Breaking the Bubble of Racism:

A Biblical Perspective on Unity

by J. Leoni

The sin of racism, whether it manifests as white supremacy, black pride, or any other form of tribalism, is rooted in the false belief that some groups are inherently superior or distinct from others due to their genetics. Such ideologies crumble when we examine Scripture, which reveals the fundamental truth that we all descend from Noah. The biblical account of the flood, coupled with historical insights from the Book of Jasher, offers profound evidence that all human beings share the same origin and were given equal dignity under God.

The Biblical Foundation: Noah and the Flood

The Bible unequivocally states that the human race was reset through Noah and his three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. After the judgment of the global flood, recorded in Genesis 6–9, Noah’s family alone was spared to repopulate the earth. Genesis 9:19 declares, “These were the three sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.” Every nation, tribe, and tongue descends from this righteous man, who found favor in God’s eyes (Genesis 6:8).

The flood was not just a historical event but a spiritual reset. God, in His sovereignty, chose Noah and his family to carry forward His divine plan for humanity. After the flood, God reaffirmed His covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth by water again (Genesis 9:11-17). This covenant extends to all Noah’s descendants—meaning all people are equal heirs to this promise, regardless of race or ethnicity.

The Book of Jasher: A Testament to the Table of Nations

The Book of Jasher, referenced in Joshua 10:13 (“Is this not written in the Book of Jasher?”) and 2 Samuel 1:18, serves as a historical corroboration of the Bible’s account. Although not part of the canonical Scriptures, it provides valuable insights into the dispersion of Noah’s descendants and the divine allocation of lands to his family.

In Jasher 7:11-17, we read how Noah divided the earth among his sons. Shem’s portion extended from the middle of the earth to the east, including parts of Asia and the regions near the Persian Gulf. Ham was given the southern lands, which include the African continent, and Japheth’s inheritance covered the north and west, encompassing Europe. Jasher 10:1-36 details the subsequent movements of their descendants, forming the tribes and nations we recognize today.

For instance, Jasher 10:16 describes how the sons of Ham settled in Africa, forming the foundations of Cush (Ethiopia), Mizraim (Egypt), and Phut (Libya). Meanwhile, Japheth’s descendants, such as Gomer and Magog, populated Europe and parts of Asia. Shem’s lineage became the foundation of the Semitic peoples, including the Hebrews, Arabs, and others in the Middle East. Thus, from Noah’s family, God ordained the diversity of nations—not as a source of division, but as a testament to His creativity and sovereignty.

One Family, One Blood

The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in Acts 17:26, declaring, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.” Paul’s words dismantle any argument for racial superiority, reminding us that humanity shares a single origin and a common purpose: to glorify God.

Genetics, often cited by racists and supremacists to justify division, tells the same story. Scientific evidence confirms that all humans share 99.9% of their DNA. This biological unity aligns with the spiritual truth of our shared ancestry in Noah. Any ideology that elevates one race above another stands in direct opposition to God’s design.

The Sin of Division and the Call to Unity

Racism and pride in ancestry are sins that stem from the fall of humanity. When men built the Tower of Babel in defiance of God (Genesis 11:1-9), He scattered them by confusing their languages. This act was not a curse but a correction, forcing humanity to spread across the earth as He originally commanded (Genesis 9:1). Tragically, what God intended for diversity and beauty has been twisted into a source of division.

The Bible consistently calls us to unity in Christ. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This unity does not erase our diversity but redeems it, reminding us that every culture, tongue, and nation will one day worship together before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9).

A Call to Repentance and Reconciliation

If we truly believe the biblical account of our origins, we must reject all forms of racism and pride in ethnicity. These ideologies are not just unbiblical—they are anti-biblical, opposing the very nature of God’s creation and redemption plan. As Christians, we are called to repent of any prejudices and work toward reconciliation, reflecting the love and unity of Christ.

Jesus Himself modeled this in His ministry, reaching out to the Samaritan woman (John 4), healing the Roman centurion’s servant (Matthew 8:5-13), and praising the faith of a Syrophoenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). He broke down cultural and racial barriers, showing that the Kingdom of God transcends all human divisions.

Conclusion: A Family Reunited in Christ

The flood reminds us of humanity’s shared origin in Noah. The Book of Jasher enriches this narrative by detailing the divine distribution of lands among Noah’s sons. Together, these accounts reveal that we are one family, scattered but not divided, called to glorify God in our diversity.

As we confront the sin of racism, let us remember that our ultimate identity is not in our ancestry or ethnicity but in Christ. Through His blood, we are reconciled to God and to one another, forming a new family united by faith. In this truth, there is no room for pride or prejudice—only the call to love, humility, and the pursuit of justice.

May we, as believers, be the first to break the bubble of division, proclaiming the gospel of unity in a fractured world. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26). Let us live as one family, as it was always meant to be.