Justification and Racism

Trevin Wax:

A provocative article from Michael Bird on how the horizontal dimension of the doctrine of justification by faith naturally excludes racism:

To practice any form of ethnic or racial exclusion means that one either does not understand or does not believe in justification by faith… Justification by faith is our shield against any merit loaded legalism and the basis for the unity of the church comprised of the multi-ethnic people of God. Paul’s letter to the Romans, the great letter of justification by faith, includes a timeless exhortation to Jews and Gentiles at its pinnacle: ‘Let us then pursue the things that make for peace and mutual encouragement’ – that is what justification by faith looks like when it is worked out in the local church.