We must believe, be baptized, and then practice righteousness, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Anything other than this will bring chastening on us and may place in jeopardy our very salvation.

The person who never has heard the Gospel will be judged according to his understanding of God's will, his conscience being a help in this regard. If he is a good person, practicing righteousness, behaving honorably, not harming his fellow man, he will inherit eternal life. If he aids the Lord's saints he will be blessed of the Lord.

He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. (Matthew 10:41)

The Gospel has been given so the poor of the world, especially those who walk humbly before God, can inherit eternal life. This is the Good News.

We gain eternal life by walking righteously as the Lord Jesus enables us. We have stated previously that we are required to receive Christ if we have been presented with the Gospel. If we reject the Lord Jesus, no amount of godly behavior will qualify us for eternal life. On the other hand, a profession of belief in Christ will not qualify us for eternal life if we do not turn away from our wicked behavior and live to please the Lord.

Let us see if the Scripture teaches us that good works will qualify us to enter life.

Speaking of the second resurrection, that which will take place at the end of the thousand-year period, the Apostle Paul states that this day will be the "day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God" (Romans 2:5).

Then the Apostle continues to describe how the Lord will judge every man according to his works:

Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: (Romans 2:6,7)

How do we gain eternal life? By patient continuance in well doing.

There is no other way.

But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath [is directed]. (Romans 2:8)

What will happen to us, Christian or not, if we obey unrighteousness?

We will experience Divine indignation and wrath.

Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; (Romans 2:9)

Every person who practices evil, who engages in adultery, fornication, lying, stealing, occult practices, pride, covetousness, drunkenness, malice, hatred, will be paid in tribulation and anguish whether he is a Jew, a Gentile, or a Christian. There is no respect of persons with God. God judges all equitably.

But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: (Romans 2:10)

To be continued.