For God does not show favoritism.

Romans 2:11 (NIV)

God doesn’t show favoritism or, as the King James Bible says, “there is no respect of persons with God.” There are seven different places in the Bible where we read that God doesn’t show favoritism (2 Chronicles 19:7, Acts 10:34, Job 34:19, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9, 1 Peter 1:17, Colossians 3:25). Whenever we read that God doesn’t show favoritism, Scripture is talking about partiality in judgment. In Acts 10:34, even Peter talks about no difference between Jews and Gentiles in God’s eyes.

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34 (NIV)

Therefore, when we read that God doesn’t show favoritism, it doesn’t mean that God doesn’t show favor to people.

The problem with understanding God’s favoritism is that our definition of favoritism is clouded by human perception. When we think of people being favored, we associate it with inequality and status. For example, we see someone rich being shown favor because they have money, while someone poor is ignored or shunned. Rich or poor doesn’t matter to God. God judges everyone equally. When Bill Gates dies, God isn’t going to say, “Whoa, you are Bill Gates!” In the same way, when Jane Smith dies, God isn’t going to say, “Who are you? I’ve never heard of you.” Thus, what we must understand is that God is just. Which means that he is fair.

Now, does God give favor to those who please him? Yes. Yes, he does.

Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:12 (NIV)

As Christians, we have been made righteous by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we have the favor of God. When we die, we will not be punished for our sins as we deserve. Instead, Jesus died for our sins, and we will go on to be with him for eternity. Yet, Jesus died for everyone’s sins. Thus, anyone who believes in Him can receive God’s favor as a Child of God.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

God rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word (emphasis added).

Isaiah 66:2 (NIV)

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Psalm 138:6 (NLT)

God shows favor to those who are humble while opposing those who are proud in spirit.

Therefore, when it comes to favoritism, God will judge each person equally after they die. To those who sinned and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, God will judge us as guilty of all our sins and send us off to spend eternity with him because Jesus took our place. To those who sinned and rejected Jesus, God will judge them as guilty and send them off to eternal damnation.

Do you know the Lord? If you don’t know God, then know that God knows you and loves you. God doesn’t want anyone to perish but for everyone to come to repentance so they can spend eternity with him. If you want to know God and be saved from your sins, then pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I sincerely repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe you died on the cross and were buried, and God the Father raised you from the dead on the third day. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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