What Does The Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?

Interracial marriage has been a topic of discussion for centuries, and it continues to be in the present day. Many people have used the Bible to support their views on interracial marriage, and it’s essential to examine what does the Bible say about interracial marriage? 

As Christians, our opinions and decisions should be grounded in the word of God. In this blog post, we will look at examples of interracial marriages in the Bible and discuss what the Bible says about interracial marriage.

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What Does The Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?

The Bible contains several examples of interracial marriages which show that God doesn’t discriminate based on skin color or ethnicity. In the New Testament, we see that Jesus Christ came to save people of all races and cultures. These examples show that interracial marriage is not a new phenomenon, and it’s not something that is condemned in the Bible. 

Examples of Interracial Marriages in the Bible

In the Old Testament, we see examples of interracial marriages. One such example is that of Moses, who married a Cushite woman in Numbers 12:1. Cush was a region in Africa, and this marriage was between a Hebrew man and a woman of a different race.

Another example is that of King Solomon, who married foreign women, including a woman from Egypt and a white woman from Tyre 1 Kings 11:1-3. These marriages were not only between people of different races but also between people of different cultures.

In the New Testament, we see that the body of Christ is made up of people from all nations and races. Galatians 3:28, says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse shows us that in Christ, there is no distinction between races or cultures.

Some people may argue that interracial marriage goes against God’s plan because it goes against cultural norms or because it may lead to the worship of false gods.  However, we must remember that the issue is not one of skin colour or cultural differences, but of faith. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, it says, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.

For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?” This verse does not refer to interracial couples but to the importance of marrying someone who shares the same faith. The Bible does not condemn interracial marriage.

Instead, it shows us examples of interracial marriages and emphasizes the importance of marrying someone who shares the same faith, it is not outward appearance that matter. As Christians, we should focus on building relationships with people of all human race and cultures and not let the issue of skin colour or cultural differences divide us.

Is There Any Reason Christians Cannot Participate in an Interracial Marriage?

When we talk about interracial marriage, it’s important to first define what we mean by race and marriage. Race is often thought of as a biological or genetic category, but it’s actually a social construct that has been used to create divisions among people based on physical characteristics such as skin colour.

Marriage, on the other hand, is a social and legal institution that involves a commitment between two people to live together as partners in a loving relationship. The Bible defines marriage as a covenant joining a man and a woman together for as long as they both live.

Some may still argue that interracial marriage goes against God’s plan for people to marry outside one’s race. They often point to verses in the Bible that talk about marrying within one’s own tribe or family.

One such passage is found in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, which states, “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods.”

Some have used this verse to argue against interracial marriage, claiming that it is a sin to marry someone of a different race. However, it is important to note that these verses are not talking about race. They are talking about marrying within the family of God.

Israel was set apart as a holy nation. The issue of interracial marriage is not about skin colour, but about faith. The Bible makes it clear that we should not marry someone who worships false gods. This is not because of their race, but because of their beliefs.

In the book of Ruth, we also see an iconic illustration of interracial marriage in the story of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth, a Moabite, married Boaz, a Hebrew. Despite their stark racial and cultural differences, Ruth was committed to the God of Israel. She stated unequivocally, “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). This example emphasizes the importance of shared faith over shared ethnicity.

As people of God, we are called to love and respect all people, regardless of their skin colour or cultural differences. We believe that interracial relationships can be a beautiful expression of God’s love and unity in the body of Christ. We must also remember to avoid false gods and idolatry, which can lead us away from God’s plan for our lives.

In the New Testament, we see that Christ Jesus came to break down the barriers between people and unite them in His love. As followers of Christ, we should strive to do the same and embrace cross-cultural marriages as a way to promote unity and understanding among people of different races and cultures.

As the body of Christ, we should embrace and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation, including the different skin tones and cultures that make up our world.

Final Thoughts: What Does The Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?

When it comes to the issue of interracial marriage, the Bible is clear that the true issue is not one of skin colour or cultural differences, but rather one of faith. As believers, we are called to marry within the people of God and avoid being unequally yoked with unbelievers  as the apostle Paul outlines in second Corinthians 6:14). This is the true issue that Christians must consider when contemplating an interracial relationship.

While some may argue that the Bible prohibits interracial marriage, the reality is that the Bible does not condemn it. In fact, there are numerous examples of interracial marriages in the Bible, including King Solomon’s marriage to a Cushite woman (Song of Solomon 1:5) and Moses’ marriage to a black woman (Numbers 12:1).

These examples demonstrate that God does not discriminate based on skin colour or cultural background. The New Testament also teaches us that in Christ Jesus, there is no distinction between people of different races or cultures (Galatians 3:28). As members of the body of Christ representing the image of God, we are called to love one another and embrace our differences, rather than allowing them to divide us, just like the people of Israel.

In cross-cultural marriages, it is important to acknowledge and respect cultural differences. However, these differences should not be a barrier to love and unity. As Christians, we must remember that our ultimate allegiance is to Christ and his kingdom, not to our cultural or racial identity. 

In conclusion, there is nothing in the Bible that prohibits interracial relationships or cross-cultural marriages. As members of the body of Christ, God’s people, we are called to love one another on the face of the earth and embrace our differences, recognizing that in Christ Jesus, there is no distinction between people of different races or cultures.