DOES GOD FAVOR SOME MORE THAN OTHERS UNDER GRACE?

Spread the love

In exploring the question of whether God favors some individuals more than others under grace, it is important to delve into the biblical understanding of grace, gifts, and the purpose of each believer’s unique calling. This examination reveals that while all believers have equal standing in Christ, the diversity in gifts and callings leads to different expressions of God’s grace in each person’s life.

Grace is not merely an abstract concept but is personified as the Spirit of God dwelling within us. This grace is available to all believers, teaching and empowering us to live godly lives.

Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

In terms of our position before God, all believers share the same standing. There are no second-class citizens in the body of Christ, and each person is equally valued and loved by God.

2 Peter 1:1: “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.”

Peter emphasizes that all believers share the same precious faith, which is the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:12, Galatians 3:22).

This equal standing underscores that God’s love and grace are equally available to all members of His body.

While all believers have the same standing in Christ, the distribution of gifts and the roles each person plays within the body of Christ can vary significantly.

Ephesians 4:7: “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

Ephesians 4:7 explains that while we all share the same grace, the specific gifts and measures of grace given to us can differ, according to Christ’s sovereign distribution.

Matthew 25:15: “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.”

The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:15 illustrates that God gives gifts according to each person’s ability. Some receive more, others less, but all are expected to use their gifts faithfully.

The diversity of gifts and functions within the body of Christ is akin to the different parts of a body, each with its unique role.

1 Corinthians 12:12, 18-20: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ… But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.“

Even angels have different functions, yet this does not imply a hierarchy of worth but a variety of roles.

Romans 9:20-21: “But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’ Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?”

Romans 9:20-21 uses the analogy of a potter and clay to explain that some are created for noble purposes and others for common use.

This passage illustrates that while not everyone is called to the same role or level of visibility, each person has a purpose within God’s plan.

Those with greater gifts or callings, such as the Apostle Paul, often face greater challenges and responsibilities.

Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

Acts 9:16: “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Paul acknowledges that his work and suffering are by the grace of God working within him (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).

Our worth is measured by how much Christ is living in us, not by our external achievements or the roles we hold.

Believers are the temple of God, and His Spirit dwells within us.

1 Corinthians 3:16: “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”

The more Christ lives in us, the greater our worth. This principle is reflected in several scriptures, The parable of the wise and foolish virgins emphasizes being filled with the Spirit (Matthew 25:8-12).

Romans 8:30: “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”

Believers mature at different rates, and this maturity affects how they display God’s glory.

Ephesians 4:13: “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

Ephesians 4:13 speaks of reaching unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, becoming mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Daniel 12:3: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3 highlights that those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever, indicating different degrees of glory.

Does God favor some more than others under grace? In terms of our position in Christ, no. All believers share equal standing before God, loved and valued equally. However, in terms of gifts and callings, there are differences. These differences do not imply favoritism but reflect the variety of roles and purposes within the body of Christ. Ultimately, our worth is measured by the presence of Christ within us, and our maturity in faith determines how we display His glory. Through understanding these principles, we can appreciate the unique ways God works in each of our lives and embrace our individual callings with grace and humility.