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What Does the Bible Say About Equality? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Equality?

Introduction

As Christians, it’s essential to understand what the Bible says about equality, and how we can apply these teachings to our daily lives. Equality is a critical issue in our modern society, with people from all walks of life advocating for fair treatment and opportunities for all.

While some may turn to secular theories of equality, as Christians, we can turn to the Bible for guidance on how to navigate these issues.

The Bible contains many teachings about equality, spanning from the creation account to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. These teachings offer us a framework for understanding the inherent value and worth of all human beings, regardless of their race, gender, or social status.

Moreover, these teachings offer a guide for how we should interact with others in society, promoting fairness and justice for all.

In this post, we’ll explore several key Bible verses and concepts related to equality, examining how they can inform our understanding of this critical issue.

We’ll dive into the idea of equality in creation, equality in salvation, equality in society, and equality and gender and race. Through a deeper understanding of these teachings, we can apply them to our lives and work towards creating a more just and equally opportune society for all.

equality in the Bible

Equality in Creation

At the very beginning of the Bible, we read that “God created man in His image; in the image of God, He created him; male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27, NKJV).

This verse teaches us that all human beings are created in the image of God, and therefore have inherent worth and value. Regardless of our gender, race, or social status, we are all equally valuable in God’s eyes.

This concept of equality is further reinforced in the creation story’s details. God gives human beings the responsibility to rule over the earth and all its creatures (Genesis 1:28).

This task was not given exclusively to men or women, but to both equally. This underscores the idea that men and women are equal partners in God’s plan for creation.

Equality in Salvation

In Galatians 3:28 (NKJV), we read: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse teaches us that in Christ, all believers are equal.

We are all saved by faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of our ethnic background, social status, or gender.

This doesn’t mean that our differences are erased or ignored, but rather that they are secondary to our identity as followers of Christ. In fact, the Bible teaches that we should celebrate our diversity as part of God’s creation.

The apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:4-5 (NKJV): “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

This means that we are called to embrace and celebrate our differences, while recognizing that we are all equal in God’s eyes.

Equality in Society

The Bible has a lot to say about how we should treat others in society. In Leviticus 19:18 (NKJV), God commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself.” This principle is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 22:39 (NKJV), when He says: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

The idea of loving our neighbors as ourselves implies that we should treat others with the same respect and dignity that we expect for ourselves.

This includes people of different races, genders, and social classes. We should not show favoritism or discriminate against anyone based on their outward appearance or background.

Jesus Himself modeled this principle by serving and valuing all people, regardless of their social status or background. He ate with tax collectors and sinners, healed lepers and demon-possessed individuals, and showed compassion to the outcasts of society. As His followers, we are called to do the same.

Equality and Gender

The Bible has been used by some to justify patriarchal attitudes and the subjugation of women. However, a closer look at the Bible’s teachings on gender reveals a more nuanced and egalitarian perspective.

In Ephesians 5:22-33 (NKJV), Paul teaches about the roles of husbands and wives in marriage. He writes that wives should submit to their husbands as to the Lord, and that husbands should love their wives as Christ loves the church.

However, this passage should not be interpreted as a justification for male domination or abuse.

Rather, Paul’s teachings on marriage emphasize mutual submission and sacrificial love. He writes that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, and that wives should respect their husbands (Ephesians 5:28-33). This implies a partnership in which both spouses value and honor each other.

Furthermore, the Bible contains examples of women in leadership roles, such as Deborah in the book of Judges and Phoebe in the book of Romans. Jesus Himself also valued and affirmed the role of women in His ministry, such as Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman at the well.

The apostle Paul also wrote about women in ministry in his letter to the Galatians. In Galatians 3:28, he emphasized that there is no longer any distinction between Jews and Gentiles, men and women, but all believers are one in Christ.

This means that women can serve in any capacity that God has called them to, including in pastoral roles, preaching, and teaching.

Equality and Race

The issue of racial inequality has been at the forefront of societal discussions in recent years. The Bible has much to say about breaking down racial barriers and promoting equality.

In Acts 10:34-35 (NKJV), Peter declares: “In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.”

This statement came after Peter had a vision in which God showed him that all people, regardless of their ethnic background, were to be included in the gospel message.

The apostle Paul also wrote extensively on the issue of racial equality.

In Galatians 3:28, he emphasized that there is no longer any distinction between Jews and Gentiles, but all believers are one in Christ. He also wrote about the importance of breaking down racial barriers in the church, such as in his letter to the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:14-16).

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote that there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11). This verse highlights the universality of the gospel message and the equality of all people in God’s eyes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible teaches that all human beings are created in God’s image and have inherent worth and value. As Christians, we are called to treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, gender, or social status.

We should celebrate our differences and embrace diversity as part of God’s creation.

The Bible also emphasizes the importance of social justice and promoting equality in society. As followers of Christ, we should be advocates for fairness and equal treatment for all people.

Let us strive to live out these principles in our daily lives, and to promote a culture of equality and justice in our communities. Through our words and actions, we can be a witness to the transformative power of the gospel and the inclusive love of God.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.