In Malachi 2:9 specific mention is made concerning the priest being ‘partial in the law’ or ‘partiality in your instruction’ (ESV, NET). In what way this partiality was being manifested is not divulged. Obviously, there were multiple ways from priest to priest. The partiality could have been in the instruction of the law. Thus they were teaching some parts of the Mosaic Law while ignoring other parts or it could have been in the application of the law. In the application of the law, one can imagine a scenario in which the ‘junk’ sacrifice of the rich is acceptable while a poor person brings the same kind of sacrifice to the altar and he is instructed in the law. What is relevant for us today is the way the same thing can occur in a church today. Here are a few possible example for the 21st century:
Faith in Christ is taught, but repentance toward God is never mentioned
Grace is emphasized, but any form of church discipline is completely absent
Smoking is sin, but the preacher’s overeating can be ignored
Homosexuality is the deadly sin, but references to heterosexual adultery are avoided
Jesus is presented as Savior on a regular basis, but his LORDSHIP is missing
Salvation in Christ is preached, but denying oneself and taking up a cross to follow Jesus might offend someone
The LGBT movement is nailed, but heterosexual cohabitation is swept under the pulpit rug
God is fine, but the Creator God who made all things in six days is never mentioned
Being generous to the Salvation Army’s red bucket is encouraged, but instruction in tithing to the local church might turn someone off
God’s love is the constant message, but His abiding wrath against sin simply isn't politically correct anymore
Church attendance is fine, but a formal commitment to a single body of believers led by shepherds who care for your soul seems a bit too much
Adultery is sin, but window shopping is what everyone does…right?
Man’s freewill is emphasized, but God’s Sovereignty is gone
The sin of the rich is ignored, while the sin of the poor is hammered
The existence of Jesus is good, but his exclusivity cannot be tolerated
The Bible contains truth, but it can’t be the single source of revelation from God
