Does God Show Special Favor or Is He Impartial?
In this article, you will learn how Deuteronomy 7:8 contradicts Proverbs 3:12, Ezekiel 18:30, Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34-35, Matthew 5:45, 1 Samuel 16:7, Colossians 3:11 and Romans 9:18. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The scriptures present us with intriguing perspectives about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. One prominent theme is God's love for Israel, as highlighted in Deuteronomy 7:8. Here, Moses reveals that God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt because of His enduring love and His promise to their ancestors. This paints a picture of a deeply personal, loving commitment akin to a parent fulfilling a promise to their child, based solely on love and dedication.
Contrastingly, other scriptures offer different nuances to this divine love and relationship. For instance, Proverbs 3:12 speaks of God's love being expressed through discipline, suggesting that love involves correction. Then there's Ezekiel 18:30, which emphasizes personal responsibility and calls for repentance to avoid punishment, introducing a condition to divine favor that seems to conflict with the unconditional love in Deuteronomy 7:8.
The New Testament further expands this discussion. Romans 2:11 and Acts 10:34-35 suggest that God does not show favoritism, and He accepts all who fear Him and act righteously, irrespective of their background. This impartiality is echoed in Matthew 5:45, where God provides for both the good and the evil equally, challenging the notion of preferential love.
1 Samuel 16:7 suggests God's focus on the heart rather than external factors, while Colossians 3:11 speaks to a spiritual egalitarianism in Christ, wherein national distinctions are irrelevant. Romans 9:18 underscores God's sovereign will, indicating mercy as He decides.
These scriptures create a fascinating mosaic of divine love, where God's impartial grace seems to intermingle with His particular love for Israel. They invite us to ponder: Is divine love universally impartial, or does it possess moments of special favor towards specific individuals or groups? Such contemplation encourages a deeper exploration of these spiritual truths.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Deuteronomy 7:8 | But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. |
| 2. | Proverbs 3:12 | For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son [in whom] he delighteth. |
| 3. | Ezekiel 18:30 | Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. [yourselves: or, others] |
| 4. | Romans 2:11 | For there is no respect of persons with God. |
| 5. | Acts 10:34-35 | Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: |
| 6. | Matthew 5:45 | That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. |
| 7. | 1 Samuel 16:7 | But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. [outward...: Heb. eyes] |
| 8. | Colossians 3:11 | Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. |
| 9. | Romans 9:18 | Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth. |