Romans 2: God Does Not Show Favoritism

Romans 2:11 reads, “God does not show favoritism.” But doesn’t it seem like God blesses some people more than others? This doesn’t make sense, does it?

Interestingly, the context of this chapter reveals a discussion of differences between those who sin as Jews or Gentiles (non-Jews). Paul was writing to non-Jews in Rome and wanted them to understand that it doesn’t matter who they are ethnically, God both offers salvation for those who believe and judgment for those who reject Jesus. Eternity was not a result of biology, but belief; not about family, but faith.

This teaching would have struck many as new and different. Even today, many believe they have an automatic “in” with God due to their heritage, whether being part of a “Christian” nation, a Christian family, or by doing Christian things. But just as Paul emphasized to the Roman believers nearly 2,000 years ago, the difference between where we will spend eternity is not dependent on our status, but our relationship with God.

As a result, those of us who believe, whether raised as Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Atheists, or none-of-the-above, have an opportunity to know God through Jesus. God does not show favoritism.

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Dillon Burroughs is the author or co-author of numerous books and is handwriting a copy of the New Testament in 2011 at HolyWritProject.com. Find out more about Dillon at Facebook.com/readdB or readdB.com.