Romans 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God. Impartiality is one of the chief qualifications of a judge. Without it no amount of knowledge or ability can inspire confidence. Yet it is by no means a common quality. Even where a judge is truly conscientious, he is made partial by common prejudices, and by the law itself, which, in many instances, favours the rich above the poor. But God is strictly impartial, and the law affords shelter for no rich sinner, nor can any outlet be found for him who has broken it. And yet, there is an appearance of partiality. The good are the objects of God's peculiar regard. But such is no partiality. He favours the good because they are good. He, who is righteous Himself, could not favour the unrighteous without being implicated in their sin. But God's impartiality is seen by the fact that anyone can become a participator in His goodness. This impartiality is shown in — I. THE COMMON DECLARATION OF SIN AFFIRMED OF ALL. On this the whole Word of God is uniform. Now, strong as the assertion here may seem, one moment's reflection will show its righteousness. With one consent men declare they have done wrong. Should one affirm that his life was perfect, he would be laughed at, so utterly at variance is it with the common experience of men. Here, then, is the impartiality of God. For His own honour it would seem that the faults of those who were His favourite servants should be concealed; but no, all is told. II. THE COMMON SAVIOUR PROVIDED FOR ALL. No man could save himself, because all had sinned. Then all must rely on this one great Mediator, who was to die for the sins of the whole world. The Jew, as a Jew, was not the object of His life and death, but the Jew, as a man, and the Gentile as a man. III. THE COMMON CONDITION REQUIRED OF ALL. It is usual in man-made religions so to frame the condition of salvation in favour of the rich and influential. But no such thing can be found in God's Word. All may be saved from the common evil by one way only. It tells all that they must submit themselves to God, and that submission is shown and obtained by repentance and faith. IV. THE COMMON REWARDS AND PUNISHMENTS ADJUDGED TO ALL. This was beautifully taught by our Lord in the parable of Lazarus and Dives. God purposes that all should possess the blessings of eternal life, irrespective of their condition. The truly loving, faithful heart, wherever it may be found, shall be taken into Abraham's bosom; while the disobedient, the unbelieving, will be subject to eternal death. V. THE COMMON REVELATION GIVEN TO ALL. It is in one book, which may be read and understood by all who can read. In our own country, every man cannot be his own lawyer, and so at great cost has to employ a lawyer; hence, the rich can obtain the best advice and knowledge, while the poor cannot obtain counsel at all. Such is not the case with God's law. The book is given into our hands. (H. W. Butcher.) Parallel Verses KJV: For there is no respect of persons with God. |
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