Everyone is talking about racism, but did you know the word, “racism”, is a misnomer? The very concept that multiple human races exist is false. It finds its origin in the slave trade of the pre-colonial era and found widespread acceptance with the theory of Darwinian evolution. Every man is part of the one “blood” created by God at the foundation of the world. Only eight souls stepped off the ark, according to the historical record, and Apostle Paul confirms that only one race exists (Acts 17:26; 1 Pet. 3:20). However, multiple nations (ethnicities), do exist, and each carry distinct differences in external features. These characteristics, including skin color, are unalterable and inherent, as God stated through the prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 13:23). Jesus foretold that clashes between nations will be a prominent sign of the last days (Matt. 24:7). We are witnessing some of this prophesied conflict play out today.

      In spite of differences between ethnicities, all men have the same problem in common, which is sin. The Bible tells us, “all have sinned and fall short”, and “none is righteous, no, not one” (Rom. 3:10, 23). We also have the same solution in common, which is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is clearly taught in Scripture (cf. Rom. 1:14, 16; 3:9; Gal. 3:28). Therefore, it makes no godly sense to divide and splinter the Body of Christ on the basis of external features. 

     Apostle John affirmed that people of every “tribe” will inherit salvation, and praise God in unison to the glory of the Lamb slain for the world’s sin (Rev. 7:9 – 10). It should also be noted that Apostle Paul condemned the racism and segregationist practices of Apostle Peter (Gal. 2:11 – 14). The fact that even a Spirit-led apostle of Christ could fall victim to a wicked and exclusionary mindset shows its deep pervasiveness in this evil age. If sanctified believers are susceptible to racism, what more the sinful world?

      As the world seeks to divide itself along “racial” lines, Christians must not take the bait. Disparaging or belittling any ethnic group does not please God. Emphasizing our differences does not please God. Rather than focusing on these things, God expects that we find commonality in the gospel of his Son. To fault some because of “white privilege”, or exclude some others because of dark skin color, plays directly into Satan’s hands. It only causes further division.

     God knew exactly what he was doing when he created each one of us, and we will maintain those identifiable features in the resurrection body, at the fullness of the age. Jesus was not raised from the dead as a yellow Chinese man, a black Nigerian, a red Cherokee, or even a white European. He also was not raised, “race-less”. He was, and forever remains, a Jew (2 Tim. 2:8). Let us, therefore, honor God in this evil age by accepting and fellowshipping everyone in Christ as they are (Gal. 6:10). Let us also seek and pray for peace on earth and goodwill among men. –

 

      Michael Hildreth is a Christian Counselor in Abilene, TX.