Who Will Render
by Ken Frazier
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 21 No. 2, June 1995
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:6).
The word render is variously translated in the New Testament. Strong’s lists these words as synonyms. “Deliver, give, pay, repay, perform, recompense, render, requite, restore, reward, sell, yield.”
According to Paul in Romans 2:5, God has declared that there will be a judgment day. It is on that day that God will render to every man. The delivery or giving will not be the same for everyone. The payment will be “according to his deeds.” But it is the same God who will render “eternal life” to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality; and “indignation and wrath” to those who are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness. We may rest assured that God knows the difference. If the judgment day came right now, this moment, what would God render or deliver to you?
The Lord said to those in Smyrna, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Faithfulness must be toward God. And the sobering thought must ever remind us, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3). There’s no way we can choose what the Lord will see of our life. He knows and sees it all. He will render on the basis of perfect knowledge and understanding of our opportunities and talents.
Beware! Procrastination is called the thief of time. It is perilous to trifle with something as vital as your soul. Satan preaches the theory of “buy now, pay later” in spiritual matters. He counsels that “there’s yet plenty of time.” God will wait, Satan says. “God knows you need to get started in providing all the necessities of life.” “Build your homes, buy your furniture, buy your cars, and sign a promissory note for the Lord.” Everywhere it seems, Satan has tremendous success. Satan has deceived countless millions into thinking that there will be a convenient time, after all our own material needs have been satisfied, to take care of our responsibility to God. Graveyards are full of people who thought the same thing. Hell will be full of people who thought that God will be satisfied with second best. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness...” (Matthew 6:33). Payday is coming. If God pays you for your work in His kingdom ...
