Text: Proverbs 22:2
People are different. Sadly, some people unfairly judge or hate others based on their race, culture, class, etc. Christians are to judge righteously (John 7:24) and abound in love for all (1 Thessalonians 3:12). To do this, we need to remember what we all have in common rather than focus on our differences.
God Is the Maker of All
- In the beginning, God created man in His image (Genesis 1:27) – this applies to all men (Genesis 9:6)
- Regardless of our circumstances, all of us have this in common (Proverbs 22:2)
There Is a Common Ancestry for All
- Many believe that man evolved from lower forms of life – if this were so, different races could be unequal; yet this idea is false
- All men, regardless of race, descended from the first man (Acts 17:26) – we are of the same human family
Sin Is a Problem for All
- All have sinned (Romans 3:23) – this causes separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
- Sin leads to death (Romans 6:23) – not physical death, but eternal punishment (Revelation 20:14)
Christ Died for All
- In response to the problem of sin, Jesus came to bring salvation to the world (John 3:16)
- All could be reconciled in one body (Ephesians 2:16) – in His death He would draw all men to Him (John 12:32)
The Gospel Is for All
- Jesus’ death is part of the foundation of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) – as His death is for all, so is the gospel
- The gospel was to be preached throughout the world (Mark 16:15) – it is to be unchanged (Galatians 1:8-9); it is the exclusive way to eternal life (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)
God Extends a Welcome to All
- All who fear God and do what is right are welcome to Him (Acts 10:34-35)
- No one is rejected unless it is because of his refusal to repent (2 Peter 3:9)
Judgment Is for All
- After death comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27) – all will stand before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10)
- The standard of judgment will be His word (John 12:48) – not changed by one’s race, culture, class, etc.
Conclusion
- In the end, all of the differences between people (real or perceived) do not matter – all have been created by God, have fallen from God, and have the opportunity to be saved by God
- God does not look at outward appearance, but at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) – we need to do the same
- God welcomes all (Acts 10:35) – we should as well; accept all those who fear and obey Him (Ecclesiastes 12:13) regardless of race, culture, class, etc.
