January 17, 2021

I am so grateful for the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here is why.

The Bible is crystal clear about the dignity, value, and equality of all people and ethnicities. This truth is established beyond doubt by four theological pillars:

1. The image of God, conferred upon all humanity (Genesis 1:26).

2. The redemption of Christ, given without distinction to all who believe (Romans 3:22–24).

3. The body of Christ, in which all peoples by faith are reconciled as one in Him (Ephesians 2:15).

4. Our heavenly destiny, as those from every nation, tribe, people, language and tongue forever worship in harmony (Revelation 7:9–10).

But it took the prophetic voice of Dr. King and others to help many of us see the massive gap between theological belief and lived practice. Sin, as we know, is blinding. And our blinders have been thick, not only as a nation, but also as a church. Those who follow Christ should be the first to admit that far too often we have shared in the sins of our culture. Our own beloved church was blinded by sin as we for many years denied membership to people of color. It took the power of the gospel and prophetic leadership to address those sins with humble repentance and godly sorrow. We know much hurt has been borne by our Black brothers and sisters over the years, even within the walls of our church. And we ask our brothers and sisters for their forgiveness.

I’m grateful for the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because he helped open our eyes and hearts to our sin, both as a nation and as a church. For godly sorrow leads to repentance, repentance leads to forgiveness, and forgiveness leads to freedom.

There is much left to do and much further to go, but by the grace of God may we journey forward together that one day we may cry out with Dr. King, “Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

You are loved, more than you know!

Pastor Philip