Introduction
This is a policy statement on the beliefs of Crossroads Evangelical Free Church. This particular statement is in regards to biblical beliefs concerning racial equality and our policies based upon the necessary application and practice of these beliefs.
What We Believe the Scriptures Teach About Racial Equality
We believe the Scriptures teach that God created Adam and Eve and all of humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27). This is commonly referred to as the imago dei. The image of God, therefore, is true of both male and female, as well as of ethnicity, and is true through the span of all time. This truth reveals the intrinsic value, equality and dignity of all human life in the eyes of God by virtue of His sovereign choice to create humanity in His likeness.
This is, furthermore, a unique and distinctive quality of humanity compared to all other creation. Nothing else in creation bears the image of God, although all creation displays the glory of God (Genesis 1:31; Psalm 19:1-6). Every person who has ever lived and will ever live carries the sacred mark of bearing the image of our Creator (Acts 17:22-27) – the one to whom all will give account (Hebrews 4:13). As a result, all human life is sacred.
The conclusion of such truth is that there is only one human race visible in a beautiful array of color – equally created, equally valued and equally sacred by God’s design. The diversity of God’s creation is good – very good – and should be acknowledged as such among us. This truth ought to bring harmony, unity, respect and honor. There is a grave reality, however, which deeply challenges our ability to live in light of this wonderful truth – the presence and reality of sin. Sin entered the world as a result of the willful choice of Adam and Eve to disobey God’s clear command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-17; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Sin has affected every person and, although retaining the sacred image of God, every person now struggles to live in the manner for which God created us and suffers the devastating consequence of suffering, death and separation from God (Genesis 3:1-24; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23).
As a direct result of sin, we struggle to live in right relationship with one another. Because of our sin nature, we live with a prideful and self-serving mindset. This results in horrid expressions of racism, inequality, injustice and the dishonoring of one another which is so prevalent throughout the world (James 4:1-3). It is also expressed in more subtle ways, some of which we may not even recognize. This humbling reality applies to every person of every ethnicity. None of us are immune to the devastating effects of our sin.
Thankfully, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of sin and provides a way of living in accordance with His image which we bear (Galatians 3:13; Titus 2:14). The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power to restore and reconcile broken relationships. As the fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham, Jesus came as a blessing to all the nations of the earth.
Our Response to this Biblical Truth
Crossroads stands firm against racism and desires to promote and advocate for racial reconciliation. As a result, Crossroads will:
• Actively teach the gospel and encourage the individual application of these biblical truths in daily life.
• Not ignore acts and attitudes of racism that happen among our church family by speaking truth in love and treating lack of repentance with church discipline.
• Enthusiastically support gospel endeavors near and far and among diverse people.
• Lovingly welcome anyone of every ethnicity to be part of our church family and join in the journey of following Jesus. Our pursuit of making disciples will affirm people of all races and ethnicities.
• Appreciate and be receptive to various cultural worship expressions.
Revised November 2021
This is a policy statement on the beliefs of Crossroads Evangelical Free Church. This particular statement is in regards to biblical beliefs concerning racial equality and our policies based upon the necessary application and practice of these beliefs.
What We Believe the Scriptures Teach About Racial Equality
We believe the Scriptures teach that God created Adam and Eve and all of humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27). This is commonly referred to as the imago dei. The image of God, therefore, is true of both male and female, as well as of ethnicity, and is true through the span of all time. This truth reveals the intrinsic value, equality and dignity of all human life in the eyes of God by virtue of His sovereign choice to create humanity in His likeness.
This is, furthermore, a unique and distinctive quality of humanity compared to all other creation. Nothing else in creation bears the image of God, although all creation displays the glory of God (Genesis 1:31; Psalm 19:1-6). Every person who has ever lived and will ever live carries the sacred mark of bearing the image of our Creator (Acts 17:22-27) – the one to whom all will give account (Hebrews 4:13). As a result, all human life is sacred.
The conclusion of such truth is that there is only one human race visible in a beautiful array of color – equally created, equally valued and equally sacred by God’s design. The diversity of God’s creation is good – very good – and should be acknowledged as such among us. This truth ought to bring harmony, unity, respect and honor. There is a grave reality, however, which deeply challenges our ability to live in light of this wonderful truth – the presence and reality of sin. Sin entered the world as a result of the willful choice of Adam and Eve to disobey God’s clear command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-24; Romans 5:12-17; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Sin has affected every person and, although retaining the sacred image of God, every person now struggles to live in the manner for which God created us and suffers the devastating consequence of suffering, death and separation from God (Genesis 3:1-24; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23).
As a direct result of sin, we struggle to live in right relationship with one another. Because of our sin nature, we live with a prideful and self-serving mindset. This results in horrid expressions of racism, inequality, injustice and the dishonoring of one another which is so prevalent throughout the world (James 4:1-3). It is also expressed in more subtle ways, some of which we may not even recognize. This humbling reality applies to every person of every ethnicity. None of us are immune to the devastating effects of our sin.
Thankfully, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of sin and provides a way of living in accordance with His image which we bear (Galatians 3:13; Titus 2:14). The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power to restore and reconcile broken relationships. As the fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham, Jesus came as a blessing to all the nations of the earth.
Our Response to this Biblical Truth
Crossroads stands firm against racism and desires to promote and advocate for racial reconciliation. As a result, Crossroads will:
• Actively teach the gospel and encourage the individual application of these biblical truths in daily life.
• Not ignore acts and attitudes of racism that happen among our church family by speaking truth in love and treating lack of repentance with church discipline.
• Enthusiastically support gospel endeavors near and far and among diverse people.
• Lovingly welcome anyone of every ethnicity to be part of our church family and join in the journey of following Jesus. Our pursuit of making disciples will affirm people of all races and ethnicities.
• Appreciate and be receptive to various cultural worship expressions.
Revised November 2021