Is it important to take into account someones nationality, status, background, or even their hereditary behavior, when speaking to them about the glorious message of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18-19)? We may try to understand where they're coming from, but in the final analysis, none of this makes a bit of difference. We are all the same — we are all enemies of God (Rom 5:1-10 NLT).
In Romans 2:11 we read that "there is no partiality with God," and these very words, with slight variations, are found many times in the Bible (Acts 10:34; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9). Of course this is because justice is one of God's divine attributes, so it is unthinkable that He should show favoritism. How wonderful, right?! And this cuts both ways — not only are there no "big wheels" with Him, neither are there "innocent victims of circumstances or heredity." We all stand on the same footing before His bar of justice.
But here's a question for you: If there is no partiality with God, why did He favor one nation, Israel, above all the rest and, for many centuries, bless them above all others? The answer: God made a difference to show that "there is no distinction" (Rom 3:21-26 ESV). He made an artificial difference to show that there was no essential difference, no moral difference. He erected a "middle wall of partition" between us to show that that wall must be broken down (Eph 2:14-16).
So it is that the same God who once said to Israel:
"... you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God ... for you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways" (Acts 3:25-26).
Now says:
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." (Rom 10:12-13).
And this same passage goes on to say:
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” (Rom 10:14-15).
In Romans 2:11 we read that "there is no partiality with God," and these very words, with slight variations, are found many times in the Bible (Acts 10:34; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9). Of course this is because justice is one of God's divine attributes, so it is unthinkable that He should show favoritism. How wonderful, right?! And this cuts both ways — not only are there no "big wheels" with Him, neither are there "innocent victims of circumstances or heredity." We all stand on the same footing before His bar of justice.
But here's a question for you: If there is no partiality with God, why did He favor one nation, Israel, above all the rest and, for many centuries, bless them above all others? The answer: God made a difference to show that "there is no distinction" (Rom 3:21-26 ESV). He made an artificial difference to show that there was no essential difference, no moral difference. He erected a "middle wall of partition" between us to show that that wall must be broken down (Eph 2:14-16).
So it is that the same God who once said to Israel:
"... you who are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God ... for you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways" (Acts 3:25-26).
Now says:
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." (Rom 10:12-13).
And this same passage goes on to say:
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!” (Rom 10:14-15).
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