Romans 2 – Thoughts from the Bible

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Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Romans 2:4

This phrase, “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance,” struck me. As I thought about it, I wondered how much I imitate God when I’m seeking to get someone to repent. Am I good toward them or evil? This verse teaches that it is God’s goodness that leads us to repent. When I want someone to repent of their actions toward me, I ought to seek to be good toward them. I ought not seek to repay them.

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Published by Jeff Voegtlin

Dr. Jeff Voegtlin has been in Christian service for over twenty years. He is an associate pastor at Fairhaven Baptist Church in Chesterton, Indiana, and a Vice President of Fairhaven Baptist College. As conductor of the church and schools' orchestra program, and overseer of the educational program of the college, his teaching has helped to train hundreds of young adults to prepare for full-time ministry. After completing a bachelor's degree from Fairhaven Baptist College, he received a master's degree in Bible from Pensacola Christian College. In 2007, he completed the requirements to finish a doctor's degree in education from Bob Jones University. Dr. Voegtlin is available for seminars in instrumental and choral music practice and philosophy, for education seminars, and to preach and present the college ministry.

5 Comments

  2. By goodness, does it mean Him being good towards us or does it mean His holiness? I tend to think that when we see how good God is – how holy He is, then we will repent of our self-righteousness and our sins.

  3. I suppose we could apply the word goodness to God’s righteousness and holiness, but it seems to me that the biblical words to describe what you are are either righteousness, justice, or holiness.

    I think goodness here refers to God’s forbearance, longsuffering, and rich blessings that fall on the just and the unjust.

  4. Good post! and I also enjoy reading your thoughts from your devotions, it’s always interesting to see the different emphasis that is being placed.

  5. Pastor Voegtlin, thanks for your thoughts on this verse. Many times we do forget how good our Heavenly Father is and I was also thinking of Psalm 106:1 says “Praise ye the LORD, O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

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