The possible ethnicity of God has always been a contentious matter for Christians worldwide. But with good reason. Psychologists’ studies show that the ethnicity of religious figures subconsciously makes people associate good leadership with that particular color. Every race would like to claim God as their own, and therefore a lot of confusion has come about with lots of questions like what is God’s ethnic background? And what color is God?
It is implied that God does not have a color because He is an invisible spirit with no physical human form. This is according to John 4:24, which expressly states so. God is also ethnicity-less and does not have human traits as we understand them.
In this article, you’ll know what the Bible says about God’s color, His physical form according to Scripture, and if God has a favorite race. It also has fantastic Bible verses relevant to the topic for your reference. Keep reading to learn all this and more.
Does the Bible Say the Color of God?
The Bible does not say God’s color. In fact, the Holy Book doesn’t mention God having a body at all. It does the opposite. It reveals that God is a spirit. John 4:24 emphasizes this. It reads, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” therefore implying that God is an invisible entity. God cannot have a color, race, or ethnicity without a physical human form. The concept of ethnicity and color is unique to the human race, and since God is not human, ethnicities do not apply to Him. The Bible also alludes to God’s image as supernatural and incomprehensible to humans. This is in Exodus 33:20, which says, “But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Anyone that manages to see God will perish. It is impossible to know God’s color if His Spirit has one.
As well in the Creation story, it is stated in Genesis 1:26 that God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” This implies that the human race is made in God’s image. All colors and skin tones liken the Creator, and therefore, He cannot be one specific color even if He was in a physical form.
Despite the Bible being mute on God’s color, anthropomorphism is still common among Christians. This is the act of applying human qualities such as race and gender to deities (in this case, God). For example, illustrations of God made by Europeans may show Him to be white, while those made by Africans may show His skin color as black. This in itself is not wrong, as it is merely the interpretation of God on a personal level. It is only forbidden if the imagery becomes an idol (Exodus 20:3-5).
Does God Have A Physical Body?
Christians are inclined to believe that God does not have a physical body. Numerous Biblical scriptures allude to God as supernatural without a physical form as we know it. Check them out below:
- John 4:24 – God is Spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.
- Isaiah 31:3 – The Egyptians are mere mortals, not God; their horses are flesh and not Spirit.
- Exodus 33:20 – But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
- Colossians 1:15 – The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
- 1 Timothy 1:17 – Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- Psalm 121:3-4 – He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
- Job 10:4 – Do you have eyes of flesh? Do you see as a mortal sees?
From the Scriptures above, it is clear that God did not have a physical body. But His only son, Jesus Christ, did. Many are of the school of thought that Jesus is God using verses such as John 1:14 (The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth) to support this doctrine. While God might not have had physical features such as legs, arms, eyes, and hands, Jesus, the Son of God was in human form.
The Bible also illustrates instances where the Lord appeared to people on different occasions. For example, God appeared to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:26-28) and John (Revelations 1:14-16). Both of these men described God’s appearance in their books but the language used is symbolic. Theologians have concluded that God is a being whose image is beyond the comprehension of humans. Due to the Original Sin in man, we cannot see Him, but when we die and go to Heaven, where there is no sin, we will be able to see Him. 1 John 3:2 states, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
Does God Have A Favorite Race?
Certainly not! God does not have a preferred or favorite race. In the beginning, as God formed the earth and all its inhabitants, He made all of mankind in His image (Genesis 1:26). Thus, we are all representatives of Him here on earth, no matter the race. This idea is repeated in Ephesians 2:10, which states, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Again, in Psalms 139:13-14, it is reiterated that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made, invoking the idea that irrespective of all physical factors, including race, we are equally beautiful in the eyes of the Lord.
Further, the Bible has revealed that God intends salvation for all people, regardless of race. Matthew 28:18 reads, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Galatians 3:8 “Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you” are proof of this. God also planned to reach all nations through Abram, which is in Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
In Revelation 7:9, an image is painted of all people from every nation, tribe, people, and language, making up the Body of Christ on Judgement Day and in Heaven.
Further, God admonishes believers from favoritism of any kind. Take, for instance, the parable in James 2:1-4, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” God sees beyond physical and material things and instead looks at the content of one’s heart. Acts 4:12 also expounds on this: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
The fact that the Bible does not mention God’s color or a superior race is enough reason to believe that the race of a person is not essential and God’s love and forgiveness are given to all, no matter the ethnicity.
References
- Was Jesus White?
- What Does God Look Like?
- Does the Bible Describe God’s Character?
- Does God Have a Physical Body?
- Was Jesus Black?
- What Does the Bible Say About Racism?
- Old Testament: Bible Verses About Diversity
- What Is the Biblical View of White Privilege?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
