“Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” Acts 10:34
“These [things] also [belong] to the wise. [It is] not good to have respect of persons in judgment.” Proverbs 24:23
“For there is no respect of persons with God.” Romans 2:11
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:” 1 Peter 1:17
Looking at the above verses gives us a pretty clear picture that God neither has respect of persons, nor calls us to have respect of persons (I know of the exception, and we’ll mention it, but bear with me).
Yet we call out for others to respect us. Parents require respect from their children. Bosses from their subordinates.
So what is it? What is a biblical perspective on “respect?”…
Respect: to give priority or preference to, to give special consideration to, to elevate
Respect of persons equals the fear of man.
If you plug that in you see that when we see that in judgment God gives no priority or preference to… no special consideration to anyone. And He does not elevate anyone. He looks not on the person, but on the man’s work.
That should make us uncomfortable. And comfortable. Why comfortable?
Because, since He does not give special priority or preference, or any special consideration… since He does not elevate anyone over any other… we are all the same, and therefore we are a whosoever.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Yep… we’re covered.
And it is nice and warm under here.
SDG
good article M! I was hoping you'd also speak about honour. Maybe you should add and make the distinction?
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