Biblical Perspectives on Slavery, Racial Equality, and Intermarriage

No, the institution of slavery is an iniquitous sin and a direct violation of the God-given rights of every human being1T 264.2+1. God created every person, regardless of their race or color, as a free moral agent, and He has never granted any man the right to exercise such absolute power over another1T 358.1.

The Moral Enormity of Slavery

Slavery is a system of absolute wrong that reduces human beings made in the image of God to the level of property or brutesARSH April 7, 1863, page 145.29+1. Because Christ died for the entire human family, God remains the only true Master and owner of all people1T 358.1.

• The Sin of Oppression: Slave-holding is a crime against God that sears the conscience of the master and brings the wrath of Heaven upon those who uphold it1T 266.1+1.

• Violation of Marriage: Slavery is guilty of sundering the sacred bond of marriage, parting those whom God has joined together and leading to moral degradation Matthew 19:6ARSH February 10, 1863, page 82.2.

• Conflict with Scripture: The command for all people to "search the scriptures" is irreconcilable with chattel slavery, as the slave is legally deprived of the right to possess a Bible or the time to study it John 5:39ARSH February 3, 1863, page 74.8.

Biblical Principles and Freedom

While some attempt to justify slavery using the Bible, a true understanding of the Gospel shows that it is meant to break every yokeARSH March 3, 1863, page 105.7+1.

• Divine Law over Human Law: Laws like the Fugitive Slave Law, which required people to return escaped servants to their masters, were in direct opposition to the teachings of Christ and the specific commands of God Deuteronomy 23:15-161T 264.2+1.

• Gospel of Liberty: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul’s instructions to servants were intended to help them endure an unavoidable evil until they could obtain their freedomARSH April 7, 1863, page 145.29+1. When Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon, he commanded that he be received not as a slave, but "above a servant," effectively ending his bondageARSH May 5, 1863, page 177.11.

• True Service: God requires that we obey Him rather than men, and no human institution should ever be allowed to stand between the soul and its Creator Acts 5:29ARSH September 2, 1862, page 106.19.

The National and Spiritual Consequence

The existence of slavery has been a curse that has brought strife, discord, and national calamityRH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 4+1. True peace and prosperity can only be founded upon the principles of equity and impartial liberty for every man, woman, and childARSH September 2, 1862, page 106.19. Any nation that abandons these principles of human rights is in danger of speaking with the voice of a dragon rather than the lamb-like profession of freedom Revelation 13:11TBUS 29.2. Even today, where virtual or actual slavery exists in various parts of the world, it remains an abomination that will face divine judgment at the second advent of Christ Revelation 6:15-16EW 304.3+1.

Yes, we should treat Black people with the same honor, respect, and equality as all other human beings because God is the Father of the entire human family and has made of one blood all nations to dwell on the face of the earth Acts 17:26CS 24.1+1. 🌟

The Foundation of Human Equality

The secret of true unity is found in the absolute equality of all believers in Christ, as Jesus recognizes no racial prejudice or caste systemCCh 289.3+2. All human beings belong to one great family and are equally precious in the sight of God, regardless of their rank, wealth, or the color of their skinCS 24.1+1.

• One Creator and One Redeemer: Both white and Black people have the same Creator and are saved by the redeeming grace of the same Savior, who paid the ransom for every member of the human family with His own life4MR 32.2+1.

• Equality in Heaven: The Lord has not made two heavens; there is only one heaven for the saved, and God has marked out no color line in His kingdom4MR 32.2.

• The Law of Heaven: Equality is the law of heaven, and we are commanded to love one another as Christ loved us, manifesting a pure, unselfish interest in every member of the human brotherhood2SM 192.2+2.

The Sin of Prejudice and Caste

Any system of caste or racial prejudice is an evil that the church of Christ is appointed to overthrow, as it is a serious menace to the well-being of the human raceLS 473.3. In Jesus Christ, the middle wall of partition has been broken down, and there is no distinction between black or white, bond or freeGCB February 24, 1895, page 310.8+1.

• Breaking Down Walls: Christ worked throughout His life to break down the walls of separation and prejudice that human pride and Satanic influence built upSWk 19.2.

• Avoiding Discrimination: We must move very guardedly, for to treat the poor or those of a different race as inferior is an offense to God, who regards all people as equally worthy in His sightMTC 37.1+1.

• The Danger of Human Theories: We should not follow human theories regarding the "proper position" of people, but instead follow the Spirit of God, which leads to the triumph of humanity over prejudice2SM 487.1+1.

Practical Christian Courtesy

True Christian courtesy ignores caste and teaches respect for the dignity of man as manAH 426.2+1. We are closely bound together by the ties of human brotherhood, and our interests are indissolubly unitedHDL 39.3+1.

• Mutual Respect: All classes of minds and talents are needed to make a perfect whole in the church, and no part of God’s work should be depreciated or undervaluedGW92 314.1+1.

• Active Sympathy: We are to be interested in everything that concerns the human brotherhood and feel our responsibility to help the needy and oppressedPUR March 27, 1902, par. 7+2.

• Applying the Golden Rule: True religion requires us to love our neighbor as ourselves and to recognize that every person of flesh and blood is a brother whom Christ is not ashamed to claim Matthew 23:8GCB/GCDB 1895, page 310.8+1.

While there is no divine prohibition against the equality of souls, it has been advised that intermarriage between different races should be avoided to prevent controversy, confusion, and bitterness2SM 343. This counsel is based on practical advisability due to the existing conditions of society rather than a question of racial inequality2SM 343.

The Distinction Between Social Advisability and Spiritual Equality 🤝

It is essential to understand that caution regarding interracial marriage does not imply a lack of respect or a need for distance in Christian fellowshipPCO 167.3. The call to avoid such unions is a matter of prudence to prevent unnecessary trials for the families involved2SM 343+1.

• No Distance in Christ: Those who are closely connected with Christ are lifted above the prejudice of color or caste and will not be offended to sit by the side of a colored brotherPCO 167.3+1.

• A Shared Destiny: Believers are journeying to the same heaven and will be seated at the same table to eat bread in the kingdom of GodPCO 167.3.

• One Brotherhood: Nationalities and races are to blend in Jesus Christ, having the same mind and judgment, and loving one another as brethren15MR 361.2+1.

Navigating Prejudice with Wisdom 💡

In certain regions, particularly in the South during times of intense antagonism, it was advised to move with great caution to avoid closing the door to the gospel messageSWk 83.2+1. This was not a sanction of prejudice, but a strategic necessity to ensure that both white and colored people could hear the truthPCO 125.8+1.

• Wise Labor: Efforts should be made to labor in a way that does not lose the interest of either party, moving wisely to gain access to all classes4MR 33.1+1.

• Avoiding Contention: Agitating the color line question can create difficulties that consume precious time; therefore, it should be handled differently depending on the circumstances and the dictates of the Holy Spirit18LtMs, Lt 165, 1903, par. 4+1.

• Christ’s Example: Jesus broke down walls of national bigotry and exclusiveness, showing that His love is not to be circumscribed by race or nationDA 402.1+1.

The Law of Impartial Love ❤️

Christians are enjoined by the Word of God to exercise supreme love to their Maker and impartial love to their neighborsPaM 93.4+1. There is no room for contempt or a "distance" that stems from pride, as such feelings pollute the soul and misrepresent JesusSWk 13.1+1.

• No Respect of Persons: With God there is no respect of persons, and the same price was paid for the salvation of the colored man as for the white man1SM 259.2+1.

• Unity in the Spirit: When the Holy Spirit is poured out, there will be a triumph of humanity over prejudice, and the color line will be regarded very differently than it is by the world2SM 486.5.

• A Practical Principle: The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ; the nearer we approach the center, Christ, the closer we come together in sympathy and loveCCh 289.3+1.

For the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee Isaiah 41:13. He has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth Acts 17:26. ✨