Topical Bible: God: Impartial

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The concept of God's impartiality is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His just and equitable nature. God's impartiality means that He does not show favoritism or partiality towards individuals based on their status, ethnicity, or any other human distinctions. This attribute of God underscores His fairness and justice in dealing with humanity.

Scriptural Basis

1. Old Testament Foundations: The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God's impartiality. In Deuteronomy 10:17, it is written, "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe." This passage highlights God's supreme authority and His commitment to justice without favoritism.

2. New Testament Affirmation: The New Testament continues to affirm God's impartial nature. In Acts 10:34-35, the Apostle Peter declares, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." This revelation came as Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit being poured out on Gentiles, demonstrating that God's grace and salvation are available to all, regardless of ethnic background.

3. Pauline Epistles: The Apostle Paul frequently addresses God's impartiality in his letters. In Romans 2:11, Paul succinctly states, "For God does not show favoritism." This assertion is part of a broader argument that both Jews and Gentiles are equally accountable to God and that His judgment is based on truth and righteousness, not on external factors.

4. James on Impartiality: The Epistle of James also speaks to the issue of partiality among believers, reflecting God's impartial nature. James 2:1-4 warns against showing favoritism, particularly in the context of wealth and social status, urging believers to reflect God's character by treating all people with equal respect and love.

Theological Implications

God's impartiality is a cornerstone of His justice and righteousness. It assures believers that God's judgments are fair and that His love and grace are extended to all who seek Him. This attribute challenges human tendencies towards favoritism and prejudice, calling believers to emulate God's impartiality in their interactions with others.

Practical Applications

1. Equity in the Church: The church is called to reflect God's impartiality by welcoming and valuing individuals from all backgrounds. This includes promoting unity and diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that all believers are equal before God.

2. Justice in Society: Christians are encouraged to advocate for justice and fairness in society, opposing discrimination and inequality. By doing so, they bear witness to God's impartial nature and His desire for righteousness in the world.

3. Personal Conduct: On a personal level, believers are urged to examine their own hearts and actions, ensuring that they do not show favoritism or prejudice. This involves treating others with the same love and respect that God extends to all people.

In summary, the Bible consistently portrays God as impartial, a truth that has profound implications for theology, ecclesiology, and personal conduct. This divine attribute calls believers to reflect God's fairness and justice in their own lives and communities.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 10:17
For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward:
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Job 36:5
Behold, God is mighty, and despises not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
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Job 37:24
Men do therefore fear him: he respects not any that are wise of heart.
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Acts 10:34,35
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
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Romans 2:6,11
Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
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Galatians 2:6
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatever they were, it makes no matter to me: God accepts no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
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Ephesians 6:8
Knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
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Colossians 3:25
But he that does wrong shall receive for the wrong which he has done: and there is no respect of persons.
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1 Peter 1:17
And if you call on the Father, who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
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Greek

1342. dikaios -- correct, righteous, by impl. innocent
... dikaios Phonetic Spelling: (dik'-ah-yos) Short Definition: just, righteous, impartial
Definition: just; especially, just in the eyes of God; righteous; the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1342.htm - 8k

Library

Christ's Strange Thanksgiving
... It is equal as the providence of God, impartial as the light, universal as the air
which reddens equally the blood that flows in long-descended veins and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/christs strange thanksgiving.htm

The Justice of God
... equal. Proverbs 24:12. Shall not he render to every man according to his
works?' God is an impartial judge. He judgeth the cause. Men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 the justice of god.htm

Only Remember This; Look Well to the Ground on which You Stand...
... Now God is a free, universal, impartial love, loving and doing every kind of good,
for its own sake, because that is the highest and most perfect working of ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-1-8 only remember this look.htm

Ahab and Naboth
... So ends one of the most clear and terrible stories in the whole Bible, of God's
impartial justice. May God give us all grace to lay it to heart! ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xi ahab and naboth.htm

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the ...
... It has been thought that if the goodness of God were unlimited and impartial,
the light and blessings of revelation would be universal. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter v the dispensation of.htm

In what Sense we Should Understand the Passions and Human Arts ...
... towards them is that which is the precursor of a just and impartial execution of ...
we to explain all the things which are spoken metaphorically of God in Holy ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter iv in what sense.htm

How Much More Impartial than Celsus is Numenius the Pythagorean...
... How much more impartial than Celsus is Numenius the Pythagorean, who has given ... speaking
of those nations who have adopted the opinion that God is incorporeal ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xv how much more.htm

If Celsus had Read the Scriptures in an Impartial Spirit...
... If Celsus had read the Scriptures in an impartial spirit, he would not have said
that "our writings are incapable of admitting an ... Doth God take care for oxen? ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlix if celsus had.htm

First, the Practical Duties which the Christian Religion Enjoins,
... [328] Let any impartial person judge, whether a religion that tends thus manifestly
to the recovery of the rational part of God's creation, to restore men to ...
/.../x proposition x first the.htm

Of Some Commands of God, and of Patience.
... and not take upon himself his revenge, but reserve it for the judgment of God. ... For
there sits on the judgment-seat a very great and impartial Judge, the ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xviii of some commands of.htm