Injustices Against The Image of God
I write to you as a human being still fractured by sin, with the only goodness and righteousness imputed to me because of my elder brother, Jesus Christ [2 Corinthians 5:21]. I still consider it to be a complete miracle, like the apostle Paul’s testimony to a young Timothy [1 Timothy 1:15]. I pray you find that the grace of the Gospel still creates and recreates joy in your heart as it does for me. This truth sustains a Christian to persevere while exiled in a fallen world. The Gospel is our hope as we live in between the ‘already’ and ‘not yet’ of salvation. The evidence that we live in a fallen world is inescapable right now in human history, especially in America. It’s for this reason that I write to you.
The Unjust Death of George Floyd
Days ago, a video surfaced. It was mortifying to watch. Yet another police brutality, and another murder of an African American man, George Floyd. I was filled with anger and sadness when George Floyd said, “I can’t breathe” and the law enforcement showed zero mercy. Unjust killing of African Americans has been the status quo in America not only for months or years, but for centuries. This status quo is unacceptable and must be challenged.
Injustices Against The Image of God
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him.
Genesis 1:27
As a pastor, our church’s position is that we must stand against injustices committed against African Americans who have been made in the image of God [Genesis 1:26-27]. We must and can be biblically balanced, because the Scriptures are not only inerrant and infallible, but sufficient for faith and practice [2 Timothy 3:16-17]. Again, we would do well to remember what was spoken by the prophet, “The heart is wicked above all else, who can understand it.”
Lurking Behind Racism
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?”
Genesis 3:1
There is something deeper lurking behind systemic racism. As God’s people, it’s incredibly important that we understand it. Racism is demonic. Satan has been bent on destroying what God creates [Genesis 3:1]. Additionally, racism is just one of the many faces of sin. At the very root, racism is theological. It is a failure to treat human beings who have been made in the image of God with dignity, value, and worth. These have proven to be extremely helpful truths as we sort through our emotions, relationships, and our interactions on social media platforms.
The Solution to the Human Problem
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Jesus Christ.
Colossians 2:13
For days we have been striving to solve the issues of racism and social injustice. There have been protests. There have been conversations and debates on social media and television. The need for law enforcement reform. Political and government change. These are not only desired, but necessary. Yet, they are powerless to solve the human problems of racism and social injustice. If these issues are the by-product of sin, the solution has already been provided, the Gospel.
The Gospel is our only hope in times of suffering and sorrow, because it is the power of God unto salvation [Romans 1:16]. It’s still “of first importance” in this moment in human history and the answer to these injustices committed against African Americans [1 Corinthians 15:3]. The Gospel is what promises freedom from the dominion of sin for those who repent and place their trust in Christ Jesus [Romans 5:20]. The Gospel is the good news that delivers the weak and ungodly from the wrath of God through the death of Jesus Christ [Romans 5:6-8]. Not only does the Gospel explain Christ died to reconcile sinners to God, but also sinners with one another, creating a new humanity [Ephesians 2:10-11].
The Real Humans On The Earth
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.
2 Corinthians 3:18
I have quoted this verse a number of times in the life of our young church plant. From sermons to conversations to blog posts to social media. Over and over again. This is the reason I’m stuck on the verse:
The Gospel creates real humans from the only one who has been truly human, Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the only human being who faithfully and fully obeyed God with His whole life. That’s the future version of yourself. Look at Jesus, become a real-life human being.
Left Here For Redemptive Purposes
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14
Conversely, there’s a missiological reality for us, too. The church is a light for the watching world of what it means to be truly human and made in the image of God. We are the real humans on the earth. Society and culture should be taking cues from the people of God about how we treat others. Our sacrificial and unconditional love for ALL people demonstrates the light of the Gospel. A gospel that transforms our hearts must inevitably transform our actions in a fallen world. It’s entirely insufficient for the church to celebrate the gospel without also seeking to alleviate unjust suffering and even legislate change.
Apathy is passionless living. It is sitting in front of the television night after night and living your life from one moment of entertainment to the next. It is the inability to be shocked into action by the steady-state lostness and suffering of the world. It is the emptiness that comes from thinking of godliness as the avoidance of doing bad things instead of the aggressive pursuit of doing good things.
– John Piper, Bloodlines
Final Thoughts
Brothers and sisters, I really want to say more. For a week this has consumed my thoughts, prayers, and study. It’s been an incredibly taxing season for every human being on the planet. I want to encourage you in a couple things. I’ll be brief and make recommendations for further reflection.
Lament Over Injustice
Weep with those who weep.
Romans 12:15
Lament is a biblical response to pain and suffering. Express your sadness to God about the injustices committed against African Americans. Ask God to be merciful and provide a revival.
Prayers of Intercession
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people
1 Timothy 2:1
Pray for African Americans. They need prayer during this time. Ask the Lord to comfort them in their affliction. Ask the Lord to surround them with a local church to love and serve them.
Repent of Apathy Toward Racism
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17
This might be something that you have avoided. Do not further postpone or put this off. Remember, Jesus Christ suffered unjustly to satisfy the just wrath of God. He was not apathetic and indifferent towards borrowing your sin. Repent of racism that you have been harboring in your heart.
Read Racism, Prejudice, and Christ by John Piper
Exercise Wisdom On Social Media
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Questions to ask ourselves before posting to social media:
Have I first taken these cares and concerns to the Father before I have taken to posting them on social media?
Is the content I am posting (pictures, links to resources, captions, etc.) seasoned with salt in accordance to Colossians 4:5-6, that I might have the opportunity to have Gospel conversations with those who encounter my content?
How is what I am posting leading others to behold the spectacle of Christ crucified on the cross? How is what I am consuming pushing me to behold Christ?
We recommend the book Competing Spectacles by Tony Reinke to further dive into this topic.
Remember The Solution To The Human Problem
And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:1–2
The Gospel is the only thing we have to offer that can successfully change the human heart. Remember, within each us there is a tendency to trust false and counterfeit gospels to bring about change. Jesus is enough [Colossians 1:15-23].
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Jeth