Twice in the Book of Romans, once in Romans 3:22,23, and once in Romans 10:12,13, God uses the phrase,Β βThere is no difference.β
βTHERE IS NO DIFFERENCE: FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.β
Must we not all bow our heads in shame and admit that the indictment is true? Must we not acknowledge that our condemnation is just? There may, indeed, be differences as to the nature or the degree of our sins, but inΒ thisΒ there is no difference: that weΒ allΒ haveΒ sinned. And a just and holy GodΒ mustΒ condemn sin.
It is refreshing, however, to find the phrase used a second time in connection with salvation. Again religious Jews as well as godless Gentiles are included, but this time, how gracious the declaration!
βFOR THERE IS NO DIFFERENCEβ¦FOR THE SAME LORD OVER ALL IS RICH UNTO ALL THAT CALL UPON HIM. FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED!β
In the matter of sin, God cannot be partial. He cannot be lenient with certain classes or groups whose advantages have been greater.Β AllΒ have sinned, andΒ allΒ must stand condemned.
But neither does He show partiality in the matter of salvation. The rich or cultured or religious are not preferred before others. The illiterate or immoral are not excluded. The Law condemns all, but Christ died to save all, that we might be βjustified freely by His grace.β
Friend, are you saved? Are you right with God? You can never hope to be accepted if you approach Him in your own merits, but if you come in the merits of Him who bore your sins, you cannot be turned away. source
