CHRISTIANS AND RACISM
Racism strikes at the doctrine of creation itself. From the opening pages of Scripture we are told that God created mankind in His own image—male and female, bearing His likeness and His dignity (Genesis 1:27). Before there were nations, accents, or skin tones, there was the image of God stamped upon humanity. To despise another human being because of race is to insult the Creator whose likeness they carry. Christians cannot claim to honor God while scorning His workmanship.
Racism also contradicts the work of Christ at the cross. Paul teaches that Jesus Himself is our peace, the One who tore down the dividing wall that separated hostile groups, making one new humanity through His sacrifice (Ephesians 2:14-16). The cross does not merely forgive individual sinners; it reconciles enemies. When believers cling to racial resentment, they attempt to rebuild walls Christ already demolished with His own blood.
James brings the issue uncomfortably close to home. He warns believers not to hold the faith of Jesus Christ while showing partiality, calling such behavior sinful and self-condemning (James 2:1-4, 9). Favoritism—whether based on wealth, status, or race—has no place in a church shaped by grace. Racism is not a “secondary issue”; it is a violation of love, and love is the law Christ fulfilled and commanded us to live out.
Paul presses the truth further when he writes that in the new life Christ gives, there is no room for ethnic pride or cultural hierarchy; Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11). Our truest identity is not found in heritage or background but in belonging to Jesus. Any identity that competes with that allegiance becomes an idol, and racism often disguises itself as loyalty while quietly denying the lordship of Christ.
The Bible closes with a vision that leaves no room for racial supremacy. John sees a multitude no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing together before the throne and before the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). Heaven is not uniform; it is gloriously diverse and perfectly united in worship. The church on earth is called to rehearse that future now—to live as a preview of the kingdom that is coming.
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Lord Jesus, humble our hearts and strip away every form of pride. Teach us to love as You love, to see Your image in every person, and to live now in light of the kingdom You are bringing. Make Your church a clear witness of Your reconciling grace. Amen.
BDD
