The Gospel and Racism

Key Truth: Racism is not simply a social issue; it is a

issue reconciled by the blood of Christ.

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. —Ephesians 2:11–16

The Gospel calls for an end to the

of race.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. —Ephesians 2:13

For he himself…has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility —Ephesians 2:14b

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. —Romans 10:12

The Gospel creates

between all races.

…that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross… —Ephesians 2:15b–16a

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. —Colossians 3:15

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, —Revelation 5:9