Despising God’s Goodness
In this exegetical piece on Romans 2:4-5, Hoeksema argues that God's goodness necessarily and efficaciously leads to repentance as an absolute principle, not merely an attempt or invitation. The article emphasizes the sovereignty of God's grace in bringing about genuine repentance and addresses those who despise this goodness by treasuring up judgment against themselves.
Rev. Herman Hoeksema (Originally published in the Standard Bearer, 15 April, 1997, vol. 73) Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God (Romans 2:4-5). The heart of Romans 2:4-5 is undoubtedly expressed in the words, the goodness of God leadeth...