SUPERIOR IS A DIVINE TRAIT CALLED HOLY!

                                                   

SKIN COLOR or BIOLOGICAL RACE ARE NOT "HOLY" OR SUPERIOR!

 “…you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).

“… If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land…” (1  CHRONICLES 7:14 NASB). 

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COLOR as it relates to RACE strictly refers to the PIGMENT of someone’s skin TONE. “What COLOR is she?” “What COLOR is he?”

RACE usually refer to groups of people who SHARE or HAVE biological features or physical characteristics such as skin tone, hair, bone structure, DNA, or eye color.

Ethnicity refers to groups of people who SHARE or HAVE a common culture, traditions, ancestry, or language.

Different RACES have various shades of skin color from pale white to dark brown. Different ethnicities give less credence to skin color, as much as country identification, or traits, cultural ties, and ancestral associations. You can be a mixed race, and belong or identify with only ONE ethnicity.

Race and ethnicity are more often than not used interchangeably, but both aid in understanding the different ways people identify themselves racially and ethnically.

The biblical Israelites were Semitic-speaking people in Ancient Near East also known as Hebrews or Jews

They were members of one of the twelve biblical tribes who were direct descendants of Jacob.

The modern-day Jews, Hebrews, and Samaritans can trace their ancestry back to the biblical Israelites.

However, skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity does not play as big a part in their connection with Yahweh as the FACT that he simply CHOSE them.  “… the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

Yahweh changed Jacob’s name to Israel. “… What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” He said, “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel….” (Genesis 32:28-29 NASB).

Once Yahweh changed their name they were often called “the Sons of Israel” or “the Children of Israel.” “…Moses spoke to the children of Israel…” (Deuteronomy 1:3 NASB). “… He said to the sons of Israel...” (Joshua 4:21 NASB).

Of all the people on earth, Yahweh decided to show MERCY and special treatment to the people of Israel. “…it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it…” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).  .  “… the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people...” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

The Israelites became a mixture of races and ethnicities; natives and foreigners; bought together through their shared worship of Yahweh and NOT the kinship of skin color, pigmentation, or biological race. “… the sons of Israel…. A mixed multitude also went up with them…” (Exodus 12:37-38 NASB).

“…If there are foreigners living among you who want to celebrate the Lord’s Passover, let all their males be circumcised. Only then may they celebrate the Passover with you like any native-born Israelite…” (Exodus 12:48 NASB). “ … You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way…” (Exodus 22:21 NLT). “…You must not oppress foreigners…” (Exodus 23:9 NLT). “…Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God…” (Leviticus 19:34 NLT). “…Give the people of Israel these instructions, which apply both to native Israelites and to the foreigners living in Israel…” (Leviticus 20:2 NLT).  “… The land (whole EARTH) belongs to … [God and He said]... You... [Israelites] … are only foreigners … [too] … and tenant farmers working for me…” (Leviticus 25:23 NLT).

The defining and distinguishing feature of the Israelites were that they were CHOSEN by Yahweh to be his people. “… the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth..” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

Further, “…Native-born Israelites and foreigners are equal before the Lord and are subject to the same decrees…” (Numbers 15:15 NLT). “… The Lord protects the foreigners among us...” (Psalm 146:9 NASB). “… I will also bless the foreigners who commit themselves to the Lord, who serve him and love his name, who worship him and do not desecrate the Sabbath day of rest, and who hold fast to my covenant…” (Isaiah 56:6 NASB).

God ALWAYS does the CHOOSING and it is NOT based on skin color, pigmentation, biological RACE, or ETHNICITY. "… You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV).  “…Abide in Me, and I in you. … I am the vine, you are the branches … apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB

Yahweh - not skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity - SETS them APART from other surrounding groups of people. “… God hath chosen thee to be a special people (SET APART) unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

The Israelites DID “NOTHING” and had NOTHING special about them “EXCEPT” Yahweh CHOOSE to LOVE them. “… Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples…” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV).

The Israelites or “NO” other group of people have ANY racial or ethnic qualities to boast about in regard to being Yahweh’s CHOSEN people. “….All… boasting is evil….” (James 4:16 NASB).  “… You boast in your arrogance…..” (James 4:16 ASV).  “… They pour forth words; they speak arrogantly … [and the wicked] vaunt themselves (boast)…” (Psalm 94:4 ASV). “….Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips…” (Proverbs 27:1-2 ASV). “…By the GRACE of God … [they are what they are] … (CHOSEN)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

“… those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).  “….apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Thus, spiritually, the CHOSEN Israelites were God’s ideal. “… HE Himself GIVES to all people LIFE and BREATH and all things…” (Acts 17:25 NASB).  “…I God, who GIVES LIFE to all things…” (1 Timothy 6:13 NASB). “… All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

God’s decision for WHO would be HIS PEOPLE was not LIMITED to the Israeli biological race, skin color, pigmentation, or ethnicity as much as it was the common and shared WORSHIP of Yahweh. “…Thus says the Lord God, “No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, of all the foreigners who are among the sons of Israel, shall enter My sanctuary…” (Exodus 44:9 NASB).  “… That the Sovereign Lord says: No foreigners, including those who live among the people of Israel, will enter my sanctuary if they have not been circumcised and have not surrendered themselves to the Lord…” (Exodus 44:9 NLT).

“…  [Everyone] … who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. [They]…are [ALL]… part of the same body, and enjoy the promise of … [provisions] … because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

Unfortunately, mankind LIMITS himself and God to outward appearances such as race, pigmentation, and ethnicity as determining factors for being one of God’s PEOPLE. “...man looks at the outward appearance…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).

God LOOKS at the HEART. “...God sees NOT as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God zooms in on the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “… For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person…” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).  

A heart STUCK on skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity can be “…deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).

In the natural or flesh, the Israelites begin with Jacob. Jacob was the grandson of Abraham. “… “Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel….” (Genesis 32:28-29 NASB).

God made a covenant with Abraham, not based on skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity, but Yahweh’s CHOICE ONLY! “… I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty …” (Exodus 6:3 NASB). “…  “I AM WHO I AM” … ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

To Abraham he made these covenant vows: “…I will BLESS thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a BLESSING: And I will BLESS them that BLESS thee …in thee shall all families of the earth be BLESSED…” (Genesis 12:2-3 KJV).

Thus, it is NOT skin COLOR, pigmentation, biological RACE or ETHNICITY that matters to YAHWEH, but it is HIS “CHOICE” “…you are A CHOSEN RACE …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).

Your skin COLOR, pigmentation, or biological RACE isn’t why you’re CHOSEN. Your ETHNIC affiliation isn’t why you’re CHOSEN; it’s God’s LOVE. “… Jehovah …. set his love upon you, …” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV).

When God CHOOSES you; you are included in his RACE of people; God’s RACE of people “IS” a CHOSEN race. “…you are A CHOSEN RACE …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).

God’s RACE is not based on the outward appearance such as skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity, but HOLINESS. “…you are A CHOSEN RACE … A HOLY NATION…” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).

God’s word affirms that you were CHOSEN by God to be one of his HOLY people….just like Israel in the Old Testament.  ^“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).

God said about Israel, “… For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth…” (Deuteronomy 7:6).

The bottom line is that…….God chooses YOU and you receive him. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”( John 1:12).

There is only one way to be chosen and that’s if God chooses you. "… I chose you, and appointed you  ...” (John 15:16 ASV). 

And the only criterion for His choosing you is based on his love for you and NO other reason. “… Jehovah did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all peoples…” (Deuteronomy 7:7 ASV).

No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their skin color or biological race. No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their ethnicity. No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their earthly wealth. No group of people is CHOSEN by God for their physical beauty. There is “NO”special criteria other than the GRACE of God. “…By the GRACE of God I am what I am (CHOSEN)…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “……There is NEITHER Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female…ye are ALL “one” in Christ….” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

You have nothing to do with being chosen by God. "…You did not choose me but I chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV). 

God, ALONE, is the Chooser.  AND “…God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM …” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV). “…YE ARE “ALL” CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH “IN” CHRIST JESUS…” (Galatians 3:26-28 KJV).

The COLOR or PIGMENTATION of a person’s skin PROFITS “nothing!” The ETHNICITY of a person PROFITS “nothing” either. “…the flesh  (skin color, pigmentation, ethnicity, etc.) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “…It is the SPIRIT who “GIVES” LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “… AS MANY as received him , to them GAVE HE POWER (INDWELLING SPIRIT) TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God) … [AGAIN]… …” (John 1:12 KJV).  

When groups of people pair their skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity with deity it creates idolatry. “… They … exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man…” (Romans 1:22-23 NASB).

Idolatry is when people worship something CREATED (such as skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity, people, things, etc.) and forsake God. “…They instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people…” (Romans 1:22-23 NLT).

In regard to skin color or pigmentation an idol would be the worship of a particular race or ethnicity of people. “… You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness (pictures, murals, hewn stone, carved wood, etc.) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth…” (Exodus 20:4 NASB).

This race or ethnicity of people replaces God by putting their OWN image in pictures, paintings, sculptures, murals, ceramics, statues, etc. in place of God’s image. “… You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness …” (Exodus 20:4 NASB).

From the beginning of biblical history God’s covenant with Israel was based on their exclusive worship of HIM and NOT fleshly skin color, or pigmentation, biological race, ethnicity, or pagan images. “… You shall have no other gods before Me…” (Exodus 20:3 & Deuteronomy 5:7 NASB).

The Israelites were not even to speak of or give any credence whatsoever to the existence of false images of God. “… You shall not make for yourself an idol…” (Exodus 20:4 NASB). “… make NO mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth…” (Exodus 23:13 KJV).

Giving credence to the existence of false images – such skin tone, pigmentation, race, ethnicity, etc. – is to give the illusion of one kind of false deity over another. “…instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people…” (Romans 1:22-23 NLT).

Skin color, pigmentation, biological race, ethnicity have “NO” power and “NO” deity in and of themselves. “…Their idols are silver and gold, The work of man’s hands. They have mouths, but they cannot speak; They have eyes, but they cannot see; They have ears, but they cannot hear; They have noses, but they cannot smell…” (Psalms 115:4-6 NASB). “…Their gods are like helpless scarecrows in a cucumber field! They cannot speak, and they need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of such gods, for they can neither harm you nor do you any good…” (Jeremiah 10:5 NLT).

The book of HOSEA uses adultery to explain Israel’s abandonment of God for false gods. They chased after these FALSE gods like an unfaithful wife chases after men other than her husband. “….For the land hath committed great whoredom, DEPARTING from the Lord…” (Hosea 1:2 KJV).

Israel has a history of idol worship where graven images, made by human hands, replaced the one true GOD. “… You shall have no other gods before me. …” (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV). “…Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and plane and carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine…” (Isaiah 44:13 NLT).

These false images or idols had NO power except in the MINDS of the people. “…Do not fear them, For they can do no harm, Nor can they do any good…” (Jeremiah 10:5 NASB). “…Let NOT thine heart ENVY sinners…” (Proverbs 23:17 KJV).

When IDOLS – such as skin tone, pigmentation, race, ethnicity - is worshipped it led Israel into destruction, and God’s wrath was poured out on them. “…You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below…” (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV).

Pairing false images with deity and worshipping statues, icons, pictures, murals, hewed stones, etc. has ALWAYS been a forbidden practice by God. “…. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:3-5 KJV).

False images and idols are many and varied, but our focus, for this book, is on the false images and idols of skin color, pigmentation, biological race, or ethnicity.

Groups of people have created the FALSE image or idol of SKIN COLOR or PIGMENTATION in the minds of men and women leading them astray. “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (FALSE IMAGES)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods ( FALSE IMAGES)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (FALSE IMAGES)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).

Those who bow, in their hearts and minds, to these false images of deity based on SKIN COLOR or PIGMENTATION are giving credence or existence to racial and ethnic idols. “…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:..” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “… For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “… There is NONE GOOD but one, that is, God…”(Mark 10:18 KJV).

Those who have set themselves up as FALSE gods based on their SKIN COLOR or PIGMENTATION are exhibiting fleshly pride, self-centeredness, greed, gluttony, a god complex, rebellion, and inferiority“…They …serve ….their OWN belly…” (Romans 16:18 KJV). “…[their] … heart is not right in the sight of God…” (Acts 8:21 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees …the LORD looks at THE HEART…” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB).  God SEES the “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV).  “… From WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts (promotion of skin color, pigmentation, biological race, ethnicity, etc.), sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT).

Skin COLOR, PIGMENTATION, biological RACE, ETHNCITY that are used as objects of worship in certain countries or nations in place of God are regarded as IDOLS, especially when they used themselves as symbols of deity in pictures, murals, graven images, hewed stone, carved wood, statues, books, and social media outlets.

In the beginning, “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…God is Spirit…” (John 4:24 NIV).

Skin COLOR, pigmentation, biological race, and ethnicity is ALL FLESH and “NOT” Spirit. . “…the flesh  (skin color, pigmentation, ethnicity, etc.) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB).

What can MAKE mankind BACK into God’s original, created “image” and “likeness?” “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit in you. …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

Skin color, pigmentation, race, or ethnicity WON”T save you as Apostle Paul acknowledges: “... I know that in me (that is, in my flesh (skin tone, pigmentation, race, ethnicity, etc.,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me” (Romans 7:18-20 KJV).

Your ENTIRE identity - not your skin tone, pigmentation, race, or ethnicity - changes during salvation. You become “….a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

God says, “…you are A CHOSEN RACE …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).The entrance into the CHOSEN race with God comes through faith. “…Ye are saved through faith…” (Ephesian 2:8-9 KJV). Unless you go into the relationship with God through faith you won’t become a member of the CHOSEN race.

God’s purpose for having a CHOSEN race of people is not to glorify their skin color, pigmentation, race, ethnicity, or to glorify a particular group of people, but to manifest the presence of God on the earth and reveal his holy nature to the world.

God’s intent for his CHOSEN people was to be HOLY, DISTINCT, and to DIRECT others towards Yahweh. “… salvation comes through the Jews…” (John 4:22 NLT).

In addition, the promised redeemer, Messiah, and Savior, Jesus Christ would come through his CHOSEN people.

“…you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light …” (1 Peter 2:9 NASB).

Jehovah God’s skin COLOR is SPIRIT. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). His RACE and ethnicity is HOLY. “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “…There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…The fruit of the …[HOLY] … Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).