182. One in Christ
Galatians 3:28 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.
In Christ there is no class distinction, no race separation, no hierarchy of levels, no gender distinction, no religious difference, no income difference, and no distinction of any kind between people for any reason. All are declared equal in Christ. Everyone has equal access to God and God’s grace and salvation. This kind of oneness and unity in Christ is hard to understand. We are used to divisions and distinctions. We live with identities of race, gender, religion, income, ethnicity, and all kinds of groupings to which we belong, making some groups superior to other groups. There is no difference in levels of holiness, righteousness, goodness, or closeness to God. Everyone is on level ground before the cross.
The oneness in Christ does not mean there are not differences; every person is created uniquely and distinctively, and each is different from every other person. But differences do not make one better than another in what matters: forgiveness, life and salvation. I am unique, but I am not better. But also I am not worsethan another. Comparisons between individuals are not allowed in Christ. Grace is the great equalizer. Whenever we are tempted to compare our lives with another person, whether better or worse, we can remember this promise: we are all one in Christ.
We are all equal and one with regard to sin and guilt. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We do not compare the sins of one over against another. Every person stands condemned. We are equal and one in the category of grace and forgiveness of sin and salvation. We do not compare the good works of one over against another. All in Christ are equally saved by grace. Grace is the equalizer.Believing this promise enables us to regard all people as created equal: I am one and on the same plane with every other believer in Christ; and I am potentially equal with every unbeliever for they, too, may still become a justified child of God by faith in Christ. When we are able by God’s grace to see every person as actually or potentially one with us we will treat all people with love, grace, and kindness. We rejoice in the difference, while we also rejoice in the unity, oneness, and equality.