Divine Equality
For there is no partiality with God. Romans 2:11
Partiality – “All men are created equal.” How we love to tout that principle of democracy. Of course, how we are created apparently has almost nothing to do with how we are treated for the rest of life. All men might be created equal, but as soon as you are born, preference is the name of the game. Fortunately, that’s a fool’s game. The truth is not only that all men are created equal, all men are also judged equally. That is the motto to live by. It matters not how and where you were born. It matters only that the Judge of all Mankind will show no favoritism when it comes to life’s review. As Paul makes abundantly clear, if you sin without the Law, you will be condemned, and, if you sin with the Law, you will be equally condemned. Having that Bible neatly placed on your bookshelf will not rescue you. Neither will having your name on the church register or bowing the knee on Sundays. What matters is doing what God asks, not applauding the “professionals” in the pulpit.
In a way, this verse is frightening and comforting. First, it scares me to death. God holds me responsible for my actions. I have no excuse for disobedience. None! Even if I don’t know all the Law, I am still guilty. Jesus deals precisely with this problem. He is the solution to my self-destruction. Secondly, this verse is a great comfort. God does not grade on the curve. I am not going to be held up against Mother Theresa or St. John to determine my acceptability. I have only one standard – Jesus. We are all accountable to Him. So, I don’t have to worry about how I am doing compared to you. All I need to do is keep working to be like Him. And He has promised to assist me. You see, grace is not opposed to effort. It is opposed to earning (thank you, Dallas W.). God expects me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling because so much is at stake. But God does not expect me to earn my salvation. Jesus did that. Now I am working in order to redeem the world, including me, for His Kingdom.
This life is filled with partiality. On every side, we are confronted with privilege. Money, power, fame, and yes, even frequent-flyer miles will mark you as different from the rest. But not in God’s book. God doesn’t care. Do you really understand that? God doesn’t care about your title, your reputation, your financial status, your car or your house. When you live as though these things matter, you are being deceived. You are showing partiality where God does not. What does God care about? Well, He doesn’t hesitate to tell us. Take a look at Galatians 5:22-23. Then take a lifetime to implement these character qualities. You may have to forego some of the world’s partiality measures, but that’s the idea, isn’t it?
God shows no “face time.” The Greek is prosopoleptes (to receive face). Don’t come into His presence expecting special treatment. What was good for the Son is good for you. Are you ready for that?
