Why does religion separate mankind instead of uniting us as the Bible commands?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: Religion seems to separate mankind instead of unite them as the Bible commands. Why is this when we are all brothers and God is the Father of the whole human race? -- M.T.
A: There is a great deal of misunderstanding when it comes to the universal Fatherhood of God and brotherhood. The majority of appeals made in behalf of peace are based on the idea of brotherhood. There is a wrong sense in which God is the Father of us all by creation. The truth is that He is the Creator of mankind. But the world seems to be blinded to the fact that for mankind to know God spiritually as Father they must receive Christ as personal Lord and Savior and accept His forgiveness and His salvation, which brings about repentance, a turn-about-face. Only then are we brought into the family of God. His spiritual Fatherhood belongs only to those who trust in Him.
Class warfare is another misunderstanding in society. The Bible says that there are only two classes of people: the saved and the lost; those who are going to Heaven and those who are going to Hell (Matthew 7:13-14).
Outside of Christ's work on the cross -- His death and His resurrection from the grave -- there is bitterness, intolerance, ill will, prejudice, lust, greed, and hatred. Within the efficacy of the cross of Christ Jesus, there is love and fellowship, new life and new brotherhood, no matter the race, nationality, or social standing.
"For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity... to create in Himself one new man" (Ephesians 2:14-15). There is no Jew, no Gentile -- no black, white, yellow, or red. Those who belong to Christ are one great brotherhood in Him.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
(c)2019 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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