What Does The Bible Say About... Systemic Racism
We first published this article on, March 24, 2021. We believe it would be a good time to republish this material as we are hearing more and more about America having a systemic race problem. This attack is being used by activist and politicians in an attempt to silence and (cancel) anyone who opposes their views. We must present the truth and oppose all forms of racism as God’s word condemns such.
If we want to learn the truth on any consequential matter, we must turn to the Bible. It never changes with the times or culture. It is The Absolute Truth. It’s never subject to one’s opinion or interpretation (cf. 2 Peter 1:20-21). It is the same today as it was 2,000 years ago or 2,000 years from now —on to infinity.
The holy book of God, the New Testament particularly, condemns every sin. The world does not count these things as sinful (detrimental to one’s soul) but it does not change the truth of it.
We begin at this place to examine some of the many systemic corruptions in the world. They are ALL diabolic transgressions of what is true and holy. Each and every one will cause you to lose your soul and be cast out into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels (cf. Matt. 25:41; 22:1-14) — unless you repent.
Racism Defined
Racism is defined as: “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized.” It is “the belief that different races possess distinct characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to distinguish them as inferior or superior to one another.” Let us put it in simple terms. If we refuse to vote for someone because of the color of their skin AND/OR, if we vote for someone because of the color of their skin, that’s racism. Racism represses, restrains, curbs, those of a certain race AND/OR, it promotes, champions, elevates, those of a certain race. The wickedness of racism cuts both ways!
Racism Is Sinful
God’s word is clear and plain — Those who think they are superior to others do not please God and never will —unless they repent of it in their heart. A change in practice follows repentance. We ought to have the mind-set and attitude like that of a little child.
The apostle Peter announced a great truth at the house of Cornelius when he said, “...Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:3435). Romans 2:11, “For there is no respect of persons with God.” Romans 10:12, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” Galatians 2:6, “God accepteth no man’s person.” Ephesians 6:9, “And, ye masters, ...forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.” Colossians 3:25, “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” James 2:8-9, “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” 1 Peter 1:17, “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work .... ”
The Human Race
Every person on the planet is of the human race. To not count all men equal is racist. Every person has a soul created in the image of God. That soul will one day stand before the judge of all the earth and give account of their life, no matter how they’ve lived and no matter what their ethnic origin. We all came from the same source — Adam and Eve (Gen. 1:2628). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). The judge of all the earth will do right (Gen. 18:25).
God Is Color Blind
As his people, we are color blind also. It is man who makes distinction between races, not God. By what reasoning or logic can one race say to another, ours is superior to yours? There’s no such thing! It’s absurd. What color was Adam and Eve? That’s a silly and irrelevant question. Every human being on the planet came from that one source. God did not make different races to populate the earth. He only made one human pair. Read heaven’s words in Acts 17:24-27, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.”
What Color Was Noah?
When humankind corrupted themselves to such a degree they could not be tolerated any longer (Gen. 6:5), God destroyed the entire earth with a global flood. However, Noah found favor (grace) in the eyes of God (Gen. 6:8). Only one human family was spared. When Noah and his wife, along with his three sons and their wives (eight people all together) stepped off the ark, “God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Gen. 9:1). As it did with Adam and Eve, the population of the earth today came from Noah. What color was he? That’s a moot question — immaterial. What difference does it make? None.
Every Human Being Has A Soul
Systemic racism is man-made. It is evil. The answer to racism is not found in a law made by man. The real answer is to go to the Bible and follow the teaching of the New Testament. As the foundation of society is the home, it’s in the home where refuting racism is going to be found. When right and proper teaching is grounded in the principles of righteousness, society will reflect it and racism will disappear. When righteousness is abandoned, society will be filled with corruption — just as we see it in the world today.
You Have A Choice
What will it be? If you keep looking for the answer in the wrong place, you’ll never find it. The answer is heaven made. It’s in the Bible.
Have You Obeyed The Gospel Of Jesus Christ?
It is our sincere desire and prayer that you obey the gospel today and be saved. Remember the words of Jesus, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).
The Gospel Of Jesus Christ Is His Power
8nto Salvation
If you are not a Christian you can be by obeying the gospel. Jesus says, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Paul said; “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). The words of Jesus teach us that to become a Christian one must:
• Hear the gospel (John 6:44-45)
• Believe in Jesus as the Christ (John 8:24) • Repent of all sins (Luke 13:3)
• Confess Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:32-33) • And be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16) • After baptism remain faithful to God.
(Matthew 10:22)
If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain and we will hear Him say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Let us go back to the Bible, back to Christ and His church and do exactly what He commanded. Please let us help you in your obedience to the gospel before it is eternally too late.
[This material is presented by the members of the Northside church of Christ - 700 Jolly Road, NW - Calhoun, Georgia 30701. If you would like to have a Bible Study or discuss this subject further please contact one of our elders; Kent Bailey at 706-629-6111 - Ron Hall at 770-548-3167 - Eddie Jones at 706-264-2651]