ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES THE AMERICAN CHURCH faces today is that of racial reconciliation and racial unity among those in Christ. America’s past, filled with chattel slavery and Jim Crow-era policies, still lingers today. America’s present, influenced by critical race theory on one side and an unwillingness to acknowledge racial injustice on the other side, makes healing all the more difficult. Christians in America need to look at race and racial conflicts through the lens of the gospel. If we will approach this subject with a healthy blend of compassion and truth, seeking to build bridges with one another, I believe the Church can provide a picture of the unifying power of Christ. If we ignore these issues or fail to pursue them with grace, I fear these problems will grow ever more.
It is important to remember that this isn’t the first time Christians have needed to confront ethnic divisions in the Church and in the broader culture. We oftentimes forget the early days of the faith were fraught with conflict between Jews and Gentiles. Historically, the Jews thought of the Gentiles as being a little less than dogs and many of the Gentiles saw the Jews as religious fanatics. In the days of Jesus and the early church, it didn’t help that the Romans had control over Israel and frequently mistreated the Jews. So, when Romans and other Gentiles started to receive the gospel and enter the community of the faithful, many Jews objected. In fact, the first Church council, which took place in Jerusalem, was held over the question of whether Gentiles could be freely admitted to the Church or whether they must take on Jewish identity first (Acts 15).
In Ephesians 2, Paul, writing some 12 years after the Jerusalem Council, addresses how the past division between Jews and Gentiles has now become unity in Christ. As we seek to be peacemakers and racial reconcilers within the Church and within the broader culture, we would do well to consider these two truths.
The Blood Of Christ Is The Great Unifier of Christians.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Every race has common ancestors in Adam and Eve. Because of our common ancestor, we also have a common moral dilemma – sin. “None is righteous, no, not one,” says Romans 3:10. There is no righteous race, people, ethnicity, or culture. Sin has bound all of us as slaves and led us all to rebel against our Creator. Thus, we needed a common Savior. Paul writes that Jesus’ blood – which represents both his person and his work – is the one thing that can unify people in a way that is righteous. Christian, Christ alone is the hope of true racial reconciliation.
Our Common Identity In Christ Is Greater Than Our Racial Differences.
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14). Because I have been redeemed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, I must now view my identity primarily through my common family in Christ. If I choose to continue to put my race or nationality first, I deny that Christ has made the races one through his blood. I am first a Christian, before I am a White American with British and Choctaw heritage. This doesn’t mean that I cannot express myself through my racial and cultural identity. No, Jesus loves the beautiful variety of peoples he has redeemed. However, if my racial identity or culture causes me to minimize the unity I have with my brothers and sisters in Christ who are from diverse ethnic backgrounds, then I need to reject those aspects of my background.
Peace Is Possible.
“…that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace” (Ephesians 2:15). So many of you are deeply discouraged by the racial divides you see in the Church and within our nation. I am too. However, I cannot allow my discouragement to lead me to apathy or inaction. Peace between all races and all peoples is possible – especially for those who have been transformed by Jesus. Let us pray for the Lord to bring peace and let us be willing to be his peacemakers.
PRAYER
Jesus, through your cross you have broken down the “dividing wall of hostility” that existed between Jew and Gentile. You have made peace possible not only between them, but between every race and people. Through the gospel Indians can love Pakistanis, Irish can hold hands with English, Serbs can welcome Kosovars, and without a doubt Black Americans and White Americans can live in harmony. Amen.
PONDER
- In your own words, how would you describe what Jesus accomplished between the races through his death?
- Which of the three truths listed above do you most need to remember?
- How can you be intentional with being a peacemaker among Christians of other races?