WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT HUMAN EQUALITY?

KEY POINTS

  • All people are equal because one God created all people, one God redeems all people, and one God gives equal consideration to all people.
These two terms are often heard in our world today: Equality and Justice. We hear about them on the news, in legislation and even in the corporate world. Often the speaker or writer who refers to equality and justice doesn’t realize what these two terms really mean and where they come from. The truth is, there is no equality and no justice if not for God and His Word. Without God, there would not even be a concept of equality or justice because both of these terms require a standard or benchmark to work from. When it comes to equality, all people are equal only because one God created all people, one God redeems all people and one God gives equal consideration to all people. Our equality as humans comes from God and is only sustained through Him. History has shown that as people or nations turn away from God and His principles, inequality of persons increases within that culture. Some of the greatest atrocities and genocides of our time were committed under secular and even atheist-led communist governments. Human rights were trampled upon because there was no standard for human rights to act as a hedge against protecting those God-given rights. Other great atrocities, such as the crusades, have occurred under governments or monarchies who adopted a twisted and perverted view of God's word, which led to an imbalanced view of the value and worth of persons. What both of these unfortunate recurring historical situations have in common is that an authorities incorrect view of God and His nature can and will lead to devastating results. God is no respecter of persons; He is “not one to show partiality” (Acts 10:34). This means that God sees all people, regardless of skin color, status, gender or background, as holding equal value and worth in His eyes. What an amazing thing! This complete rejection of discrimination, racism and segregation is both theologically derived and logically embraced. On a theological level, it is understood that all people have the same problem; all have sinned and have fallen short of God's perfect standard. (Romans 3:23). It is also understood that all have the same solution; all may gain forgiveness in Christ (John 3:16). Humanity’s common fundamental situation puts everyone in the same boat and beckons us to look at each other, not according to our differences, but according to our similarities. We are all children of God and there is only one problem and one solution (1 Corinthians 10:17), and so logically, that which is in common supersedes that which is different. The absurdity and illogical nature of the practice of any form of discrimination – identifying, assessing, or valuing a person solely on the basis of skin color, ethnicity, gender, or social status is not Godly or biblical endorsed in any way. (1 Corinthians 12:13). Any attempt to use the bible as a basis for any of these actions or beliefs is a horrible case of mis-reading and mis-misunderstanding scripture. The rejection of discrimination is demanded by God inasmuch as His own refusal to discriminate results in His command to His Church to love and bring the gospel to all people (Acts 10:34-35; Acts 1:8). With this in mind, it’s important to understand that there is no such thing as social justice without spiritual justice. God cares first and foremost about the souls and eternal destination of each and every person, though it is our duty to act in kindness to our fellow man and treat them as Jesus would have. Our station and status on earth means virtually nothing in light of eternity. A society that seeks social justice without reconciliation to Christ will find neither and continue to crumble. Let’s be people that prioritize the right things…when we do this, we’ll see Gods blessing pour out on our nation instead of cursing.

BIBLICAL REFERENCES

Then Peter began to speak: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.  Acts 10:34
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. 1 Corinthians10:17
For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 1 Corinthians 12:13
I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:34-35

TRUE NORTH COLLEGE COURSE

Doctrine of Salvation and the Church | Biblical Studies 114

A systematic study of the doctrine of salvation (soteriology) and the doctrine of the Church (ecclesiology). Special attention will be given to the plan of redemption and the contents of the gospel message as it is seen in the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. Special emphasis will be on the nature and working of the kingdom of God. The Gospels and Jesus’ teachings will serve as the specific source of the study.

TOPICAL RESOURCES

Fault Lines
Voddie Baucham