There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Summary: In this passage, Paul makes an astounding claim. God doesn’t see differences between people like we do. So what does God see?
What does Paul mean by saying we are “all one in Christ Jesus?”
Paul is an apostle of the Lord Jesus. As he writes in the first part of his letter, he did not invent what he tells us out of his own thoughts. Instead, he says, “I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12). So maybe the proper way to phrase the question is, “What does God mean by saying that we are ‘all one in Christ Jesus?’”
If we accept the latter as true (and I believe that acceptance of God’s Word as true is essential), then Jesus’ point of view is “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female.”
From heaven’s perspective, God does not distinguish between classes of people. Nobody gets a better seat in heaven because they were born Jewish, free, or male.
Instead, God looks at the heart. He is looking for a child-like spirit (Mark 10:15). He looks for the humble, the repentant, the meek, those who seek righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers (Matthew 5: 3-9). And he looks for those willing to be persecuted because of righteousness (Matthew 5:10).
This is a short list on an infinitely long topic, but God’s measuring stick has nothing to do with worldly priorities.
We humans look at other people and evaluate them based on appearances. Is that person we see in the grocery store from a good home, or are they homeless? Do they share my views and values, or are they “one of those?” Is the executive in the suite a good person? Is the suspicious-looking street vendor a bad one?
In his gospel account, Mark tells the story of the time when the disciples were arguing about which one of them was the greatest (Mark 9: 33-34). Aside from the fact that Jesus is God and he “knows” things they apparently hung back along the road and quietly argued about which of them was the best.
When Jesus calls them out on this, they “kept quiet” like the proverbial kid with his hand in the cookie jar. Nobody said a word. Then Jesus called them to him and explained how things work in God’s kingdom. He said:
“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
Oops.
That wasn’t the answer that they wanted to hear.
Application: Consider the position you are striving for in heaven and act accordingly.
Food for Thought: How does being “one in Christ Jesus” relate to being “clothed … with Christ?” (Gal 3:27)
I think they are closely connected. Being one in Christ and being clothed with Christ is something that describes someone who has put their faith in Christ for salvation.
Being clothed with Christ brings the knowledge and understanding that we are all one in Christ. Being clothed with Christ removes human distinctions and prejudices and brings acceptance that all are equal at the foot of the cross.
Nicely said, Rich!
I like the comment that “being clothed in Christ removes human distinctions and prejudices.” It truly does!
Great response from Rich this morning.
Being clothed in Christ also means that we emulate Him, and when people look at us, that is who they see. That the light that shines from within us overcomes the darkness around us, so that any “hang-ups,” perceived or actual, dissipate and others can see the love of Christ within us. They will see this in how we talk, and act, and treat others. If we are all clothed in Christ, then we are all one in Christ.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Philippians 2:2 Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Chris,
You make a great point. In fact, that is the foundation of “style.” If I want to look “cool” (Well, okay … I’m probably beyond that …) I dress like the Cool People.
If we want to be like Jesus, then we “put on” Jesus and act like him, too.
How does being “one in Christ Jesus” relate to being “clothed … with Christ?” Galatians 3:27
Romans 13:13-14, Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
We are all spiritual beings placed in, confined within physical bodies by God. As non believers, we live a life with our bodies being in control of our every action. As believers we are called to put on, submit to Christ as we display by our actions, what He has done for us. We are called to “put on, submit to and display the character qualities and virtues that reflect our new identity as children of God.” We pursue this calling anticipating the day when we will be separated from these mortal bodies and become the life in our resurrected bodies that will fully reflect Christ’s own resurrected body.
Ephesians 4:22-24, that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Colossians 3:12, Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience”.
1 Corinthians 15:53, Paul explains that “this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality”
Thank you, Ron!
I love your emphasis on our spiritual nature being in a physical body. Certainly, being “one with Christ” means we are going to reflect his nature. I suppose when we are clothed in Christ we put on Christ, in effect, submitting our wills to His will.
I certainly agree Brother!
Ron