Biblical DEI – Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is heralded as a system for promoting the fair treatment of people. Humanly defined DEI is based in political and social theories that are contrary to Christianity. The Bible addresses diversity, equity and inclusion in the message of salvation. Consider inclusion.

God’s law is inclusive. It was given through Moses and the Jewish people, but obedience to it is required of all people on earth. When the law was given, God said, “There shall be one law for the native (Jew) and for the stranger who sojourns among you (gentiles who follow God) (Exodus 12:49). The law gives the details of how we love God “with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Unfortunately, man has an all-inclusive sin nature causing all to fail at keeping God’s law. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). When God looked on the people of the earth He concluded, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one” (Romans 3:10-12).

The result of our breaking God’s law is death. “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Death is both physical and spiritual. Physical death is separation of our spirit from our body. Spiritual death is separation of our spirit from the presence of God. The place in eternity that is outside of the presence of God is hell.

Romans 6:23 does not end with what all people deserve, but with God’s gracious provision for all to avoid hell – “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Eternal life is spending eternity in the presence of God, serving and worshiping Him forever.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that Jesus “died for our sins, once and for all, a righteous person on behalf of unrighteous people, so that He might bring you into the presence of God.” God’s eternal plan was that Jesus would die for the sins of all people. All have the opportunity to believe in what He did for us, and receive forgiveness for their sins and obtain eternal life.

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved…. everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-13).

While all people may experience God’s grace, mercy and eternal life, they must embrace it individually. There is no collective salvation. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).