Romans 2:5-6 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; 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
Context: Romans 2:1-4 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?v.10 But glory, honor and peace to every man that worketh good. v.11 There is no respect of persons with God.
From the lexicon: Hardness= obstinate, perverse. Wrath=punishment.
Pulling it together: Romans 2 continues the indictment of Romans 1 against the unbelievers who deny God and His authority. Chapter 2 verse one points out the fallacy of condemning others for their unbelief when we do the same things. Verse five calls the heart of unbelievers perverse and unrepentant. The unbeliever is storing up punishment against himself on the day that all is revealed when Christ returns to judge the earth. Verse 6 is especially sobering for it says every man shall be judged according to his deeds.
Our deeds cannot save us for even the best of them are marred by sin. If we depend on them we are headed for disaster. Thank God, He has something better for those who will acknowledge Him and receive the great salvation He offers through the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Lord, I pray, remove the hardness of my heart that I might be the servant you would have me be. Turn my unbelief into righteousness.