Unity in Christ: A Rebuke of White Supremacy and Systemic Racism
Unity in Christ: A Rebuke of White Supremacy and Systemic Racism
Church of Deets
Unity in Christ:
A Rebuke of White Supremacy and Systemic Racism
Beloved in Christ, we gather today to speak truth against one of the greatest evils of our time—white supremacy and systemic racism. These forces are not just social issues; they are profound spiritual issues that cut at the very heart of God’s call for justice, mercy, and love. Scripture is clear: God's people are to walk in unity, peace, and equality, living out the gospel of reconciliation and love. Yet, history and present realities tell us that hate and division continue to persist, infecting hearts and societies with racism.
White supremacy is not a fringe idea held by a few extremists—it is woven into the fabric of history and systems that perpetuate inequality. Racism denies the very image of God in those whom it dehumanizes, and in doing so, it denies God Himself. We cannot be silent. The Bible calls us to stand firm against all forms of oppression, for our God is a God of justice. As people of faith, we must confront white supremacy and racism in our own lives, our institutions, and our nation.
1. Made in God’s Image: The Equal Dignity of All People
The biblical story begins with the declaration that every human being is made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” There is no room for white supremacy in the gospel when every person, regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality, bears the divine image.
When we see racism—whether subtle or blatant—it is a direct assault on the image of God in others. White supremacy, which elevates one race above others, distorts God's intention for humanity. It stands in stark opposition to the core Christian belief that all people are equally loved and valued by God.
The Apostle Paul affirms this truth in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." In Christ, the divisions of race, class, and gender are nullified. Racism creates walls that Christ died to tear down. To support or remain complicit in systems of racial oppression is to act against the reconciling work of the cross.
2. Jesus’ Radical Rejection of Division
When we look to Jesus, we see that He lived out a radical rejection of division and oppression. While His likely ethnicity and skin color were non-European and Middle Eastern, this fact alone does not make Him superior or inferior to anyone else. What matters most is that Jesus came as the embodiment of God’s love for all humanity.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently broke down racial and ethnic barriers. In John 4, He speaks with the Samaritan woman, crossing a deep social divide. Jews and Samaritans were hostile toward each other, but Jesus ignored societal prejudice and instead spoke of living water and salvation, showing her dignity as a child of God. Similarly, in Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus extends grace to a Canaanite woman, emphasizing that God's love and mercy transcend ethnic boundaries.
In Luke 10, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Samaritan. The hero of this parable is a man from a despised ethnic group, yet he is held up as an example of righteousness and neighborly love. This story was a rebuke to those who clung to ethnic superiority and justified hatred based on race. The heart of the gospel is inclusion, love, and the rejection of racial enmity.
3. The Sin of Racism and Its Perpetuation in Systems
While individual acts of racism are sinful, systemic racism is a more pervasive and insidious evil. Systemic racism is the embedding of racial inequalities into the structures of society—education, housing, criminal justice, and more. These systems disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, creating cycles of poverty, exclusion, and violence.
The prophets of the Old Testament fiercely rebuked societies that institutionalized injustice. Amos 5:24 thunders, "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" God does not merely call for personal acts of kindness; He calls for societal transformation, where justice is woven into the fabric of community life.
In the same way, today, we must confront the ways our institutions perpetuate racial disparities. White supremacy hides within the systems that disadvantage Black and brown people while privileging white individuals. Whether through unequal access to quality education, mass incarceration, redlining in housing, or voter suppression, these systemic forces are the modern-day equivalent of the oppression that Scripture decries.
4. Rebuking Hate Groups and Extremism
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of white supremacist hate groups and ideologies, often couched in religious language. Let us be clear: any group or ideology that seeks to elevate one race above others is in direct contradiction to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Bible is unequivocal about God’s stance on hatred. In 1 John 4:20, we read, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” Hate and love cannot coexist in the heart of a true believer. Racism, white supremacy, and the violent ideologies of groups like the Ku Klux Klan or other white nationalist organizations are not only morally repugnant; they are heresies against the gospel of love.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Hate groups, which thrive on fear and division, are the very antithesis of Christ’s teaching. Instead of fostering hatred, we are called to be peacemakers—those who bridge divides, seek reconciliation, and heal wounds.
5. The Church’s Call to Unity and Justice
As the Body of Christ, we are called to be a light in a dark world. That means we cannot ignore the sin of racism. The church is meant to be a reflection of the kingdom of God, where every tribe, tongue, and nation gathers in worship before the throne (Revelation 7:9). When racism exists within the church—whether overtly or subtly—it mars that witness.
Historically, many churches have been complicit in racism, either through silence or active participation. Some have used Scripture to justify segregation and racial hierarchies. This is a grave distortion of the gospel, and repentance is necessary. The church must be at the forefront of dismantling white supremacy and systemic racism, not just within its walls, but in the broader society. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be prophets of justice, not enablers of oppression.
The Apostle Paul urges the church in Ephesians 4:3 to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Racial unity is not optional for the church—it is a mandate. We must actively pursue reconciliation, both in our personal relationships and in advocating for policies and practices that promote justice and equality.
6. The Power of Repentance and Reconciliation
As Christians, we know that sin can be forgiven, and we believe in the power of repentance. Racism, in its many forms, is a sin that can be unlearned and overcome through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. But first, we must acknowledge it, confess it, and turn from it.
James 5:16 teaches us, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Healing from racism—whether personal or systemic—begins with confession. We must confess the ways we have harbored prejudice in our hearts. We must confess the ways we have benefited from systems of privilege while others have suffered. And we must confess our silence in the face of racial injustice.
Reconciliation is not merely a personal act but a communal one. It is about restoring relationships and righting wrongs. For true reconciliation to happen, there must be a commitment to justice. The Bible calls us to be repairers of the breach (Isaiah 58:12), those who work to mend what has been broken by sin and oppression. This means standing with those who are marginalized, speaking out against racial injustice, and working to dismantle systems of oppression.
7. Hope for a New Creation: God’s Vision of Unity
We do not confront white supremacy and systemic racism without hope. The gospel gives us a vision of a future where justice reigns and love triumphs over hate. In Revelation 21:4, we are given a picture of the new creation, where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, or pain. In this new creation, the divisions that have plagued humanity—racism, classism, sexism—will be no more.
Until that day comes, we are called to be co-laborers with God, working to bring about His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. That means actively confronting the evil of racism and working toward a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
The fight against white supremacy and systemic racism is not an easy one. It requires courage, perseverance, and faith. But we are not alone. God is with us, and His Spirit empowers us to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8).
Brothers and sisters, let us remember that in Christ, we are one. There is no place for white supremacy, racism, or hatred in the kingdom of God. Let us stand together as a church committed to justice, unity, and peace. Let us reject the lies of racial superiority and affirm the truth that all people are created in God’s image and are equally loved by Him.
The journey toward racial justice begins with each of us. It begins in our hearts, where we must confront any prejudices or biases that may linger. It continues in our communities, where we must speak out against racism and work to dismantle the systems that perpetuate it. And it flourishes in the broader society, where we must advocate for laws and policies that reflect God’s heart for justice and equality.
Practical Steps Toward Racial Justice
Education and Awareness: One of the first steps in combating racism is to educate ourselves about its history and ongoing impact. We cannot fight what we do not understand. As Christians, we must seek to understand the experiences of those who have been oppressed and marginalized. Listen to the voices of Black and brown people. Read about the history of racial injustice, including how the church has both contributed to and fought against it.
Proverbs 18:15 reminds us, "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out." Education is key to growing in wisdom and righteousness. Take the time to learn about systemic racism, white privilege, and how these systems operate in the world today. Allow this knowledge to guide your prayers and your actions.
Self-Examination and Repentance: As individuals and as a community, we must engage in regular self-examination. Racism can take root in our hearts in subtle ways, through stereotypes, biases, or assumptions about people who are different from us. In Psalm 139:23-24, the psalmist prays, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Let this be our prayer as we ask God to reveal any ways we may have participated in or tolerated racism.
Once we recognize our sin, we must repent. Repentance involves not only sorrow for wrongdoing but also a commitment to change. Repentance must be both personal and corporate, as churches and communities reckon with their role in perpetuating racial injustice. Confess the ways we have fallen short, and then seek to live differently.
Advocacy and Action: The Bible calls us to be more than passive observers. We are to be active agents of change in the world. Isaiah 1:17 commands, "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." This means taking concrete steps to dismantle systems of racism and to support policies and movements that promote equality and justice for all.
Advocacy can take many forms: participating in peaceful protests, voting for leaders who prioritize racial justice, supporting organizations that work to dismantle racism, or using your voice to speak out against injustice in your church, workplace, or community. It is not enough to simply be "not racist"; we are called to be anti-racist, actively working to eradicate the sin of racism from our society.
Building Relationships Across Racial Lines: Genuine reconciliation requires building relationships across racial and ethnic divides. The early church modeled this beautifully, bringing together Jews, Gentiles, slaves, free people, men, and women in a radical demonstration of unity. In the same way, we are called to build relationships with people who are different from us, to listen to their experiences, and to stand with them in solidarity.
The church must become a place where people of all races and backgrounds feel welcome, loved, and valued. We are called to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), which means standing with our Black and brown brothers and sisters in their struggles for justice and equality. These relationships will deepen our understanding of the challenges they face and compel us to action.
The Role of the Church in Racial Healing
The church has a unique and powerful role to play in the work of racial healing. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ, working to heal the wounds of division and injustice. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19, Paul tells us that God "reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." Reconciliation is central to the gospel, and it must be central to our work as the church.
The church must be a beacon of hope in a divided world. We are called to model the kind of community that reflects God's vision of the kingdom, where all people are valued, and where justice and peace reign. This means being a voice for the voiceless, standing with the oppressed, and confronting systems of injustice wherever they exist.
It also means creating spaces for honest conversations about race, where people can share their experiences and where we can work together to create a more just and equitable society. Churches must be willing to talk openly about racism and white supremacy, and to confront these sins within their own communities. Silence is complicity. We must speak truth, even when it is uncomfortable, for the sake of justice and for the sake of the gospel.
Conclusion: The Call to Unity in Christ
As we move forward in this work of racial justice, let us remember that our ultimate hope is in Christ. The evil of racism, like all sin, will one day be fully eradicated in the new creation. But until that day comes, we are called to labor for justice, to seek peace, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
In the kingdom of God, there is no place for white supremacy or systemic racism. There is no place for hatred or division. We are one in Christ, and our unity in Him transcends all racial and ethnic differences. Let us live out that unity by fighting for justice, by standing with the oppressed, and by being agents of healing in a broken world.
May the God of justice empower us to speak truth in the face of racism. May the God of mercy give us the grace to repent and to change. And may the God of peace fill us with the courage to work for a world where justice rolls like a river and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Amen.
Resources:
Birth of a Nation, The KKK, Alt-Right, and Neo-Nazis Timeline
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