1. The Fairness of Sin and Judgment: Gentiles, Jews, and Today’s Church
Romans chapter 2 deals explicitly with “God’s wrath against the Jews,” following chapter 1, which dealt with “God’s wrath against the Gentiles.” In chapter 1, Paul indicts the wickedness of the Gentile world: they disliked retaining God in their minds, filling their lives with sexual immorality, unrighteousness, greed, and idolatry, thereby incurring God’s wrath upon themselves. Then in chapter 2, the target of his rebuke suddenly shifts to the Jews. They prided themselves as the chosen people (선민), assuming that the divine judgment that fell upon the Gentiles had nothing to do with them. However, Paul declares, “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things” (Rom 2:1). In other words, being Jewish does not exempt one from judgment; those who condemn others yet commit the same sins are without excuse and will be judged.
Pastor David Jang emphasizes here that “the attitude of spiritual pride and self-righteousness is not solely a Jewish problem; it persists even among us today—those who attend church and profess faith in Jesus Christ.” We often declare that we are saved through the gospel and find ourselves teaching or judging others, both inside and outside the church. Yet upon introspection, it’s hard to say we are free of more serious sins than they are. Jesus Himself stated in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 7:1-2), “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” Ultimately, whether Jew or Gentile, all are subject to the same divine standard for sin and judgment, and that judgment is carried out by God’s justice. God shows no favoritism; neither bloodline, religious institution, nor religious zeal alone can exonerate anyone from the responsibility of sin. That is Paul’s argument.
In this context, Paul probes deeply into “the Law” and “circumcision,” the very sources of the Jews’ pride. The Jews bragged that they possessed the Law, given exclusively to them, and that they belonged to God’s covenant community by virtue of physical circumcision—thus setting themselves apart from the Gentiles. However, Paul proclaims, “It is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous” (Rom 2:13), clarifying that merely possessing or formally keeping the Law does not make one righteous. He underscores that “lack of circumcision of the heart” and “absence of repentance” within one’s religious pride only exacerbates the seriousness of sin and judgment. Hence, “If you bear the marks of circumcision but do not keep the Law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision; conversely, if the uncircumcised keep the spirit of the Law, they are better than the circumcised” (cf. Rom 2:25-27).
Pastor David Jang applies this point to today’s church reality. Even if you attend church, have been baptized, participate in worship, hold an office in the church, or fervently devote yourself to service, if you fail to practice the essence of the Word—“love, mercy, forgiveness, and holiness”—thoroughly in your life, none of those external acts can serve as a boast before God. Merely saying, “I never miss a Sunday service. I pay my tithe. I serve diligently in the church,” does not automatically prove that your inner being is righteous. You may receive praise from people, but God does not judge based on outward appearance or formalities. “God does not show favoritism” (Rom 2:11)—Paul’s declaration—was not just for the Jews of old but remains a sobering warning for every believer today.
Furthermore, Paul asserts that even Gentiles, if they strive to do good according to their conscience, can effectively keep the law even without possessing it (Rom 2:14-15). The human conscience is a kind of “natural law” inscribed at creation, enabling us to discern right from wrong. Thus, the excuse “I did not know because I am not a Christian” does not stand. Every person bears an instinct to distinguish good from evil, and when we breach that moral code, we experience “self-accusation” and “internal condemnation.” Therefore, whether Jew or Greek, whether a modern churchgoer or not, all stand under God’s fair judgment. Pastor David Jang emphasizes here that “the gospel makes us realize that we are sinners, invites us to repentance, and finally empowers us to live within grace and forgiveness.” However, that grace must not become a license or self-justification to continue sinning. Instead, it should challenge us to turn away from sin and move one step closer to good.
In sum, Romans chapter 2 conveys three key points. First, neither Gentile nor Jew is exempt before God. Second, one is not justified merely by the Law itself or by certain religious rituals; genuine obedience in actual life is required. Third, all judgment falls under God’s absolute justice. In applying this message, we must first look at ourselves within the church today. Pastor David Jang, grounding his teaching in the admonition “if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Cor 10:12), repeatedly stresses the importance of continual self-examination, repentance, and humble reliance on God.
2. Spiritual Pride and the Unrepentant Stubbornness: A More Severe Warning for Believers
In Romans 2, Paul sternly rebukes, “You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment” (Rom 2:1). The Jews harbored an overly strong notion that they were “the people of God.” As Abraham’s descendants, they had a vague certainty that, despite their sins, they would ultimately be saved. Some of the extrabiblical writings (the so-called Pseudepigrapha or Apocrypha), including the “Wisdom of Solomon,” mention that “God is merciful, patient, and abundant in love, ultimately saving His children.” The Jews interpreted such statements to their advantage, developing a sense of “spiritual privilege,” essentially believing, “No matter what sins we commit, we will be saved in the end.”
Pastor David Jang points out that a similar pathological phenomenon can be found in today’s church. “Excessive spiritual pride and self-assurance can eventually solidify into an unrepentant stubbornness,” he warns. When believers fall into that state, they tend not to acknowledge the sins creeping into their hearts and lives; instead, they comfort themselves with thoughts like “I’m already saved, so I’m fine,” or “At least I’m diligent at church,” rather than honestly confronting their own wrongdoing. Jesus highlights this attitude through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18. In the parable, the Pharisee brags, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—and I fast and tithe.” Yet Jesus concludes that the tax collector, who humbly acknowledges his sinfulness, is the one who goes home justified. The Pharisee may have an outward “form” of piety, but genuine love and humility are missing. Only the posture of being “poor in spirit,” confessing oneself as a sinner in total dependence on God’s mercy—like the tax collector—is the worship attitude God accepts and the heart of true repentance.
The extreme form of “spiritual pride” is revealed in “stubbornness” and “an unrepentant heart” (Rom 2:5). Paul indicates that this was rampant among the Jews. They possessed many religious privileges and extensive knowledge, yet they refused to acknowledge the sin lying deep within and were adept only at judging others. At the same time, they abused God’s forbearance and kindness, complacently thinking, “We’ll be forgiven no matter how often we sin.” Paul describes this as “showing contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance, and patience” (Rom 2:4). Though God grants grace and mercy, it is never meant to condone or enable sinful living. Rather, it is given as an opportunity to turn away from sin.
Pastor David Jang sharply exposes this self-deceptive attitude that easily takes root in the church. Worship, service, and dedication are all external expressions of faith. But the moment we think, “I’m doing well enough,” we risk descending into spiritual pride. In many contemporary churches, which are extensive and well-organized, one can easily stay busy in a department or ministry, thereby falling into the illusion of righteousness.
“Unrepentant stubbornness” (Rom 2:5), as Paul describes it, also emerges when one is confronted about sin yet refuses to accept or instead offers excuses. For instance, statements like “I had a valid reason to do that” can serve to justify one’s wrongdoing, blocking genuine introspection and confession of sin. Other believers may say, “At least I’m better than others,” clinging to a sense of relative moral superiority. But God is the One who “will judge men’s secrets” (Rom 2:16). Recall that when Jesus said, “I have come so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind” (John 9:39-41), some Pharisees asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus replied, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” In other words, the most serious sin belongs to those who fail to see their own faults yet presume they see clearly.
Believers today may, ironically, have a duller sense of the fear of sin than those in the world who do not know God. Because we say, “God is my Father, and I am already saved through faith in Jesus,” we are in danger of neglecting to genuinely repent and detest sin, instead reasoning that each failure will “be okay.” Yet Paul is clear: “Because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself” (Rom 2:5). Although God’s infinite love is certain, to treat that love and mercy as a “shield” for continual sin is a grave irreverence. Eventually, this leads to God’s just judgment.
Pastor David Jang teaches that “repentance is not merely admitting sin, but truly realizing the depth of our sinful nature and making a radical change of direction.” In other words, we must constantly guard against turning the grace given by Christ into a moral complacency or a license to sin. “We must stand in grace, but the moment we settle in it or become proud, our faith rapidly regresses.” That is the warning. This is why Romans chapter 2, in fact, issues a harsher indictment on “those who claim to believe.” To those who possess the gospel, serve in the church, and boast of knowing God, a greater responsibility is given. Therefore, before judging others, we must examine ourselves, decide to live by the Word, and seek the help of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we bear true “fruit of faith.”
3. Circumcision of the Heart and True Obedience: The Essence of the Law and the Internalization of Faith
In the final part of Romans chapter 2, Paul contrasts the “outward Jew” with the “inward Jew” (Rom 2:28-29). “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is true circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” Here, the term “Jew” can be extended to “church member, believer, or anyone who claims to believe in God.” It is not visible church membership, baptism certificates, or religious rites alone that define a true believer, but a sincere fear of God and obedience to His will from the heart.
Pastor David Jang teaches that “the essence of faith inevitably requires the circumcision of the heart—that is, inner transformation.” The Jews received circumcision as a sign of the covenant, but it never constituted an “absolute guarantee” of spiritual qualification before God. Rather, it symbolized “holiness, obedience, being set apart,” which had to be lived out in daily life to be recognized as a genuine Jew. Likewise, modern believers may have baptism, attend worship, serve, or give offerings as outward marks of faith, but none of these alone can justify us. Spiritual life depends on the questions: “Am I truly prostrate before God? Do I bear genuine fruit of love? Am I walking in obedience?”
Paul earlier stated, “God will repay each person according to what they have done” (Rom 2:6). Certainly, this is grounded in the core New Testament doctrine that “salvation is by grace through faith.” Yet if faith does not manifest itself in one’s life—if it remains mere intellectual assent or lip service—then it is essentially “dead faith” (James 2:17). Therefore, those who truly believe, as those who have received “circumcision of the heart,” must obey God’s will, pursuing holiness and love. Paul warns that “those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger” (Rom 2:8). Such a warning can well be applied within the church. If a congregation is riddled with factions, if people tear each other down instead of practicing love and forgiveness, they cannot be considered “inward Jews”—people circumcised in heart—no matter how faithfully they participate in the church’s worship or rituals.
Here Pastor David Jang often speaks of “practicing love and moral responsibility.” Jesus did not abolish the Law but rather fulfilled its true intention (Matt 5:17). The core of that fulfillment is encapsulated by the command to “love the Lord your God, and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:37-40). But the Jews concentrated on ritual sacrifices, festivals, offerings, and dietary restrictions while neglecting “the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness” (Matt 23:23). Similarly, today’s believers may become overly focused on religious events and programs, failing to practice “tangible love” by caring for the poor, comforting the hurting, and showing hospitality to the marginalized both in and outside the church. In such a case, they are no different from the Pharisees who possessed only “the form of godliness.”
Paul notes that “among the Gentiles there are also those who do good according to the law of conscience” (Rom 2:14-15). Therefore, those of us in the church should be even more humble, striving more earnestly to do good. But if we forsake that “law written on the heart”—if we ignore conscience, professing faith with our lips but acting unjustly in life—then the Gentiles may end up condemning us instead. That is Paul’s forceful declaration (Rom 2:27).
Ultimately, the central lesson of Romans chapter 2 is this “internalization of faith.” Pastor David Jang likewise proclaims, “True change begins in the heart. Outward institutions, rituals, or external zeal alone cannot earn praise from God. Genuine worship in the Spirit, heartfelt sacrifice, and a life of obedience to the Word—this is real circumcision.” If there is no genuine repentance and obedience, no practice of love arising from the heart, then no matter how pious someone may appear outwardly, they remain just an “outward Jew.” What we should earnestly desire is “praise from God” (Rom 2:29), and that blessing is granted to those who stand open and honest before God, marked by humility.
Paul’s overarching point is that God judges both Jews and Gentiles by the same righteous standard. No religious privilege or ceremonial merit can serve as a get-out-of-jail-free card. While we are indeed “saved by grace through faith,” only when that faith materializes in genuine obedience and love do we become those who have received “circumcision of the heart.” Based on this, Pastor David Jang also warns that “the gospel of Jesus Christ is indeed the path to eternal life and love, but if we fail to follow it sincerely—judging others or clinging only to religious forms—that very gospel can become the measure that exposes our sin.” Therefore, we must daily reflect on our souls, repent sincerely before God, and renew our resolve to obey His Word. This is the core message of Romans chapter 2 that we must hold on to.
Finally, as Paul says, “Their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them” (Rom 2:15), every human being knows deep down who they really are. Moreover, nothing is hidden from God (Rom 2:16). Regardless of our religious activities, accomplishments, or positions in the church, God ultimately sees the sincerity of our hearts. So the question remains, “Have I truly received circumcision of the heart, or am I merely pretending outwardly?” As Pastor David Jang insists, only when we answer this question honestly can we truly enter the power of the gospel and enjoy deep fellowship with God. The result of such honesty will be “good fruit” manifested in every moment of our lives.
Thus, we have examined Romans chapter 2, guided by Pastor David Jang’s teaching, under three subheadings. First, both Jews and Gentiles—and we ourselves—are subject to sin and judgment without exception. Second, spiritual pride and unrepentant stubbornness invite stricter judgment upon believers. Third, only through the circumcision of the heart, demonstrating authentic obedience and love in our lives, can we grasp the essence of true faith. In our actual daily living, the most crucial matter is “standing honestly before God, obeying His Word, and bearing fruit in love.” Before the declaration “God will repay each person according to what they have done” (Rom 2:6), our only option is to humbly repent and be renewed by the Lord’s grace. This is the very path opened by the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the path of truth that Pastor David Jang always exhorts us to follow.