In November of last year, the staff at forefront all read a book called ‘From every people and nation’ which is a very in-depth study of the biblical theology of race. We were working through it as part of our ongoing value of intentional diversity at Forefront. Its quite a long read and goes into a lot of detail from Genesis through Revelation to give you a thorough biblical perspective on race. From the Cushites and Egyptians in the Old Testament to the Jewish diaspora and Samaritans in the New Testament etc. I really enjoyed the read and was so struck by the last chapter in the book on Revelation that I wrote a song, inspired by this verse in Revelation 5:9 (see also parallel verse in Daniel 7:14):

9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

The song is a two-fold idea. The first being that one day, people from all over the earth - from every tribe, language, people and nation, will sing 'Worthy is the Lamb'. The second being that Christ died not just for a select few or even for those he knew would accept Him as their Savior. I believe His grace is so much bigger than that. He died for absolutely everyone, knowing some people would not accept His mercy. Anyone can find freedom in His grace. He was slain for all!