GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS
Jay Yeager
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in ever nation he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him” (Acts 10:34-35).
While it is true, men can and often do create barriers that tend to segregate various segments of our society. Such is certainly not the case with God. Regardless of the station one may occupy in this life, each person has the opportunity to serve God acceptably, for God requires nothing of one accountable person that is not required of every accountable person. The conditions of acceptability vary only as far as which dispensation was (or is) in force during an individual’s lifetime (Romans 2:12; 3:19; 4:15; 3:23; I John 3:4).
That question does not pose a dilemma for any who may read this article for all are accountable to the gospel of Christ and have been for nearly 2,000 years (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; John 12:48; Hebrews 1:1-2). Hence, for any accountable person to be the recipient of God’s blessing in this life, and the life to come, obedience to the gospel must be rendered (Matthew 7:21; Romans 1:16; Hebrews 5:9). Those accountable persons who fail to obey the gospel will ultimately incur the wrath of God (Matthew 7:13-14; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:6; Revelation 19:15). That principle is unalterable, for God is no respecter of persons.
In light of various and often conflicting views regarding how a person becomes a Christian, it is imperative for us to understand that the conditions of salvation never vary from individual to individual. What is commanded by God through His inspired word to become a child of God equally applies to every accountable person without exception, for God is no respecter of persons.
For instance, faith is a condition of salvation, the initial element necessary to become a Christian (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17). Quite obviously, the person who does not possess faith would have no desire to become a Christian if he could. “But” says one, “Suppose he is a good man, an excellent parent and neighbor, a pillar of the community? Would not such a person go to heaven even though he did not possess faith?” A better question would be, would God overlook in him what he condemns in others? Do you know that God has already supplied the answer, and the answer is No! (Mark 16:16; John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), for God is no respecter of persons.
Again, repentance is also a condition of salvation (Acts 17:30), which is a change of heart that leads to a changed life (Matthew 21:28-31; Luke 15:12-24). A command which is by far the most difficult to obey, and for that reason the least considered. Consequently, many continue to live sinful lives in hopes that a form of remorse will somehow suffice, which is not Biblical repentance at all (II Corinthians 7:9-10). Hear it please! Where there is no genuine repentance, there is no forgiveness (Luke 13:3), for God is no respecter of persons.
Again, confession stands between the alien sinner and reconciliation unto God. For it is with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:10). Confession involves more than merely saying certain words. Words without conviction are words without meaning. Jesus made that abundantly clear when He said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). The person who is either ashamed of Jesus or His words (teaching) cannot hope to secure the favor of God (Mark 8:38), for God is no respecter of persons.
Lastly, baptism is the final step in becoming a Christian. It is the act that severs our service to the god of this world, translating us into the kingdom (church) of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:13, remitting our past sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) that we might walk in newness of life having put on Christ (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27). The person who fails or refuses to submit to Biblical baptism is still in sin and cannot enter heaven. Why? Because God is no respecter of persons.
