There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28
Equality! The world speaks so much about equality today, but knows so little about what it really is. The world’s definition of equality, especially its ‘politically correct’ definition, is that in order for people to be equal, they must be the same. This is total nonsense. Nowhere in the Scriptures do we find support for such a ridiculous idea. Our text speaks of equality, ‘all one in Jesus Christ’. But this text is not talking about sameness, it is talking about access to God’s salvation. The three couplets in our text remind us of those areas where the grace of God produces equality – God’s equality – among the Lord’s people.
Initially, all of the converts to Christianity were Jewish. Despite some reservations and opposition, that changed so radically that eventually very few of the converts to Christianity were Jewish. But God is still saving both Jews and Gentiles. Does that mean that they are the same? No. Jewish people have a wonderful cultural heritage that can be just as much a part of themselves as is the cultural heritage that is part of any other ethnic group in the world. For example, nowhere in the New Testament are Jewish Christians told to abandon the observance of Passover, which is such a vital part of their history. Jews need not be the same as Gentiles, except for the truth that salvation is by grace alone and not by the works of the law.
The abolition of slavery means that in our modern world, the expression ‘neither bond nor free’ does not strictly apply. But the principle applies. The main difference between a slave and a free person in Bible times was economic, and we certainly have differences in economic status today. Those differences result in a huge variation in opportunities, privileges, and living conditions. It is precious to know that those differences do not matter to God. And it is a shame on us if those difference matter to us.
Some people actually use today’s text to ‘prove’ that the Bible endorses women having such positions as elders, pastors, and preachers. Those people are taking this verse entirely out of its context. As mentioned earlier, this text and its context are referring to access to God’s salvation. There is not even a hint of reference to Assembly government or responsibilities. Elsewhere, we find God’s instructions for godly order among His people. And in that order, which clearly lays out different roles for men and women, there is nothing to suggest that one role is of lesser importance than the other. And yet, modern religion sets aside the Bible’s clear teaching to inject the world’s false definition of ‘equality’.
Unity among the Lord’s people can never be achieved by putting a human spin on the truth that we are all one in Christ Jesus. – Jim MacIntosh