Questioner

God shows no partiality, yet He has elected some, and not others?

Answer

In 1 Tim 5:21 God tells the church not to show partiality when the elders judge, or make decisions. The context is that they are not to prejudge or show personal preference, but judge on the true qualifications and what is in the hearts of the people and not the externals.  In James 3:17, God again commands us not to show partiality, that is, making unfair distinctions.

So God will never prejudge or make unfair distinctions about anyone, but will always be impartial, judging and taking action only based on what the person truly deserves. That is why He can send some to Heaven and some to Hell. Those who love and adore Christ go to heaven, whereas those that hate the Son are cast into hell.

When it comes to election, all men and women were guilty of rebellion against God, so God would show no partiality be sending them all to hell, because they all deserved that because of their wicked hearts. The fact that He "chose" some was pure Grace, and nothing to do with favoritism, for we are told that, "God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one" [Psalm 53:2-3].

Therefore, it was an impartial choice of God, and not based on our looks, or personality, or whatever.

God did not create all men and women equal, some are more attractive, or stronger, or smarter, or born in a wealthier family, or healthier, etc. God is a sovereign God and can do what He wants at any time and never can violate His holiness and righteousness, so what may appear to our puny finite brains to be "partiality" is not the real case with the infinite God.

Also, ask the ones that God has not elected, the non-elect unbeliever, and see if they care? They will tell you it doesn't matter to them because they don't want to be Christians, because they love their sin. God can be impartial and elect those who will be His because it is His sovereign free-will choice.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "Tony Capoccia's Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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Email: tony@biblebb.com
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