Equality and the Bible

Let’s play a game. Ready? It’s called “Word Association.” Here we go. 1, 2, 3,…”Equality.” What words came to mind? Did you think of synonyms? Picture a political figure? Maybe even thought of an experience where you experienced equality or inequality?

Mr. Webster defines equality as: the quality or state of being equal: as (a) sameness or equivalence in number, quantity, or measure or (b) likeness or sameness in quality, power, status, or degree. We are presented with ideas and concepts of being the same, having the same opportunity, and some would even consider same outcomes to be part of the definition.

Is equality a bad thing? I certainly hope not. That would be awkward. I have the opportunity to live in a country where you are judged according to the effort, discipline, resourcefulness, and quality of your labor. Has that always been the case? Certainly not. Is it a perfect system even now? Of course not. However, you triple the problems we face in this country, and I still believe we are better off than any other country on earth.

But is this idea of “equality” uniquely American? Actually, the Bible seems to be the origin of the concept, but the Bible presents equality in a slightly different way. The Bible teaches that God created Adam and Eve in a state of perfection and peace (Gen. 1). However, they rebelled and thereby plunged all humanity and all Creation into a just curse (Gen 2). What do we learn about equality in the first few chapters of the Bible? Each man and woman is equally guilty under the perfect and holy standard of the Creator God, Jehovah. This curse does not discriminate, and it affects every person equally. Apart from Jesus Christ’s sacrifice where he paid the death penalty for all sin, every individual will have to pay for their sin. Praise God that Jesus’ sacrifice purchased the salvation for every sinner who confessed his or her sin and accepts Jesus’ offer of salvation.

So how does that Biblical definition of equality affect 21st century America? Well, there should be no standard you hold someone to that God would not hold them to. We should all be treated in accordance with the respect and dignity that we deserve as image bearers of God, all of us. We, as Christians, should also not hold people to a standard of righteousness that is greater than God’s. That is pride and arrogance and *hint* not very appreciated by God.

Is equality a bad thing? Of course not! We as Christians should be on the front lines fighting for equality, and not because that is the end goal. We should fight for equality because we understand that each of us is equally and totally dependent on God’s salvation for our very lives.

There are certain “buzzwords” used in our culture that appear to be morally and compassionately motivated, however we need to understand them and view them through the lens of Scripture. Equality is, can I say, an easy one. However, there are other terms that are not so apparent at first glance. We will continue this discussion more in the next few posts.

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