Why does the Law condemn everyone according to Romans 2:12?
The Law condemns everyone because every human being who has ever lived, except Christ Himself, has already broken the Law. Romans 2:12 says those who have sinned in the Law will be judged by the Law, so the Law cannot justify anyone; it only exposes guilt and brings condemnation.
Les explains that Romans 2:12 contrasts those who perish without law with those who have sinned in the law and are judged by the law. The law does not excuse anyone. It condemns everybody, because every human being ever born, other than Christ Himself, has already broken the law. Paul also says the hearers of the law are not justified before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified—and that standard is under the law. Back in Exodus 19, Israel at Mount Sinai agreed, “All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.” That is legalism and law: it demanded doing on the part of its adherents, though it had to be prompted by faith. So when the Jew was under the law, he could not get by with faith plus nothing; he had to have faith plus doing whatever the law demanded.
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
More Questions
Why does Paul say people who sinned without law will perish without law in Romans 2:12?
Sinners who lived outside the realm of Judaism will perish 'without law'; not being under the children of Israel does not excuse them from judgment.
What does 'sinned without law' mean in Romans 2:12?
To sin 'without law' means to sin outside the realm of Judaism.