GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Acts 10:34-35

Key Verse: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34)

Supporting Texts: Romans 2:11; Galatians 3:28; James 2:1-9; John 3:16; Revelation 7:9

Description: God’s love, salvation, and blessings are available to all people, regardless of race, status, or background.

INTRODUCTION:
When Peter entered the house of Cornelius, a Gentile, he witnessed something that changed his understanding of God’s character forever. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles revealed that the gospel is not limited to the Jews alone but is meant for every nation and tribe.

God does not discriminate or show partiality based on race, status, gender, or background. His love is impartial, and His grace is universal. Through Christ, all barriers are broken down, and everyone who believes can receive forgiveness, salvation, and the Holy Spirit.

The revelation that “God is no respecter of persons” reminds us that divine favour and acceptance are not earned by position or privilege but by faith and obedience. It calls the Church to love, include, and reach out to all people without prejudice.

1. GOD’S LOVE AND SALVATION ARE UNIVERSAL
God’s plan of redemption is inclusive; His mercy reaches every tribe, tongue, and people.

a) God’s love embraces all humanity (John 3:16): The gift of Jesus Christ is proof that God’s love extends to the entire world, not a select few.

b) Salvation is available to all who believe (Romans 10:12-13):
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile; whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

c) The gospel breaks cultural and racial barriers (Ephesians 2:14-16): Through Christ, all dividing walls are torn down, making all believers one body in Him.

d) Heaven welcomes all nations (Revelation 7:9): The redeemed from every tribe and language stand before God’s throne in worship.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-29) experienced salvation despite social and racial prejudice, showing that God’s love transcends boundaries.

2. GOD’S ACCEPTANCE IS BASED ON FAITH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS, NOT STATUS
God does not accept people based on their wealth, position, or appearance but on the sincerity of their hearts.

a) God sees the heart, not outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7): Human judgment is shallow, but God’s acceptance depends on inner righteousness.

b) Faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6): Regardless of background, anyone who comes to God in faith receives His favour.

c) Obedience validates faith (Acts 10:35): Peter declared that in every nation, those who fear God and do righteousness are accepted by Him.

d) God’s grace overrides human traditions (Mark 7:8-9): God’s mercy is not confined to religious systems but flows where faith is genuine.

Biblical Example: Rahab the harlot (Joshua 2:1-11; Hebrews 11:31) was accepted by God and became part of Christ’s lineage because of her faith and obedience, not her background.

3. GOD REJECTS PARTIALITY AND PREJUDICE
Showing favouritism contradicts God’s nature and the spirit of the gospel.

a) Partiality is sin (James 2:1-9): To show respect of persons is to sin against God’s law of love.

b) God judges all without bias (Romans 2:11): His justice is perfect; everyone is accountable according to their deeds.

c) The Church must reflect divine impartiality (Galatians 3:28): In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, male nor female; all are one in Him.

d) The Holy Spirit unites believers beyond differences (1 Corinthians 12:13): All are baptized into one body by one Spirit, regardless of background or status.

Biblical Example: Jesus broke cultural prejudice by touching lepers (Mark 1:40-42) and dining with sinners, proving that God’s mercy is not restricted by social boundaries.

4. THE GOSPEL MUST BE PREACHED TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION
The Church is called to carry the message of salvation to every corner of the earth, without bias or fear.

a) The Great Commission is for all nations (Matthew 28:19-20):
Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations, showing God’s inclusive plan.

b) The Holy Spirit empowers global evangelism (Acts 1:8):
Believers are equipped to reach diverse groups, from their local communities to the ends of the earth.

c) The Church must overcome cultural barriers (Acts 10:28): Peter’s obedience to visit Cornelius broke long-standing Jewish taboos and opened the door for Gentile inclusion.

d) Revival comes when the Church embraces diversity (Acts 11:18-21): When believers welcomed the Gentiles, the Church expanded rapidly with great joy.

Biblical Example: Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-39) demonstrated that the gospel is for everyone who seeks truth, regardless of origin.

CONCLUSION:
The revelation that God is no respecter of persons must shape how we see others and how we minister the gospel. God’s grace is available to all who believe, without bias or restriction. True Christianity breaks cultural, racial, and social barriers, replacing them with love, faith, and unity in Christ.

Let every believer reflect the heart of God by walking in love, humility, and fairness. We are all equal before God, and His mercy extends to everyone who fears Him and does what is right.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for revealing that You are impartial and loving toward all.
2. Lord, cleanse my heart from every trace of prejudice and pride.
3. Help me to see others through Your eyes of love and grace.
4. O Lord, let the spirit of unity reign in the Church of Christ.
5. Empower me to reach out to all people with the gospel message.
6. Let Your love break every wall of division in families and communities.
7. Father, raise a generation that values righteousness above status.
8. Holy Spirit, guide the Church to embrace every nation and culture with Your truth.
9. Let my life reflect Your character of fairness and mercy.
10. Lord, use me as an instrument of reconciliation and peace.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall be a vessel of divine love to all people!
2. Every wall of prejudice and division around you is coming down!
3. You shall be used by God to bring unity where there is strife!
4. The favour of God shall locate you regardless of background or status!
5. Your family shall be a testimony of God’s inclusive grace!
6. You shall see open doors to reach nations for Christ!
7. God’s acceptance shall silence every rejection in your life!
8. The spirit of love and fairness shall govern your relationships!
9. You shall be known as a bridge-builder in the kingdom of God!
10. Wherever you go, God’s impartial favour shall speak for you!