Chapter 2 – question 2
In Romans 2:6-11, there might be a slight problem of interpretation: « Those who seek Glory, honor, and immortality » can be seen as people without God who seek their own Glory in the world. How can we make clear what Paul has in mind when he says this ?
Clarification and Theological Explanation
Paul, in Romans 2:6-11, contrasts two types of people based on their motivations and actions. It is essential to understand that the terms glory, honor, and immortality here do not refer to earthly or selfish glory, but to spiritual realities that are sought by Faith in the context of relationship with God. Here is how to explain what Paul means by these expressions :
1. The pursuit of glory, honor and immortality in the Christian context
Paul describes people who, through perseverance in good works, seek these three elements :
- Glory: This is not about seeking personal glory or earthly recognition, but about the glory of God. Christians are called to reflect the glory of God in their lives (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18). The glory sought here is that of being honored by God, being transformed into His image, and entering into His eternal glory.
- Honor: The honor referred to is God’s approval. In the New Testament, those who faithfully follow God receive honor from God, as Jesus teaches in John 12:26: “If anyone serves Me, my Father will honor him.” This honor is contrasted with purely human honor that is based on pride and social recognition.
- Immortality: Here, immortality refers to the eternal life promised to those who are in Christ. This immortality is the reward of believers who persevere in the Faith and live according to the values of the Kingdom of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 on the transformation to immortality).
2. Opposition to those who seek their own interest
Paul contrasts these people with those who seek their own interests, who are selfish, and disobedient to the truth. These latter will receive the wrath and fury of God. This contrast is crucial to understanding that the pursuit of glory, honor, and immortality that Paul speaks of is not a selfish or worldly ambition, but a spiritual and humble quest to glorify God.
Connection with the Teachings of Jesus
Paul’s teaching echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:19-21, where he exhorts his disciples not to lay up treasures on earth, but to seek treasures in heaven. The “glory,” “honor,” and “immortality” to which Paul refers are heavenly realities, not human ambitions.
Jesus also teaches in John 5:44 that true glory comes from God alone: “How can you believe, since you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from God alone?” This glory and honor, then, are not those that the world seeks in vain, but are those that God promises to those who live in obedience to His Word.
Synthesis
This passage from Romans does not praise those who seek personal or earthly glory. Rather, it emphasizes that true glory, honor, and immortality are the rewards of those who, through faith in God, persevere in good works and seek to reflect his glory. Those who seek these things in an attitude of submission to God are in direct opposition to those who live in selfishness, disobedience to the truth revealed by God.
Paul therefore affirms that works are not the means to salvation, but they are the consequence of a life transformed by faith in God. Those who persevere in good works do so by the Grace of God and in response to the Gospel. They seek eternal realities, not fleeting honors.