© 10 Colin Melbourne
Interracial Relationships
Q: Are interracial relationships a sin? Are we supposed to get married? Is divorce a sin? Jennifer
A: There are no inter-racial relationships; the term is an oxymoron because, according to God’s Word, there’s only one race: The human race.
We are all descendants of Adam and Eve, and subsequently Noah and his wonderful wife.
It threatens some people to consider the possibility, just the possibility mind you, that Adam and Eve were dark skinned.
Can you picture God’s human prototypes as black-skinned, with black curly hair?
Why not?
The world perceives physical beauty, but is blind to the beauty that thrills God’s heart, and the hearts of real Christian men.
In the West the first couple are typically portrayed as white-skinned.
Hollywood’s image of Eve is always a blonde bombshell, in the mould of young Brigitte Bardot.
It is subtle programming; from which Christian literature has not been immune.
The blind seventeenth century poet John Milton, in his epic “Paradise Lost”, envisions a long blonde-haired Eve:
She as a veil down to the slender waist
Her unadorned golden tresses wore
Same, Same: but Different
God created the initial couple complete with all the genetic variation required to make every one of the marvellous shapes, sizes, colours, and forms of humanity.
A world of clones would be tragically boring. He loves variety, He values uniqueness; each person He ever made is worth the same to Him, but each of us is different.
There’s great blessing in contemplating this aspect of His character. It comes as new and fresh to us, after we are saved, because we’ve been released from indoctrination with the world’s values, and priorities.
Sin is no longer our master; through Christ we have mastered sin.
Jesus removes our blindness.
Now we begin to see everything anew, from His perspective, with His eyes. Our attitudes, thoughts, and purpose line up with God’s. Morning has broken, the Son is risen.
But back to your question about “inter-racial” relationships.
Equally Yoked
What is far more important than skin colour, or any ethnic and cultural difference, is that an unbeliever does not become yoked to a believer. The sinner would always be pulling the saint away from God’s chosen path. 2 Co. 6:14.
You’ve seen many marriages like that haven’t you?
Single, but Never Alone
Next Jennifer wonders if we all must get married?
No, of course not.
The dispensation to “be fruitful and multiply” is over: The New Covenant has begun.
Our new life priority is getting the Gospel to the ends of the Earth before He returns.
Chapter seven of First Corinthians is clear enough; making the point that it is better to stay single, and avoid the hassles of marriage and kids, which distract from our mission on Earth.
Exceptions may be made for someone engaged to an ageing virgin (1 Co. 7:36-38), and those poor carnal souls burning with passion (1 Co. 7:9). Steady Doris!
Is Divorce a Sin?
God hates divorce, it is a sure sign of a failure to walk in His Love. Most cases of divorce are sinful, resulting from a simple refusal to follow Divine love. There are rarely exceptions.
It’s not complicated, here’s the Bible rule of thumb: Since God hates divorce, so do believers.
Summary: “Race” is a red-Herring. Rely on the wisdom and timing of God: Don’t get married to anyone unless God tells you to marry them, and never consider divorce an option, never.
Little Women in God’s Hand: These women have found something far more exciting than romance. They don’t fret over wrinkles and grey hair, because they have the Perfect Man, and He makes them more beautiful each day.
Mrs. Apostle Paul?
Q: Did the Apostle Paul ever marry?
A: Good question, please see: Paul’s Wife.
Should Christians watch Horror films?
Q: What does God’s word say about watching horror movies? Laura
A: Please see: Can I watch horror movies?.
© 10 Colin Melbourne
