When Paul says that gentiles “do what the law requires” (Rom 2:14) and have “the work of the law written on their hearts” (Rom 2:15), is he describing morally conscious pagans who have God’s natural law or believing gentiles who experience the inward transformation of the new covenant? And how does this inform our reading of Paul’s teachings on judgment according to works just prior (Rom 2:6–11)? On this episode of What in the Word?, Kirk E. Miller sits down with Dr. Jarvis Williams to work through the interpretive issues.

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Outline:

(0:00) Introduction

(3:29) Setting the stage

(10:13) What makes Romans 2 difficult?

(16:38) View 1: Moral pagans with consciences

(25:07) View 2: Regenerate gentile believers

(37:23) Alternative outcomes in the final judgment

(48:14) Judgment according to works?

(1:01:06) The practical application of Romans 2