Racism: A Christian Response

God’s Word rejects racism. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). “No one is righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). All are equally created by God. All are equally accountable to God. The sins of all are equally atoned for by Christ. All are equally precious to God. Racial animosity is the result of sin and is sin in itself. Racism is not acceptable in the church.

LIFEhouse Church has been at the forefront of education confronting the sin of racism and confronting injustice from a Biblical Worldview. Members of our Church Council, along with others, have spent much time examining Critical Race Theory, which, in parts, is antithetical to the Gospel and a Biblical Worldview. All too often, man-made solutions that promise justice end up delivering division and idolatry. This becomes a false Gospel. With the increased emphasis of the CRT Worldview in our Public Square, we, the Church Council of LIFEhouse, want to clarify our teaching of a Biblical Worldview concerning matters of faith and life, including the sin of racism.

We believe, teach, and accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the sole authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life.

2nd Timothy 3:16

We believe in a Gospel-centered, Christian Worldview, and we hold views that are consistent in God’s Word.

John 3:16-17, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Timothy 2:5-6

All men and women are created in the image of God.

Genesis 1:26-27; Psalm 139:13-16

There is only one race, the human race, created by God and for God, possessing diversity and beauty within it.

Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 2:7; Romans 5:12-14

The fall of humanity, beginning with Adam and Eve, has created disharmony and alienation amongst all people; the sin of racism is a result of the fall.

Genesis 3, 4; Genesis 6:5; Romans 1:28-31; Titus 3:3

God makes it clear that he hates when a person or organization stirs up dissension, or anything that creates division within the body of believers.

Proverbs 6:16 and 19, Proverbs 10:12

The gospel is the only true solution, not only for racism and discrimination, but to the alienation that exists between people, including that which is perpetuated by some in our culture.

Ephesians 1:9-10; Ephesians 2:11 – 3:13; Gal. 3:27-28; Colossians 3:9-11

A Christian’s primary identity is rooted in Jesus Christ, not in their political persuasion, class, gender, ethnic or demographic group.

Gal. 3:27-28; Colossians. 3:9-11; Philippians 3:3-11; 1 Peter 2:9-10

The saving blood of Jesus Christ unites and draws people together from all kinds of backgrounds, cultures and differences.

John 17:20-26; Romans 8:17; Philippians 2:1-2; Colossians 1:20

In the greater body of believers recognized as the Church, God has reconciled believers into one lineage as sons and daughters of God where he calls us to unity, peace, and love for one another.

Eph. 2:11-3:13; Revelation 7:9-10

LIFEhouse Church Council May 18, 2021