Hot topic #3: Race

Race and ethnicity are important topics in today’s world, often leading to division, prejudice, and injustice. However, the Bible provides a clear and consistent message: all people are created by God, equally valuable, and deserving of love and respect. The gospel of Jesus Christ unites believers of every background into one family.

1. All People Are Created in God’s Image

The Bible teaches that every human being, regardless of race or ethnicity, is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 says:

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

This means that all people have inherent dignity and worth, not because of their race or nationality, but because they reflect God’s likeness. No group is superior to another, and no one is inferior in God’s eyes.

2. Humanity Comes from One Ancestor

The Bible teaches that all people are descended from Adam and Eve, and later, from Noah and his family. Acts 17:26 affirms this:

“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

This verse reminds us that, despite different ethnic backgrounds, we are all part of the same human family. Race is not a barrier to unity because we share a common origin.

3. God’s Plan Includes All Nations

God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 was that “all the families of the earth” would be blessed through him. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came to offer salvation to every nation, tribe, and language.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 reinforces this:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

God’s kingdom is not limited to one race or ethnicity. He desires for people from every background to know Him and be part of His family.

4. Jesus Broke Down Racial Divisions

In Jesus’ time, Jews and Samaritans had deep racial and religious tensions, yet Jesus broke these barriers. He spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26), healed the servant of a Roman centurion (Luke 7:1-10), and told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) to show that love is not limited by race or nationality.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus united all believers into one spiritual family, breaking down racial hostility. Ephesians 2:14 says:

“For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in His flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”

5. The Church Is a Multi-Ethnic Family

The early church included people from many ethnic backgrounds—Jews, Greeks, Romans, Africans, and others. The Bible teaches that in Christ, racial and social distinctions do not define our identity. Galatians 3:28 says:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

This does not mean that racial and cultural differences disappear, but that they are no longer a source of division. The gospel unites people from every background into one body—the Church.

6. Heaven Will Be Filled with People from Every Race

The Bible gives a beautiful picture of heaven, where people from every nation will worship God together. Revelation 7:9 says:

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”

This shows that racial diversity is part of God’s eternal plan. Instead of being a source of division, it will be a reason for unity and worship.

7. Christians Are Called to Reject Racism and Love One Another

The Bible condemns racism, prejudice, and favoritism. James 2:9 warns:

“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”

Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31) and treat others as they would like to be treated (Luke 6:31). True faith is demonstrated by love, justice, and unity among all people.

Conclusion

The Bible makes it clear: race should never be a source of division or hatred. All people are made in God’s image, share a common ancestry, and are invited into God’s family through Jesus Christ. The Church is called to reject racism, embrace unity, and reflect the love of Christ to people of every nation and background.

In a world filled with racial tensions, Christians should be known for their love, justice, and commitment to seeing all people as God does—with dignity, value, and purpose.