What does the Bible say about race?

Today’s question comes from the modern day problems with race—what does the Bible say about race? Before we answer our question today we need to understand one thing—the Bible is not a political book. The Bible is God’s Word and therefore carries the authority and voice of God on any subject it speaks upon. So let’s take a look at what God has to say about race.

First of all, we need to say that God created all races of people. This is clear from many passages throughout Scripture but the one that comes to mind is Acts 17:26-27 where the Apostle Paul says of God that "He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us,". What is amazing about these verses is that God created all races of people in His image to dwell on the face of the earth through one man and one woman. It is interesting how we often view race as a dividing factor in our time but the truth is, we all come from the same blood in Adam and Eve. So, as much as we might highlight our differences, the reality is that we have much more in common than our differences might suggest.

Second, because all peoples come from a common parentage in Adam and Eve, every race on earth has a sin problem. Scripture says that the sin of Adam was passed down to all peoples—in every race. The biblical account of creation tells us that once Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they fell from their perfect relationship with God and with one another. The result of this initial transgression is that sin has been inherited by all peoples throughout time, expressed in innumerable evils (Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:22). This is the context where we understand the evil of racism. Valuing one race of people above another is evil and its roots are found in our fallen and sinful nature inherited by Adam. The poisonous fruit of this heart of sin is shown in our hate toward God and one another.            

Finally, we need to understand that God created all races of peoples to love them! The notable Bible verse in John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Take a look at the people that God loves—the world. God loves all people and desires for them to turn from their sin and trust Jesus Christ as their only Savior and Lord. In fact, Scripture portrays the inhabitants of heaven as “a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, 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). In other words, all the different races of peoples who place their faith in Jesus Christ are included as part of the people of God worshiping the Lord in heaven. What an incredible thing!

My brothers and sisters, let us rejoice that our God saves sinners from every tribe, tongue, and nation—all for His glory!