RACISM, PREJUDICE, AND THE BIBLE
Most Americans are somewhat familiar with the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps, the lines we remember best are the following: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
In view of recent, tragic killings in our nation—all the killings—one might wonder if some have forgotten that “all are created equal.” We need to be reminded.
God’s Word teaches that we all have common origins. The first man was Adam (I Corinthians 15:45); the first woman was named Eve because she would be the “mother of all living” (Genesis 3:20). All people have descended from the first man and woman. Paul stated that God made of “one blood” all nations of men to dwell on the earth (Acts 17:26). That we are all of “one blood” indicates that we have common origins.
It was not until the time of Genesis chapter 11 that different languages and nationalities developed (Genesis 11:1-9). God caused the people of that day to be scattered upon the earth, and He confused their language. However, it was never God’s intention for men to begin discriminating against one another. Rather, God commanded His people to love their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18).
Not only does the Bible teach that we have common origins, but also that we have a common fall. Scripture reveals that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Red, yellow, black or white, all have sinned and need the forgiveness of God.
The Bible makes it clear that God loves all and sent His Son to die for all (John 3:16). Therefore, there is equal opportunity for all to be saved. Paul wrote: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26-28). This text shows what is taught throughout the Bible: that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35). Since God does not show partiality, neither should we.
Racism and prejudice are ugly and sinful before God. James set the record straight when he wrote, “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” (James 2:9). Yes, prejudice is a “sin!”
Let us resolve to love and respect all people everywhere, recognizing that each has been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Further, God’s people everywhere should pray for our country that we might turn to God before it is too late.
