What is the biblical view of white privilege?

from the old testament

• Genesis 1:26–27: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'..." So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." This text establishes the equality of all humans, regardless of ethnicity.
• Leviticus 19:15: "You shall not do injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor." This verse advocates for impartial justice, regardless of social status.
• Deuteronomy 10:17–18: "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner , giving him food and clothing." This passage demonstrates God's impartiality and concern for the vulnerable.
• Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse summarizes God's expectations for ethical behavior, which include seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. This is what everyone is called to pursue.

from the new testament

• Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse clarifies the unity and equality of all Christians, despite social and ethnic differences.
• James 2:1–4: "My brothers, show no partiality as you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" This passage speaks directly to the sin of showing favoritism based on social status.
• Romans 2:11: "For God shows no partiality." This statement affirms God's impartiality and serves as an example for believers.
• First Timothy 6:17–18: "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share." This instructs those who have privilege or wealth to use it for the good of others.
• Revelation 7:9–12: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’ And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, ‘Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.’” People from every tongue, tribe, and nation will be in eternity, praising God for who He is. There is no privilege in eternity.

implications for today

Believers must recognize the equal value of all people as God's image-bearers, regardless of ethnicity or social status. This should then prompt us to examine ourselves, looking for signs of favoritism or prejudice in our own hearts and actions, and repenting as needed. The Bible's teachings also encourage Christians to actively combat systemic injustice in society. Instead of continuing injustice, we can expose it and reflect God's desire for us to seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly before Him, and treat people as made in God’s image.

Within the church, we are challenged to foster unity that transcends ethnic and social boundaries, thereby modeling reconciliation and equality for the larger society. We don’t need to shy away from understanding hurt and injustice where it has occurred, and we can celebrate the unique ways that God has created us instead of following the world’s way of dividing based on those differences.

Believers are called to be light in a world darkened by division and discrimination, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. By embracing the truth that all people are made in God's image, we can courageously confront our own biases, advocate for the oppressed, and champion unity over division. As the church, our commitment to reconciliation and equality serves not only as a witness to the power of the gospel but also as a tangible expression of God’s kingdom on earth—a kingdom where every person is valued, loved, and welcomed. Let us be relentless in living out this calling, embodying the love of Christ in every interaction and boldly standing for what is right, no matter the cost.