I have pondered for some time as I watch our society plummet further into the power of the wicked one (1 John 5:19). I ask that readers please bear with my thoughts on this subject and consider the ramifications I am trying to articulate. There are platforms (political and social) being setup for so called racial, gender, and socioeconomic equalities which, I believe plays right into the hand of the enemy of our souls. All of those out there pretending to fight for what they believe to be a real cause really are fighting the wrong fight. People call each other race haters, race baiters, etc. etc. What is more disturbing, Christians are falling into its grasp, thus causing schism within the Body of Christ. I am not saying we should not stand up against injustices or sin. You have all the proponents (Sports, Political, Religious and Gender figure heads, etc.) setting the stage for something that I believe will bring more of a deceptive shock than resolution.
Part of the reason is that as James 2:4 states “…have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts.” I am cautious when going down this road but, enough is enough; we must have some clarity to the very evil and wicked scenarios, which calls for these equalities. You have the (race, gender, socioeconomic, etc.) equality movements that want all things equal. God “…made of one blood, all nations of men…and determined the times before appointed, and bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26) in other words there are limits. You have the social injustices against people of different ethnicity, etc. You have all the popular figure heads, political and religious and many are seeking what they deem peace. The question that has not been answered is what does equality look or feel like, and who determines the boundaries, etc? These are simple questions and leaders of these various social distinctions are avoiding the very solution that has already been given!
I begin with conversations about race that simply should be held within the biblical framework of the image of God on the one hand and depravity (fallen nature) on the other. Even though race as a social construct has meaning, the most important racial category for Christians is being part of God’s chosen race. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” To be a “chosen race” means to be called to faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit through Grace. God in one regard distinguishes between two ‘races’ of humanity—the redeemed and the unredeemed (or Adam and Christ). These races are not determined by skin color, but by belief. Those who by faith accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can have eternal life that is freely offered through grace. Believers must engage in dialogue about race with the goal of presenting the gospel to people who are still of the unredeemed world. Those who reject the gospel of Jesus Christ will be eternally separated from God and left to the devastating effects of their unbelief.
This is a small perspective that I hope brings some clarity and stops the madness that is going on that is leading many on a “…broad road which leads to destruction.” What we need is “Truth” which can only come by way of the Lord and Bishop of our souls, Jesus Christ. It is very easy to point out (if Christians true to the faith) would realize, is God our creator solved this problem over 2000 years ago by the Cross of Jesus Christ. Now to make it clear, during the first century culture was deeply divided along lines of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender, even within the “church.” Here is a quote from a teacher at Wesley Theological Seminary “…to fight in the struggle against racism will mean forming coalitions across religious and political communities. Alliances with Muslims and Jews, atheists and anarchists, may be difficult and complex. But Christians need partnerships not only to protest and plan marches but also for the grueling daily work of racial justice: seeking criminal justice and immigration reform, police accountability, education equality.” So, forming these ungodly alliances will help solve this problem? Just note, the Bible states “Though they join forces, the wicked shall not go unpunished…” (Proverbs 11:21) The Apostle Paul made very clear by the Spirit of the living God that “We are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28) for those who have been called by God and have properly responded, social distinctions – whether national/racial, conditional/financial, or gender – recede, even disappear. The unifying element is the righteousness of Christ, which the Christian puts on and begins to emulate once they repent and confess their need for a Savior. Romans 10:12 points out that after justification, we have the same Lord and Master, and He is rich in His gifts (grace, mercy, talents, blessings, etc.) to all, not just a certain class, culture or skin color of people!
The racial move for equality today, in my opinion, is unbiblical! Why? Because racism is a social construct (which when asked to define is very difficult) and the common definition given is by “the color” of a person’s skin. When most people think of race, they immediately picture skin color. Race is also associated with other physical features such as hair, body type, lip size, and nose shape. In America, the concept of race has been used to divide and oppress. By the 1600s, modern black slavery had become the norm in Europe. Several countries had established slave markets on the west coast of Africa. These ports began shipping millions of Africans to North and South America. Skin color proved to be an easy trait to differentiate between slave owners and slaves. Even after slavery was abolished, race served as a cultural and social barrier between people of African and Anglo descent. The close association between race and discrimination is a central storyline in the American narrative.
Scripture teaches us that all human beings are created in the image of God. The image of God in all people makes them equally worthy of dignity in the sight of God. Racism not only disregards obvious facts but it also, more importantly, is a direct assault on the image of God in humanity. The problem is there is only one race, and that is defined as “Human Race.” God condemned any kind of separation based on the premise (of racism or discrimination). In (Numbers 12:1-2) God struck Miriam with leprosy because she had spoken against Moses because of the Cushite woman he married! God dealt with Peter who had a huge problem with the gentiles, and God gave him a vision (Acts 10) that basically told Peter not to call something common that God Himself had cleansed!
These are just a few examples of the zero tolerance God had for this issue. One-way sin manifests itself is in racism. Racism is one form of pride, which is sin. Human pride is an effort to exalt oneself over God and others. In other words, if sin exist this issue of inequality revolving around race, gender, etc. will exist. Now some would even respond and say that these inequalities are based on these very principles I just described, because it is an injustice and many Christians are acting based on them. However, the one problem is this division can only be solved in Jesus Christ and the world unfortunately is not accepting this. If people aren’t accepting Christ, then there can be no reconciliation! If you look at each movement, Jesus is not found in those conversations, and if it comes up in any religious conversation, it is usually in an ecumenical setting! If Jesus is brought up in truth, then more than likely the individual proposing Christ as a solution with repentance is rejected.
The other thing created are barriers of communication between men and the God ordained cultures that were naturally inhabited when He separated men at the Tower of Babel. In the book of Genesis chapter 11:1-9, “The whole earth had one language and one speech.” However, as the Lord looked down he saw what men had done and how they were of one accord and how nothing will be outside of their “sinful” nature to do! So, he came down and separated them by the color of their skin? No! He confused their language (emphasis mine) and they went on to inhabit different parts of the earth (today we have cultures which stemmed from this separation). From this point “…the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.”
What you have today is simply a move back to the days of the Tower of Babel, a strive for equality where men now can be put on an equal playing field and can achieve anything within their “sinful” ways. This is divisive and a big deception. Yes, we have inequalities in America, in the land I live in as a “black” minority. Me getting up on some social platform to proclaim we need equality as a minority goes against the very Gospel I believe in. As I look over the last 50 years, it has gotten worse, because more and more demands are created, and sinful man uses it to gain an advantage in a world where tolerance is being redefined.
My social division issue has been solved in Jesus Christ! Yes, I know the previous is a typical statement that a Christian would make. But, to do anything or believe anything outside of the Word of God would be disastrous. I have well-meaning brothers/sisters in the Lord who have gone down this wrong road and ideal. It will solve nothing, but it will lead to the one who will be stepping on the stage and bring a proposed resolution to the inequalities we now are struggling with. This one will bring a false unity and peace. Be aware he has been cast down, that old serpent, the devil, and now “…he is going about like roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) We must be alert and sober of mind in this age where these social ideals are front and center in a world, that has cast God out and strive to become one again, which is a “vain imagination.” “He who sits in the heavens shall laugh…” (Psalm 2:4).
What’s the conclusion to the matter? As a Christian and faithful believer in Jesus Christ, real unity or equality can only be found in Christ and for this very purpose He came to die that He might reconcile all things to Himself according to our Heavenly Father’s will! The plight for equality is a road leading to destruction, and any symbols of peace can be chalked up as momentary and false! Jesus eliminated these social distinctions on the Cross, and anyone who accepts this sacrifice says the same thing as God. Then these distinctions no longer matter in Christ. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed and heir according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29) Unity comes with God’s calling and justification. We are united in our need for a Savior. We are united in our acceptance of His blood for the remission of our sins. We are united through common experience: We all recognize that the only reason we have physical or spiritual life is because of God’s grace and mercy. We are united in our receipt of God’s gifts, when all we have earned or deserve is death. We are not united based on a movement or an ideal!
When we recognize that the playing field has been completely leveled in Jesus, and that we all had/have a debt impossible to pay, there is no room for boasting about race, gender, or our socioeconomic status, etc. There are different roles and responsibilities, because God gives His gifts as He sees fit and some people receive more talents than others. But no Christian is inherently better than another for we all have received Eternal life and on that day if you so choose this narrow way, you will see firsthand …”a great multitude which no one could number, of all tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10) This is the perfect picture, and this is wisdom, let him who reads take heed, that you may be found worthy to escape all these things that shall and already has come upon the earth.