Kingdom Diversity – Striving for Gospel-Centered Unity

God directly created humanity in His image. Imago Dei refers to the biblical doctrine that all people, regardless of race, gender, degree of physical ability, or socioeconomic class, are created in the image of God. A biblical understanding of diversity recognizes the value of all human beings as image-bearers with God-given worth and dignity. Imago Dei extends to people of other faiths, viewpoints, or beliefs; therefore, all people are to be treated with respect and dignity.

(Gen. 1:26–27; Gen. 2:7; Gen. 2:21–22; Gen. 9:6)

Sin had ruinous consequences for humankind, casting a shadow over the Imago Dei and introducing conflict, disunity, injustice, oppression, and a breakdown of human society. Scripture gives abundant evidence that each person is born with an inclination to sin and that sin impacts every aspect of a person and all of creation. We must resist the temptation to sin, oppose any form of injustice, and work for the benefit of the marginalized in society.

(Gen. 3; Eph. 2:1–3; Rom. 5:12–21; Jer. 17:9; Micah 6:8; Deut. 10:17–19)

Sin separates all people from God and leaves all equally in need of redemption. God offers redemption to all who will repent of their sins and believe in Christ. The ground at the foot of the cross is level for all humanity. Furthermore, our Savior offered salvation to all equally, making no distinctions based on race, gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or socioeconomic level. Therefore, within the body of Christ there is no hierarchy of value based upon these areas of difference. This pattern of redemption, reconciliation, and equality is evident in the work of Jesus Christ and the life of the early church. Believers share not only a common humanity but also a shared bond in Christ.

(Matt. 28:18–20; Luke 24:47; Acts 10:27–28, 34–35; Acts 15; Gal. 2:6–14; Eph. 2:13–19; 1 Cor. 12:12–20)

Biblical love is one of the defining marks of all true followers of Jesus Christ. It seeks to live out and preserve the boundaries of what God has ordained as holy and good. This ethic calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, love our enemies, greet strangers, help those in need, and treat others as we would like to be treated. This means we model and train our students to love every individual or group of people, including those who disagree with our beliefs.

(Ps. 82:3; Matt. 5:43–48; Luke 10:25–37; John 13:34–35; Eph. 4:1–6; Matt. 22:36–40; 1 Cor. 13:1–4)

As a Christian institution focused on discipleship, we require affirmation of the Gospel. A Gospel community at Cedarville is exemplified by our core values of love for God, love for others, integrity in conduct, and excellence in effort. Part of our understanding of community is that we should be active in seeking the good of those around us as defined by God’s Word.

(Gal 6:10; James 1:27; James 2:1–13; Gal. 3:26–29)

The future family of God is described as an assembly from every nation, tribe, people, and language worshiping together, united in Jesus Christ. The fact that heaven is repeatedly described in this manner is evidence of the importance that God places on unified worship among diverse people. Until we reach heaven, we should pursue the biblical values of love, gentleness, peace, kindness, self-sacrifice, and self-control.

(Rev. 5:9–10; Col. 3:11–12; Gal. 5:22–23)