Many people say they want to “end” racism. I understand what they mean by that, but “racism” isn’t like a carton of milk with an expiration date. Biblically, ethnic prejudice (“racism”) is not an “ism,” it is hate—period (1 John 2:9-11; 3:15)—and the only way to “end” hatred is by repenting of that sin and believing the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 John 4:9-11).
Definition of racism — a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race 1
Definition of virtue signaling — an attempt to show other people that you are a good person, for example by expressing opinions that will be acceptable to them, especially on social media 2
A few brief observations
First, some sinners are convinced that one ‘race” (ethnicity) is morally/divinely/genetically superior and others therefore inferior. That vile supposition with all its subsequent behavior has a long horrific track record.
Second, there is a whole lot of stupidity and sin that gets labeled racism as though that’s the final judgment. Scripture reveals that label is the sticker on what is rotten fruit. Man sins against God, and his rebellion takes all manner of forms against other humans. As the quote above from Mr. Harrison rightly states: racism is hate. And the root of the fruit of hate is hatred of God.
Here is a challenge: Read God’s indictment and guilty verdict as recorded in Romans 1-3, Ephesians 2:1-3 and Mark 7:20-23 and guess which ‘race’ He has in mind. Hint: there’s only one.
Third, to assume when we hear/read of criminal or violent acts involving two different ethnicities and immediately conclude it was motivated by racism on the part of the perpetrator suggests we can determine motives from afar. That is sin on our part, particularly when we publicize our conjecturing and/or conclusions.
Fourth, the Word of God is replete with instructions for how moral/criminal matters are to be conducted and justice administered. Casting aspersions, spouting feelings and virtue signaling are not mentioned.
Fifth, God has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness. All the flagrant miscarriages of justice, all the mistaken or careless efforts to mete out justice. All men and all of their motives in all things will be laid bare before the eyes of the God who is altogether righteous. That includes all virtue signaling on the part of bystanders, protestors and, yes, even here on Facebook.
God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. – Acts 17:30, 31
Settle out of court while there’s time; flee to Christ alone for refuge.
Pastor Tedd Mathis
teddmathisdotcom 