Those by persistence in doing good ... He will give eternal life?

Comments: It is actually quite astonishing how many teachers lift this verse entirely out of its original context and read it in isolation. In doing so they miss the entire point and end up saying exactly the opposite of what Paul, by the Holy Spirit, is communicating here. In Romans 1:18 through chapter 3 Paul is building the case for the universality of sin, that both Jews and Gentiles are both hopelessly captive under sin. Take the time to read through it carefully. In light of that, the verses I cited above are hypothetical, saying if you did such and such you would be blessed and have eternal life, but in the verses soon following he strips them of such a possibility. He is in effect saying, if you seek God and his glory, if you do good and seek honor and and immortality God will give you eternal life. BUT, there is NO ONE who fits that description. You don't do that! (And I quote), "no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Rom 3:11-12) ... The purpose of the law is "...that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law NO HUMAN BEING will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin." Rom 3:19-20