Are All Men Created Equal?
Some people seem to think that the Bible teaches that racism is an acceptable ideal for Christians. But is it? What does GOD say?
How did the races come about? Some say that it was because of Cain’s sin and the mark God placed on him. But if that were so then why so many different races? Why not just two? And wouldn’t his race be destroyed in the flood?
Remember there were only 8 people on the ark and Noah and his wife were the parents of three of the remaining 6 so where did all the races come from? I think if we study the Bible for the answer to this we can find it. Let us look at what happened just after the flood. After the flood is the first mention of there being nations. It reads as follows:
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. Genesis 10:5
These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations. Genesis 10:20
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Genesis 10:31-32
This was just before the construction of the tower of Babel.
After they began building the tower, and God saw that they were not following His instructions about spreading out (Gen. 9:1&7) He changed their languages so they could not continue building and would separate as He had told them to. (Gen. 11:6-8). So here is where we see a division of people into languages. They all had the same ancestors, Noah, his wife and his sons and their wives. They were all equal except their languages were different.
One reason people believe that it is okay to be a racist is based on how God instructed the Israelites in dealing with the nations that they came into contact with in the Exodus travel from Egypt to Canaan. Let us look at what the Bible tells us about this subject and see if what is taught agrees with the Bible. First what did God say about his people as being special?
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Deut. 7:6
for thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deut. 14:2
And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day. Deut. 4:37-38
For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations,but they shall not reign over thee. Deut. 15:6
Why did God make promises to these people above the other nations? Were they better than the other nations? Were they a better race? They descended from Abraham so if we look back at what God originally promised Abraham we may be able to find some indication as to why they were so favored.
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:18-19
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:18
So God saw that Abraham’s descendants would follow in their fathers footsteps of obeying Him. Was the choice because they were a majority? Or because they were better than anyone else?
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deut. 7:6-9
God chose them because He is a promise keeper. Because He keeps His promises to those that are faithful to Him. He didn’t chose them because they were a majority but in answer to the prayer and faithfulness of Abraham.
God warned the people against the idea that they were better than the rest of the world in Deuteronomy:
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Deut. 9:4-6
It was because the nations that they replaced were wicked that the children of Israel were favored. But remember that not everyone that was a member of the other nations were destroyed. Remember that some Egyptians joined them when they left Egypt. (Ex. 12:38) and Rahab and her family were saved (Joshua 6:25). And if you read about the family of Moses you will find that his wife was a Midianite woman. (Ex. 2:15-21) and his adopted mother was an Egyptian princess (Ex. 2:1-10).
Was God’s blessing to be unconditional to the children of Israel? Would they receive His blessing no matter what they did? He did say that it would be to a thousand generations.
As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God. Deut. 8:20
When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. Deut. 18:9-13
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: Deut. 28:1
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. Leviticus 18:28
But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Deut. 28:15
Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deut. 4:6
Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. Joshua 23:12-13
Now with that last reference, what was wrong with marriages with the other nations? We see in Numbers 12:1 that Miriam and Aaron were punished by God for speaking against the mixed marriage of Moses. (Numbers 12:1) So apparently God approved of the marriage of Moses. Was it the color of their skin? Was it their inherent badness? The following texts should supply the answer:
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut. 17:17
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1 Kings 11:3-4
And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. 1 Kings 11:8
So it would seem that the problem is the religious differences that come into the family. The wives would lead them away from God and into paganism. God knows the heart and he knew that Rahab and Zipporah were not going to turn people away from God.
So why did God say that the children of Israel should not intermarry with the heathen nations? Because the heathen spouse would lead them astray.
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut. 17:17
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. Judges 3:5-6
Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. Exodus 34:15-16
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 1 Kings 11:1-6
The problem is that when a Christian marries an unbeliever what usually happens is that the unbeliever leads the Christian astray rather than being converted to Christianity. It is not the race itself that is the problem but rather the false form of worship that is the problem. It is the lack of love for the true God that the person has that is a problem. Like Adam the Christian spouse finds themselves doing things they know are wrong because of their strong affections for the other person whom they have bound themselves to in marriage.
How did God instruct His people that they should treat the people of other nations?
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Exodus 12:48-49
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: Exodus 20:10
Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 22:21
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12
Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. Leviticus 17:12
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: Leviticus 18:26
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:10
And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 23:22
And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:16
Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 24:22
And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, Leviticus 25:6
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Leviticus 25:35
And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; as ye do, so he shall do. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. Numbers 15:14-16
And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance. Numbers 15:26
Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Numbers 15:29-30
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. Deut. 5:14
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deut. 10:16-19
And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to place his name there. Deut. 16:11
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. Deut. 23:7
Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: Deut. 24:17
Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: Deut. 31:12
Now , think about this... If a nation was under the curse of God, and one person in that country were a good person and were living up to all they knew do you think God would save them? If God were going to destroy that nation would He show any special regard for one good person? Here are some texts that shed some light on that question:
And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. Joshua 6:17
And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. Genesis 18:32
Now if God saved Rahab, one good person, shouldn’t we have the same regard for one good person in a wicked nation? Shouldn’t we try to reach them for the Lord? How do you think the people of Israel treated Rahab? How do you think they should have treated her based on what we have just read of God’s instructions to the people? They were to treat her as one of their own people.
So what was the problem with the other nations that God destroyed? Why did He destroy them?
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deut. 9:4-5
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: Leviticus 18:24
When the Lord thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. Deut. 12:29-31
He warned them not to follow the forms of worship of those nations. They were wicked nations. He didn’t destroy them because they were the wrong color or the wrong language.
"But" you may say, "didn’t God tell them to kill the people of the other nations? Yes He did but was that His original plan? No, God had a different plan.
And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Exodus 23:28-31
And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: Exodus 33:2
Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Exodus 34:11
What more can we learn from the Bible about racism? The following may seem to some as though it were a change of subject but if you read this story as a whole, in context you will see that it is speaking of racism.
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and 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. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:1-48
Some try to say that this vision that Peter had was speaking of a change of dietary laws. But that is not how Peter saw it. He understood that God was repeating to him what he had already told the people in the books of Moses about how they ought to treat the stranger or the person of another race. God had not cursed the Gentiles that believed on Him. God had cleansed these honest souls by the blood of Christ. God knew their hearts.
(If this text were speaking of a change of the dietary laws then why did the New Testament writers say so much about not eating things that were strangled? -----"But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood". Acts 15:20
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts 15:29
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Acts 21:25
The unclean meats were still unclean. God never did say that the things let down in the sheet were now clean, but He directed Peter to what He had already said was clean---other people of other nations that believe on Him, like Rahab. )
Here are other New Testament texts that support this idea.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:22-24
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 3:28
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 1 Tim. 5:21
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James 2:1
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:15-16
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:33
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:11
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Leviticus 19:15
Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. Deut. 1:17
Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. Deut. 16:19
For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. 2 Samuel 14:14
Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. 2 Chron. 19:7
Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Psalm 138:6
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. Proverbs 24:23
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Proverbs 28:21
For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephes. 6:9
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Col. 3:25
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. James 2:9
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matthew 23:8
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Romans 15:11
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. Rev. 19:5
Being in the world but not of the world doesn’t mean hating everyone in the world that isn’t like us but it means not sharing in those things that the world is doing. Keep yourself from the wickedness of the world and at the same time have love for those about you that are slaves of Satan. Love your neighbor as yourself as Christ said. Feed them, clothe them, care for them but don’t worship their gods. Rather teach them about the true God and lead them to Jesus our Saviour.
What was the example of Christ? He said to love your enemies. (Matt. 5:44) He healed the servant of a Roman centurion. (Matt. 8:5-12 & Luke 7) He cast devils out of the Gergesene & Gadarene men. (Matt. 8:28 & Luke 8:26-39) He said that his brothers and sisters were those that did his will. (Matt. 12:46-50) He healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman. (Matt. 15:21-28) He healed the daughter of a Syrophenician woman. (Mark 7:26) He asked a favor of the woman at the well who was despised by the Jews. (John 4) These are just a few of the many examples Christ gave of how we should treat others. If we call ourselves Christians then we should imitate Christ.
Where will God’s people come from that will be in heaven?
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Rev. 5:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Rev. 7:9
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Rev. 14:6
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. Psalm 82:8
For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. Isaiah 66:18
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: Matthew 25:32
If what has been here presented is not sufficient evidence that we are not to practice racism than here are some more texts for the reader. And if these are not enough than there is nothing more that this writer can do for you but I pray that the Holy Spirit will impress upon your mind that Jesus died for everyone--whether they be Jew or Greek, bond or free.
Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 1 Chron. 16:24
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Psalm 67:2
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
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; Acts 17:26
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8
Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. 1 Kings 8:43
Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. 2 Chron. 6:33
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:7
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 1 Thes. 3:12
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1 Thes. 5:14-15
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 1 Tim. 4:10
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 Tim. 2:24
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus 3:2
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:17
One of the first converts to the church in the book of Acts was an Ethiopian man. I understand that to be a people of dark skin. He was converted and baptized. We are told in the Bible that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. We should love our neighbor as ourselves, what ever their color.
How did the races come about? Some say that it was because of Cain’s sin and the mark God placed on him. But if that were so then why so many different races? Why not just two? And wouldn’t his race be destroyed in the flood?
Remember there were only 8 people on the ark and Noah and his wife were the parents of three of the remaining 6 so where did all the races come from? I think if we study the Bible for the answer to this we can find it. Let us look at what happened just after the flood. After the flood is the first mention of there being nations. It reads as follows:
By these were the isles of the Gentiles divided in their lands; every one after his tongue, after their families, in their nations. Genesis 10:5
These are the sons of Ham, after their families, after their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations. Genesis 10:20
These are the sons of Shem, after their families, after their tongues, in their lands, after their nations. These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. Genesis 10:31-32
This was just before the construction of the tower of Babel.
After they began building the tower, and God saw that they were not following His instructions about spreading out (Gen. 9:1&7) He changed their languages so they could not continue building and would separate as He had told them to. (Gen. 11:6-8). So here is where we see a division of people into languages. They all had the same ancestors, Noah, his wife and his sons and their wives. They were all equal except their languages were different.
One reason people believe that it is okay to be a racist is based on how God instructed the Israelites in dealing with the nations that they came into contact with in the Exodus travel from Egypt to Canaan. Let us look at what the Bible tells us about this subject and see if what is taught agrees with the Bible. First what did God say about his people as being special?
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. Deut. 7:6
for thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deut. 14:2
And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt; To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day. Deut. 4:37-38
For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee: and thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou shalt not borrow; and thou shalt reign over many nations,but they shall not reign over thee. Deut. 15:6
Why did God make promises to these people above the other nations? Were they better than the other nations? Were they a better race? They descended from Abraham so if we look back at what God originally promised Abraham we may be able to find some indication as to why they were so favored.
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:18-19
And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. Genesis 22:18
So God saw that Abraham’s descendants would follow in their fathers footsteps of obeying Him. Was the choice because they were a majority? Or because they were better than anyone else?
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deut. 7:6-9
God chose them because He is a promise keeper. Because He keeps His promises to those that are faithful to Him. He didn’t chose them because they were a majority but in answer to the prayer and faithfulness of Abraham.
God warned the people against the idea that they were better than the rest of the world in Deuteronomy:
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Deut. 9:4-6
It was because the nations that they replaced were wicked that the children of Israel were favored. But remember that not everyone that was a member of the other nations were destroyed. Remember that some Egyptians joined them when they left Egypt. (Ex. 12:38) and Rahab and her family were saved (Joshua 6:25). And if you read about the family of Moses you will find that his wife was a Midianite woman. (Ex. 2:15-21) and his adopted mother was an Egyptian princess (Ex. 2:1-10).
Was God’s blessing to be unconditional to the children of Israel? Would they receive His blessing no matter what they did? He did say that it would be to a thousand generations.
As the nations which the Lord destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God. Deut. 8:20
When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. Deut. 18:9-13
And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: Deut. 28:1
That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you. Leviticus 18:28
But it shall come to pass, if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake thee: Deut. 28:15
Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deut. 4:6
Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that the Lord your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the Lord your God hath given you. Joshua 23:12-13
Now with that last reference, what was wrong with marriages with the other nations? We see in Numbers 12:1 that Miriam and Aaron were punished by God for speaking against the mixed marriage of Moses. (Numbers 12:1) So apparently God approved of the marriage of Moses. Was it the color of their skin? Was it their inherent badness? The following texts should supply the answer:
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut. 17:17
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 1 Kings 11:3-4
And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods. 1 Kings 11:8
So it would seem that the problem is the religious differences that come into the family. The wives would lead them away from God and into paganism. God knows the heart and he knew that Rahab and Zipporah were not going to turn people away from God.
So why did God say that the children of Israel should not intermarry with the heathen nations? Because the heathen spouse would lead them astray.
Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. Deut. 17:17
And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites: And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods. Judges 3:5-6
Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice; And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods. Exodus 34:15-16
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 1 Kings 11:1-6
The problem is that when a Christian marries an unbeliever what usually happens is that the unbeliever leads the Christian astray rather than being converted to Christianity. It is not the race itself that is the problem but rather the false form of worship that is the problem. It is the lack of love for the true God that the person has that is a problem. Like Adam the Christian spouse finds themselves doing things they know are wrong because of their strong affections for the other person whom they have bound themselves to in marriage.
How did God instruct His people that they should treat the people of other nations?
And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. Exodus 12:48-49
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: Exodus 20:10
Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 22:21
Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. Exodus 23:12
Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, No soul of you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. Leviticus 17:12
Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: Leviticus 18:26
And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:10
And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:33-34
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 23:22
And he that blasphemeth the name of the Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of the Lord, shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:16
Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 24:22
And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for you; for thee, and for thy servant, and for thy maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stranger that sojourneth with thee, Leviticus 25:6
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Leviticus 25:35
And if a stranger sojourn with you, or whosoever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord; as ye do, so he shall do. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. One law and one manner shall be for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. Numbers 15:14-16
And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel, and the stranger that sojourneth among them; seeing all the people were in ignorance. Numbers 15:26
Ye shall have one law for him that sinneth through ignorance, both for him that is born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger that sojourneth among them. But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the Lord; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Numbers 15:29-30
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou. Deut. 5:14
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deut. 10:16-19
And thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen to place his name there. Deut. 16:11
Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite; for he is thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian; because thou wast a stranger in his land. Deut. 23:7
Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge: Deut. 24:17
Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: Deut. 31:12
Now , think about this... If a nation was under the curse of God, and one person in that country were a good person and were living up to all they knew do you think God would save them? If God were going to destroy that nation would He show any special regard for one good person? Here are some texts that shed some light on that question:
And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. Joshua 6:17
And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake. Genesis 18:32
Now if God saved Rahab, one good person, shouldn’t we have the same regard for one good person in a wicked nation? Shouldn’t we try to reach them for the Lord? How do you think the people of Israel treated Rahab? How do you think they should have treated her based on what we have just read of God’s instructions to the people? They were to treat her as one of their own people.
So what was the problem with the other nations that God destroyed? Why did He destroy them?
Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Deut. 9:4-5
Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: Leviticus 18:24
When the Lord thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. Deut. 12:29-31
He warned them not to follow the forms of worship of those nations. They were wicked nations. He didn’t destroy them because they were the wrong color or the wrong language.
"But" you may say, "didn’t God tell them to kill the people of the other nations? Yes He did but was that His original plan? No, God had a different plan.
And I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. And I will set thy bounds from the Red sea even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river: for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand; and thou shalt drive them out before thee. Exodus 23:28-31
And I will send an angel before thee; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite: Exodus 33:2
Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Exodus 34:11
What more can we learn from the Bible about racism? The following may seem to some as though it were a change of subject but if you read this story as a whole, in context you will see that it is speaking of racism.
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and 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. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Acts 10:1-48
Some try to say that this vision that Peter had was speaking of a change of dietary laws. But that is not how Peter saw it. He understood that God was repeating to him what he had already told the people in the books of Moses about how they ought to treat the stranger or the person of another race. God had not cursed the Gentiles that believed on Him. God had cleansed these honest souls by the blood of Christ. God knew their hearts.
(If this text were speaking of a change of the dietary laws then why did the New Testament writers say so much about not eating things that were strangled? -----"But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood". Acts 15:20
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. Acts 15:29
As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Acts 21:25
The unclean meats were still unclean. God never did say that the things let down in the sheet were now clean, but He directed Peter to what He had already said was clean---other people of other nations that believe on Him, like Rahab. )
Here are other New Testament texts that support this idea.
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:22-24
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 3:28
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 1 Tim. 5:21
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James 2:1
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:15-16
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:43
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 9:33
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Romans 10:11
Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Leviticus 19:15
Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. Deut. 1:17
Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. Deut. 16:19
For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him. 2 Samuel 14:14
Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. 2 Chron. 19:7
Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Psalm 138:6
These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. Proverbs 24:23
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. Proverbs 28:21
For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. Ephes. 6:9
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Col. 3:25
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. James 2:9
Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 1 John 3:15
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. Matthew 23:8
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. Romans 15:11
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. Rev. 19:5
Being in the world but not of the world doesn’t mean hating everyone in the world that isn’t like us but it means not sharing in those things that the world is doing. Keep yourself from the wickedness of the world and at the same time have love for those about you that are slaves of Satan. Love your neighbor as yourself as Christ said. Feed them, clothe them, care for them but don’t worship their gods. Rather teach them about the true God and lead them to Jesus our Saviour.
What was the example of Christ? He said to love your enemies. (Matt. 5:44) He healed the servant of a Roman centurion. (Matt. 8:5-12 & Luke 7) He cast devils out of the Gergesene & Gadarene men. (Matt. 8:28 & Luke 8:26-39) He said that his brothers and sisters were those that did his will. (Matt. 12:46-50) He healed the daughter of a Canaanite woman. (Matt. 15:21-28) He healed the daughter of a Syrophenician woman. (Mark 7:26) He asked a favor of the woman at the well who was despised by the Jews. (John 4) These are just a few of the many examples Christ gave of how we should treat others. If we call ourselves Christians then we should imitate Christ.
Where will God’s people come from that will be in heaven?
And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 8:11
And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; Rev. 5:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; Rev. 7:9
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Rev. 14:6
Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations. Psalm 82:8
For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory. Isaiah 66:18
And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: Matthew 25:32
If what has been here presented is not sufficient evidence that we are not to practice racism than here are some more texts for the reader. And if these are not enough than there is nothing more that this writer can do for you but I pray that the Holy Spirit will impress upon your mind that Jesus died for everyone--whether they be Jew or Greek, bond or free.
Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 1 Chron. 16:24
That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. Psalm 67:2
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Matthew 24:14
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47
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; Acts 17:26
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8
Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name. 1 Kings 8:43
Then hear thou from the heavens, even from thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for; that all people of the earth may know thy name, and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name. 2 Chron. 6:33
Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. Psalm 96:3
Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Isaiah 56:7
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:31
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 1 Thes. 3:12
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 1 Thes. 5:14-15
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:4
For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 1 Tim. 4:10
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 Tim. 2:24
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. Titus 3:2
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Hebrews 12:14
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 1 Peter 2:17
One of the first converts to the church in the book of Acts was an Ethiopian man. I understand that to be a people of dark skin. He was converted and baptized. We are told in the Bible that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. We should love our neighbor as ourselves, what ever their color.
posted by Michael A. Redwine at Sunday, February 26, 2006
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