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One tragedy of living in a fallen world is that people sometimes misuse holy words, terms, and phrases for wicked purposes. The statement “Christ is King” is an example of this. While its biblical significance emphasizes and glorifies Jesus’ authority over all earthly powers, some have twisted the phrase to promote anti-Semitism—a type of racism characterized by hatred, prejudice, and discrimination against Jewish individuals. Specifically, certain individuals are using the slogan “Christ is King” in the context of denying the Holocaust, endorsing the idea of a global Jewish conspiracy, and expressing hostility towards Jewish people.
The Bible cautions against the improper use of God’s names, as seen in the third commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” «Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. », (Exodus 20:7, ESV). Similarly, individuals at times exploit Jesus’ names and titles for sinful purposes. The faithless sons of Sceva demonstrated this when they invoked Jesus’ name in an attempt to perform an exorcism. Even the demons acknowledged that their invocation was ineffective and remained unaffected (Acts 19:13-16;cf: 2 Corinthians 11:4). Likewise, using the phrase “Christ is King” as a tool of anti-Semitism is to misuse Jesus’ name, disrespecting a sacred title and distorting its true significance.
Just like all forms of racism, anti-Semitism is a sin because individuals of all races are created in God’s image and therefore possess equal worth (Genesis 1:26-28). The belief that certain races are inferior to others is unfounded.It affirms the truth that God created “every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth” (Acts 17:26; Jeremiah 27:5) and that His plan includes blessing “all the families of the earth” – “and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3). Additionally, racism goes against Jesus’ instructions to “make disciples of all nations” through the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). It also fails to acknowledge heaven’s ethnic diversity, as John describes “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” – “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” (Revelation 7:9).
Although ignorance is present in all forms of racism, anti-Semitism in particular reveals a lack of understanding about the Bible. The Old Testament shows God’s love for the Jewish people (Deuteronomy 7:6-8; Jeremiah 31:3), and the New Testament reaffirms it (Romans 11:1-2). Furthermore, anti-Semitism ignores the role of Jews in God’s plan to save people of all races (Genesis 12:3; Psalm 22:27; Acts 3:25). Racism towards Jews also blatantly disregards the historical fact that Jesus,His family, and most of His early followers, were Jewish. Consequently, using the Bible to justify anti-Semitism dishonors God’s plan of salvation and distorts the clear meaning of His Word «Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. », (cf: 2 Timothy 2:15).
In contrast to the Bible’s teachings, some racist ideologies use Christian terms and symbols to promote anti-Semitism. For instance, the so-called “Christian Identity,” a worldview associated with the white supremacist group the Ku Klux Klan, argues that Anglo-Saxons, Nordic people, and the fabricated “Aryan race” are the true Israelites. According to this perspective, people called Jews today are unlawful imposters, deceitfully identifying themselves as God’s chosen people. The erroneous claims of Christian Identity teachings are neither historically true nor biblically accurate but are satanic lies cf: John 8:44.
Some teachings on the mark of Cain are an example of twisting the Bible to promote racism. According to one prejudiced interpretation, God cursed Cain with dark skin. This explanation contradicts the teaching of Genesis, which says the mark signifies God’s protection, not His punishment. “If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him” «And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. », (Genesis 4:15). As this example shows, a straightforward reading of the Bible demolishes racist interpretations.
Despite the misuse by some of Christ as King, Christians should believe and defend what the Bible says.About Jesus’ kingship. Importantly, the New Testament begins with the declaration that Jesus is King and concludes with the affirmation of the same. In the opening of Matthew, Jesus is referred to as the King of the Jews, a title He later affirms (Matthew 2:2; Matthew 27:11). Towards the end of Revelation, the depiction of Jesus’ return portrays Him adorned with a victory sash bearing the inscription, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” signifying His authority over all earthly rulers «And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.», (Revelation 19:16). Therefore, the remedy for the misrepresentation of Jesus’ name is not to refrain from mentioning it or diluting its significance—rather, it is to boldly and loudly proclaim the truth of it.
Christ reigns as King. The appropriate reaction to Jesus’ kingship is to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Him and offer Him the respect He is due. Furthermore, the correct response to anti-Semitism is to denounce it as a sin, dismantling the arguments that support it «(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)», (2 Corinthians 10:4), and uphold the biblical teachings on racial equality. When Jesus returns as the victorious King, the triumph He achieved over sin on the cross will be fully realized, and just like all other forms of wickedness, the judgment of God will be directed towards eradicating anti-Semitism. Until that time, may all who abhor racism as God does fervently pray, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus” «If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.», (1 Corinthians 16:22).
