Romans 10:12-13: For There Is No Distinction Between Jew And Greek; For The Same Lord Is Lord Of All

Romans 10:12–13
[12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. [13] For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (ESV)

For you and I reading this verse we likely do not catch just how controversial it might have been for some of Paul's original readers. The Jews would likely have had some concerns. They were taught from a very early age that there was very great distinction between Jew and Greek. There were physical distinctions and spiritual distinctions.

An uncomfortable topic of circumcision comes to mind. Clearly, the Jews were very distinct from every other people group on earth in that they alone demanded that every single Jewish male be circumcised. Again, for us today we think of circumcision as primarily a medical choice that people make for their male children; some in favor of it, some not. It was far more than that for Jews.

Spiritually, the Jews were the recipients of the Law from God himself. They valued that above everything. It was having the Law of God that separated the Jews from all of the godless, heathen nations around them. Now, Paul is telling them that this distinction has found an end in the finished work of the cross of Calvary. Jews and Gentiles look to the Law's fulfillment together in Christ.

We need to recognize that the distinction that is important is not whether we are Jew or Gentile, but rather whether or not we are a child of God. That distinction is available for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord. In this way God gets all the glory because he is the one who has made it possible for us to be saved.

Are you hanging on to distinctions that separate you from others who also love the Lord? That kind of distinction needs to stop. We are one body. We are not divided. Strive to love your brother and sister in the Lord, regardless of differences.