There is Only One "Race" - The Human Race

Acts 17:24-26

 

Racism 1“What race are you?” How do you answer this question? We have been conditioned to answer, “Caucasian,” or “African American,” “Hispanic,” “Asian,” etc. Many think in terms of skin color, “White,” “Black,” etc. 

As far as the Bible is concerned, there are many nationalities, but there is only ONE RACE! Therefore, why not answer: “The Human Race?” 

Speaking to those in ancient Athens, the apostle Paul reminds us, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that God made every nation of men from “one blood.” 

“God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings…” (Acts 17:24-26). 

Without exception, we are all born of that “ONE BLOOD.” When we consider our origins, all of us share two key ancestors. The first ancestor we share is Adam, who was the first human (Gen. 1-3). Interestingly, the Hebrew word translated “human” in the Old Testament is “adam.” The second ancestor we share is Noah, who by meeting God’s grace with his faith, survived the flood. Because all of mankind was destroyed in that flood, we are told in the book of beginnings that the whole earth was populated from Noah and his three sons. 

“Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.” (Gen. 9:18-19). 

Therefore, we are all related to one another through Noah! As if this kinship isn’t enough to unite upon, it is important to remember that, through Adam, we are ALL created in God’s image. 

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Gen. 1:26-27) 

Thus, we are all created from the same original Blueprint. We are all of ONE IMAGE! Realizing this, to think less of our fellow man is to think less of God! It is in His image we are all created! 

We also must recognize that Jesus died for the sins of every creature under heaven (cf. Acts 10:35; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47). Regardless of skin color, we are all sinners (Rom. 3:23), and Christ died to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). In Christ, faith is the only thing that matters (Gal. 3:26-29)! Nationality is not an issue (Col. 3:11-12; Rom. 10:12; 1 Cor. 12:13, et al). Skin color is not even considered or mentioned — it is insignificant and inconsequential! If it does not matter to our Creator, why does it ever matter to us—His creation? 

We are all of ONE RACE, ONE BLOOD, and ONE IMAGE! In light of these three simple realities, let us resolve to view ALL men and woman as members of the human race! Starting at this point, we can begin to lay aside all wrongs—perceived or genuine. We can and must forgive one another as Christ forgives us (Col. 3:13). We can and must love one another as Christ loves us (John 13:34-35). Only then, can we begin to overcome the “racial” ignorance, prejudice, stereotypes, bitterness and hatred that Satan so easily uses to divide and destroy us today! 

Jesus teaches, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31). Do not allow yourself to be a pawn or minion in Satan’s game of blind hatred today! Choose to treat your fellow man in the same way you expect him to treat you! It’s just that simple.