Well, I’ll respond to your comment, but if I recall correctly you also made some comments awhile back that were critical of the Bible.
I actually haven’t studied all that much about this part of Romans, but just today I was doing a little and I’m going to do more. I don’t, though, see this as contradicting what Paul writes about just a little bit later, justification by faith alone. Just from what I’ve read so far, it seems that Paul is laying the groundwork for his discussion of justification by faith and more essentially, the Gospel. It’s simple in one way, but in another way, not at all. Salvation is not through good works, but a genuine Christian will do them. Have you read commentaries on this chapter in the past? As I said, I’ve only read some but I’m going to study this chapter in more depth now.
I appreciate your thoughts. I am one that sees vast and glaring contradictions in the Bible. I do not worship the Bible. I am a Christian. I view the Bible as history book. Most of it is hearsay . There is some possible eye witness in John and Matthew but most of the writings would not be admitted into evidence in any civilized court system. But back to the main issue— are we “saved”or are we not “saved” by the sacrifice and atonement of the Son of God?? Here you have Paul in Romans Chapter 2 saying we are not saved and face “judgment” but in Chapter 3 we see we are not held account for any sin —i.e. saved. This basic foundation of Christianity is awash in contradiction and ambiguity. The Legalists don’t want you saved. They want to tithing and in attendance and their service fearful of “judgment day” . They “stack” things on salvation like good works, repentance, baptism,constant prayer,etc. etc. But I focus on John 3:16- 3:18 and none of that is necessary or relevant. And of course we have the Thief on the Cross with Jesus. It is irrefutable that the Thief did nothing but accept Jesus and was saved that day.
It is all interesting to me. I have not ever been a “bot” for the orthodoxy. God gave us these brains and expects us to use them. We are not prohibited from thinking.
1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.This is why it is prudent to never accuse anyone of losing their salvation.