---
title: Romans 14:12
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/romans-14-12/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/romans-14-12.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Romans 14:12
testament: NT
section: Letters
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Romans 14:12

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (2013 revision): "each of us will render an account for himself to God"

## JW Usage

Watchtower commentary takes Romans 14:12 ("each of us will render an account for himself to God") as a warning that every Witness must individually answer to Jehovah for their obedience. The verse is read as motivating diligent faithfulness — meeting attendance, field service, moral conduct — to ensure a favourable accounting at judgment.

## Protestant Usage

Yes — every believer gives an account, and every believer's works matter to God. The question is what the account is for. Paul addresses Christians ("we will ALL stand" — including Paul himself) who are already justified (Romans 5:1) and for whom there is "no condemnation" (Romans 8:1). The judgment of Romans 14:10-12 is an evaluation of how believers have lived, how they have treated one another (the whole point of 14:1-9), and what rewards and losses will follow. It is NOT a re-opening of the verdict on their acceptance with God. Paul explicitly says in the same letter — Romans 8:33-34 — "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?" Nobody. The accounting of Romans 14 happens for believers whose standing is unassailable.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [Judgment According to Works](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/judgment-according-to-works.md) — Matthew 25, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20 — evidence or basis? [Salvation]