Romans 14:12
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
So then
This phrase serves as a conclusion or a summation of the preceding arguments. In the context of Romans 14, Paul has been discussing the importance of not passing judgment on others regarding disputable matters. The Greek word used here, "ἄρα οὖν" (ara oun), indicates a logical conclusion. It is a reminder that the teachings and exhortations Paul has provided are leading to this significant point. Theologically, it emphasizes the inevitability and certainty of the following statement, urging believers to pay close attention to the implications of their actions and attitudes.

each of us
The phrase underscores the individual responsibility of every believer. The Greek word "ἕκαστος" (hekastos) means "each" or "every," highlighting that no one is exempt from this accountability. In a historical context, this was a radical notion, as many religious systems of the time emphasized collective or corporate responsibility. Paul is emphasizing that in the Christian faith, personal accountability before God is paramount. This individual focus encourages believers to reflect on their personal walk with God, rather than comparing themselves to others.

will give an account
The Greek term "λόγον δώσει" (logon dosei) translates to "will give an account," which is a legal term implying a formal report or reckoning. This phrase suggests a future event where believers will stand before God to explain their actions and decisions. Historically, this concept would resonate with the Roman audience familiar with legal proceedings. Theologically, it serves as a sobering reminder of the judgment seat of Christ, where believers' lives will be evaluated not for salvation, which is secure in Christ, but for rewards and the quality of their service.

of himself
This phrase emphasizes personal responsibility. The Greek "περὶ ἑαυτοῦ" (peri heautou) means "concerning himself," indicating that the account given will be about one's own life and actions. This is a call to self-examination and personal integrity. In a scriptural context, it aligns with the broader biblical teaching that each person is responsible for their own spiritual journey and cannot rely on the righteousness or actions of others.

to God
The ultimate accountability is to God, not to human authorities or peers. The Greek "τῷ Θεῷ" (tō Theō) places God as the final judge and authority. This is a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and omniscience. Historically, this would have been a powerful statement to a Roman audience accustomed to earthly authorities. Theologically, it reassures believers that while human judgment is often flawed, God's judgment is perfect and just. It encourages a life lived in reverence and awe of God, knowing that He sees and knows all.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Roman Church
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the heart of the Roman Empire.

3. Judgment Seat of God
The event referred to in this passage, where believers will stand before God to give an account of their lives.
Teaching Points
Personal Accountability
Each believer is responsible for their own actions and decisions. We cannot rely on others to account for us before God.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your life and actions in light of Scripture to ensure you are living in a way that honors God.

Eternal Perspective
Keep in mind the eternal consequences of your actions. Live with the awareness that you will one day stand before God.

Grace and Responsibility
While we are saved by grace, we are still called to live responsibly and righteously as a response to that grace.

Encouragement to Live Righteously
Knowing that we will give an account should motivate us to live in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding that we will give an account to God influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you practice self-examination to ensure you are living according to God's will?

3. How does the concept of personal accountability challenge or encourage you in your spiritual walk?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to live with an eternal perspective in mind?

5. How do other scriptures about judgment and accountability (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 12:36) deepen your understanding of Romans 14:12?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Corinthians 5:10
This verse also speaks about appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, emphasizing personal accountability.

Matthew 12:36
Jesus teaches about giving an account for every idle word spoken, highlighting the seriousness of our words and actions.

Hebrews 4:13
This passage underscores that nothing is hidden from God's sight, reinforcing the idea of accountability.

Ecclesiastes 12:14
This Old Testament verse speaks of God bringing every deed into judgment, connecting the concept of accountability across both Testaments.
The Limits of LibertyAlexander MaclarenRomans 14:12
Christian ContentionLord Bacon.Romans 14:1-12
Christian ForbearanceH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:1-12
Contagious ContentionCawdray.Romans 14:1-12
Disputations to be AvoidedRomans 14:1-12
Practical Godliness Better Rectifies the Judgment than Doubtful DisputationsT. Woodcock, A.M.Romans 14:1-12
Religious DisputationsH. W. Beecher.Romans 14:1-12
Religious TolerationD. Swing.Romans 14:1-12
Strong and WeakJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:1-12
Test of ControversyAbp. Bramhall.Romans 14:1-12
The Duty of Forbearance in Matters of OpinionJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:1-12
The Risen Saviour as Lord of the ConscienceR.M. Edgar Romans 14:1-12
The Treatment of the WeakPhilip Henry.Romans 14:1-12
The Weak in the Faith to be ReceivedW. Tyson.Romans 14:1-12
TolerationJ. R. Andrews.Romans 14:1-12
Toleration: its ValueDr. Stephenson.Romans 14:1-12
Unity to be Maintained in Spite of Differences of OpinionJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:1-12
Unwise DisputationsChristian JournalRomans 14:1-12
Christian LibertyT.F. Lockyer Romans 14:1-23
Three Laws of Christian LifeC.H. Irwin Romans 14:10-23
God Will Require an Account of ItemsC. H. Spurgeon.Romans 14:11-12
Human AccountabilityU. R. Thomas.Romans 14:11-12
Human AccountabilityEssex Congregational RemembrancerRomans 14:11-12
Human AccountabilityRomans 14:11-12
Individual ResponsibilityS. H. Tyng, D.D.Romans 14:11-12
Personal ResponsibilityCanon Garbett.Romans 14:11-12
Personal ResponsibilityR. W. Dale, LL. D.Romans 14:11-12
Responsibility, UnavoidableRomans 14:11-12
Scrutiny of the Judgment DayT. De Witt Talmage.Romans 14:11-12
The Final Subjection of Mankind to God Will BeJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:11-12
The Last AccountJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 14:11-12
Two-Fold Subjugation of Humanity to GodD. Thomas, D.D.Romans 14:11-12
People
Paul, Romans
Places
Rome
Topics
Account, Reckoning
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 14:12

     5052   responsibility, to God
     5556   stewardship
     6174   guilt, human aspects
     9105   last things

Romans 14:1-13

     5897   judging others

Romans 14:1-18

     6662   freedom, abuse

Romans 14:1-23

     4478   meat

Romans 14:9-12

     8444   honouring God

Romans 14:9-13

     6126   condemnation, human
     8844   unforgiveness

Romans 14:10-12

     2212   Christ, head of church
     9240   last judgment

Romans 14:10-13

     5821   criticism, among believers

Romans 14:12-15

     5010   conscience, matters of

Library
July 25. "He that in These Things Serveth Christ is Acceptable to God" (Rom. xiv. 18).
"He that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God" (Rom. xiv. 18). God can only use us while we are right. Satan cared far less for Peter's denial of his Master than for the use he made of it afterwards to destroy his faith. So Jesus said to him: "I have prayed for thee that thy faith fail not." It was Peter's faith he attacked, and so it is our faith that Satan contests. "The trial of our faith is much more precious than gold that perisheth." Whatever else we let go let us hold steadfastly
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness.
The kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost.'--Rom. xiv. 17. 'The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. 'Then Nehemiah said, This day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled the people, saying, Hold your peace; for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to make great mirth, because they had understood the words.'--Neh. viii. 10-12. The deep significance of
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

December the Fifteenth what is My Tendency?
"Whether we live, we live unto...." --ROMANS xiv. 7-21. Unto what? In what direction are we living? Whither are we going? How do we complete the sentence? "We live unto money!" That is how many would be compelled to finish the record. Money is their goal, and their goal determines their tendency. "We live unto pleasure!" Such would be another popular company. "We live unto fame!" That would be the banner of another regiment. "We live unto ease!" Thus would men and women describe their
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Limits of Liberty
'So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock, or an occasion to fall, in his brother's way. 14. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15. But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17.--For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. In this text we have the earthly revelation of the work of the Trinity. The Kingdom of God is righteousness; that represents the work of the Father. The foundations of His throne are justice and judgment. Then comes the work of the Son: He is our peace, our Shiloh, our rest. The Kingdom of God is peace; not only the peace of pardon for the past, but the peace of perfect assurance
Andrew Murray—The Master's Indwelling

Of the Three Woe Trumpets.
There still remain three trumpets, the greatest and most grievous of all, and therefore discriminated from the former by the appellation of Woes. For after the conclusion of the fourth trumpet, "I saw and heard," says he, "an angel flying in the midst of heaven, and saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, which are yet to sound." Also, c. ix. v. 12, and c. xi. v. 14. Doubtless, since the Christian
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Thus Much Will Suffice to have Treated on Behalf of True Continence against The...
26. Thus much will suffice to have treated on behalf of true Continence against the Manichees deceitfully continent, lest the fruitful and glorious labor of Continence, when it restrains and curbs the lowest part of us, that is, the body, from immoderate and unlawful pleasures, be believed not healthfully to chasten, but hostilely to persecute. Forsooth the body is indeed different from the nature of the soul, yet is it not alien from the nature of man: for the soul is not made up of body, but yet
St. Augustine—On Continence

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

September 29. "Call not Thou Common" (Acts x. 15).
"Call not thou common" (Acts x. 15). "There is nothing common of itself" (Rom. xiv. 14). We can bring Christ into common things as fully as into what we call religious services. Indeed, it is the highest and hardest application of Divine grace, to bring it down to the ordinary matters of life, and therefore God is far more honored in this than even in things that are more specially sacred. Therefore, in the twelfth chapter of Romans, which is the manual of practical consecration, just after the passage
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity Treasure Christians have in the Gospel.
Text: 1 Corinthians 1, 4-9. 4 I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus; 5 that in everything ye were enriched in him, in all utterance and all knowledge; 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8 who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye be unreprovable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
The divisions of the chapter are,--I. The rule which permits us not to go astray in the study of righteousness, requires two things, viz., that man, abandoning his own will, devote himself entirely to the service of God; whence it follows, that we must seek not our own things, but the things of God, sec. 1, 2. II. A description of this renovation or Christian life taken from the Epistle to Titus, and accurately explained under certain special heads, sec. 3 to end. 1. ALTHOUGH the Law of God contains
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Further Journeying About Galilee.
^C Luke VIII. 1-3. ^c 1 And it came to pass soon afterwards [ i. e.,. soon after his visit to the Pharisee], that he went about through cities and villages [thus making a thorough circuit of the region of Galilee], preaching and bringing the good tidings of the kingdom of God [John had preached repentance as a preparation for the kingdom; but Jesus now appears to have preached the kingdom itself, which was indeed to bring good tidings--Rom. xiv. 17 ], and with him the twelve [We here get a glimpse
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's and Mr. Paul's Books against My Confession of Faith, and Differences in Judgment About Baptism no Bar to Communion.
WHEREIN THEIR SCRIPTURELESS NOTIONS ARE OVERTHROWN, AND MY PEACEABLE PRINCIPLES STILL MAINTAINED. 'Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?'--Psalm 58:1 SIR, I have received and considered your short reply to my differences in judgment about water baptism no bar to communion; and observe, that you touch not the argument at all: but rather labour what you can, and beyond what you ought, to throw odiums upon your brother for reproving you for your error,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Journey to Jerusalem. Ten Lepers. Concerning the Kingdom.
(Borders of Samaria and Galilee.) ^C Luke XVII. 11-37. ^c 11 And it came to pass, as they were on their way to Jerusalem, that he was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee. [If our chronology is correct, Jesus passed northward from Ephraim about forty miles, crossing Samaria (here mentioned first), and coming to the border of Galilee. He then turned eastward along that border down the wady Bethshean which separates the two provinces, and crossed the Jordan into Peræa, where we soon
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Torments of Giant Bad Feelings
THE TORMENTS OF GIANT BAD FEELINGS I am just a bundle of feelings. I never imagined one could have such a variety of them as I am now experiencing. Most of them are bad ones and I am greatly disturbed by them. Really, I doubt whether I am sanctified, on account of the feelings I have. Do sanctified people always feel joyful? I have heard that they do, and if it is true that they do, then I am not sanctified. Big doubts take up company with me every morning, and so long as I feel as I do I do not
Robert Lee Berry—Adventures in the Land of Canaan

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
^C Luke XI. 37-54. ^c 37 Now as he spake, a Pharisee asketh him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat. [The repast to which Jesus was invited was a morning meal, usually eaten between ten and eleven o'clock. The principal meal of the day was eaten in the evening. Jesus dined with all classes, with publicans and Pharisees, with friends and enemies.] 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first bathed himself before dinner. [The Pharisee marveled at this because
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Death of the Righteous
'For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil 1:1I. Paul was a great admirer of Christ. He desired to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2. No medicine like the blood of Christ; and in the text, For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.' I. For to me to live is Christ. We must understand Paul of a spiritual life. For to me to live is Christ, i.e.' Christ is my life; so Gregory of Nyssa; or thus, my life is made up of Christ. As a wicked man's life is made up of sin,
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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