[278 words]
The Christian takes a different view of life and the world, than does the person who lives in and for the world. And that is true with regard to matters of race. There are things that are common to all of mankind. Feeling of joy, sorrow, pain, love of family, and the fear of death. But without doubt the most common human experience is the need for salvation. This is presented in a most wonderful way with Peter’s dealing with matters of race. Peter was called upon by the Spirit of God to teach the Gospel to Cornelius, a Gentile. Peter being a Jew was by law forbidden to even go into the house of Cornelius. But a new and Higher law prevailed. The law that brought the Gospel to all mankind.
The Gospel is blind to matters of race. It doesn’t take into account where one is born. The Gospel has but one aim, the salvation of those who are lost in sin. We should all note Peter’s statement in Acts 10:34-35, “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” We should also note what Paul writes in Gal. 3:27-28, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
The only race that matters to the children of God is the race toward Heaven on that narrow road called life.
Floyd C. Johnson
Huntington Park church of Christ
Shreveport, LA