The Bible’s View of Interracial Marriage
1. How does the Bible view race and color?
The Bible presents mankind as part of a single creation. According to Genesis 1:27, God created all humans in his image. Therefore, a person’s worth is not determined by skin color, language, or culture.
Galatians 3:28 states:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for we are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This clearly shows that racial or cultural divisions do not disrupt our unity in Christ.
2. Why was interracial marriage forbidden in the Old Testament?
In the Old Testament, Israel was commanded not to marry Gentiles (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). But this was not because of skin color or ethnicity, it was a matter of religious purity. The Gentiles were in an idolatrous and anti-God culture.
Therefore, God instructed His people to keep their faith pure.
Malachi 2:11 shows the spiritual decline that Israel experienced when they violated this commandment of God.
3. Standards for Christian Marriage in the New Testament
In the New Testament, race or skin color are not considered criteria for marriage. Rather, faith and spiritual similarity are important. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says:
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.”
This means that Christians should make sure that they are in agreement in their faith when choosing a marriage partner.
4. Priority in marriage for Christians
- First priority: Has the potential spouse accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior?
- Second priority: Is his life in line with God’s Word?
- Skin color or ethnicity is never a determining factor in the Bible.
5. Challenges and Christian Perspectives in Interracial Marriage
Interracial couples may face cultural differences, social attitudes, and sometimes discrimination. But Christians should face such challenges with love, patience, and prayer (Romans 12:18).
Remember, marriage is not just a cultural or social relationship. It is a reflection of a sacred covenant between God and man (Ephesians 5:25-32).
6. The final truth that the Bible teaches
- Spiritual unity is more important than ethnicity.
- It’s not the color of the skin, it’s the faith of the heart that matters.
- All people come from Adam and Eve—so we are one family (Revelation 7:9).
conclusion
Interracial marriage is not wrong.
Couples who have faith in Christ and follow God’s plan can have interracial marriages. The main thing is to conduct their marriage according to God’s Word and His will.