Have you ever tried to explain to a non christian that all men are created equal?
I did not get a chance to explain, this bloke (that's Aussie for guy) asked what world do I live in.
John
All Men Are Created Equal
Discussion in '2000-02 Archive' started by g'day mate, Oct 23, 2002.
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It depends on how you mean that.
For instance, I don't believe that all men are created equal.
Some are apostles, some teachers, some ministers.
Some have the word of wisdom; some have the word of knowledge.
For the body is one, but has many members; and each member does as the ability which God giveth, that Christ Jesus may be glorified in all things. -
We are equal in that God is not a 'respecter of persons.' He is not impressed by the things that often impress us, like natural beauty or intelligence.
We are equally loved by our Creator.
We are, however, created unique and different from each other, and gifted with different talents and such.
Different is not the same as unequal as general categories, however.
Hope that helps a little. -
Abraham Lincoln 3:16
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that....all men are created equal............."
The words are not repeated in scripture.
Cheers,
Jim
(Another bloke from over 'ome) -
Lincoln was quoting Thomas Jefferson, from the Declaration of Independence:
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Understanding the question at the beginning, it really is important to see if the Bible has anything to say about this kind of thing. Here are some verses that do seem to speak to the subject:
Acts 10:34-35 -- Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right."
Romans 2:9-11 -- There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.
Ephesians 6:9 -- And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Colossians 3:25 -- Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
In Genesis 9, the murder of a human being of any sort must be answered by the putting to death of the murderer because man -- every man -- is created in the image of God.
Thus, there is a core and foundation meaning involved in the concept that we were created equal.
However, again, we are each unique, and certainly not 'equal' in the various talents and gifts we have been given. However we are equally responsible for the way in which we used them!