fury.

3. Works Reveal the Heart

Paul isn’t teaching salvation by works, but judgment according to works — meaning our actions reveal the true state of our hearts. A person’s behavior toward the church, God’s people, and His truth shows what kind of faith (if any) truly lives within them.

Application to Those Dividing the Church

1. Self-Seeking Spirit and Doctrinal Pride

In some parts of the Bible-Presbyterian movement, the debates over KJV-Onlyism, Verbal Plenary Preservation, and Perfect TR have not only been theological disagreements, but occasions for pride, harshness, and division.

When believers use doctrine as a weapon — exalting themselves as the “true defenders of the faith” while condemning others as compromised — they act not in love or humility but in the self-seeking spirit Paul condemns.

“For those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth… there will be wrath and fury.” (v.8)

Such people may claim to defend Scripture, but in doing so they sometimes deny the spirit of Scripture — love, gentleness, and unity in Christ.

2. True Obedience: Seeking Glory and Honor Through Goodness

God is not impressed by who can argue best, but by who serves best.
Those who “by patience in well-doing” seek God’s glory (v.7) — that is, those who love, forgive, and work for peace — will be honored by Him.

In a divided church, those who:

• Speak kindly instead of cruelly,

• Build bridges instead of walls,

• Seek reconciliation rather than revenge,
  are the ones who show they truly understand and obey the gospel.

3. God’s Judgment Is Impartial

Romans 2:11 warns that God shows no partiality — He will not favor those who claim to be more “biblically pure” if their hearts are proud or their actions tear apart Christ’s body.

Likewise, He will reward the humble and faithful who quietly keep the unity of the Spirit, even if they are criticized by others. The Lord of the Church sees both the visible debates and the invisible motives behind them.

Pastoral Exhortation to the Bible-Presbyterian Church

Beloved brothers and sisters,
The Word of God warns that division born of pride will never go unexamined by the righteous Judge.

God will reward those who, despite disagreement, pursue peace, humility, and faithfulness.
But He will rebuke those who stir conflict, slander fellow believers, or elevate human ideas above the gospel of grace.

You were called to be a Reformed, Christ-centered people, not a faction defined by a version, a textual theory, or a controversy.
Paul did not preach a “perfect manuscript” — he preached a perfect Savior.
To return to Him is to return to the center of the faith.

“Glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good.” (Romans 2:10)

Therefore, let every elder, pastor, and member examine their own heart.
If you have spoken harshly, repent.
If you have divided the flock, seek forgiveness.
If you have stood apart in anger, return in love.

The church belongs not to one party, but to Christ who bought it with His blood (Acts 20:28).
May the Bible-Presbyterian Church be known not for disputes about the text of Scripture, but for the living truth of the gospel, faithfully lived out in love, holiness, and unity.