What happens when race becomes a requirement for salvation?
Christian podcaster Bryce Crawford found himself confronting that question head-on during a striking conversation with Captain Tazaryach, a leader within the Israelite School of Universal Practical Knowledge, or ISUPK.
During their lengthy discussion, Crawford pressed Tazaryach on his group’s beliefs about Jesus, salvation and the identity of biblical Israel. Tazaryach explained that ISUPK teaches that Black, Latino and Native American people are the true Israelites and that Christ came specifically to redeem Israel. He also rejected the doctrine of the Trinity, saying his group believes Jesus is the Son of God but that God is superior to Christ.
The conversation took a particularly startling turn when Crawford made it personal.
“Do you believe that I’m going to go to heaven?” Crawford asked.
“No,” Tazaryach replied.
Crawford pressed further, asking whether there was no hope for him because of his skin color. Tazaryach responded that Crawford could enter the kingdom “as a servant,” explaining that if an Israelite entered the kingdom and Crawford did as well, Crawford would be that person’s “slave or his servant.”
Crawford then asked the question at the heart of the gospel.
To order Jonathan Cahn’s new book, The Altar of Pergamon, visit Amazon.com.
What if a white person genuinely repents, believes in Jesus Christ and lives according to the Bible?
“Are they going to heaven?” Crawford asked.
Then came perhaps the most shocking exchange.
“Do you believe that the white man is the devil?”
“Absolutely,” Tazaryach said.
Tazaryach later elaborated that while he believes people of other races can act as “devils,” he views the white man collectively as the ultimate representation of deception and wickedness, declaring, “There ain’t a greater devil on the planet.”
The rhetoric went beyond a theological dispute over who constitutes Israel.
Discussing judgment, Tazaryach described a future in which Crawford could become a servant and said that people would eventually be hunted and rounded up. When Crawford asked what he meant, Tazaryach answered, “Exactly what it sounds like.”
Throughout the conversation, Crawford repeatedly challenged this racialized view of redemption by returning to the character of Christ.
At one point, he turned to the story of Hosea and Gomer, pointing to the prophet’s willingness to redeem his unfaithful wife as a picture of God’s mercy. Why, Crawford essentially asked, would Hosea extend redemption instead of simply demanding vengeance?
Tazaryach countered that the account represented God’s restoration of Israel specifically. He later argued that he had not found a biblical mandate requiring reconciliation with nations outside those he considers Israel, describing those nations instead as enemies destined for God’s destruction.
Crawford’s persistent questioning brought that divide to light. When repentance, faith and surrender to Christ are presented as insufficient because of someone’s skin color, Christians should recognize just how radically the message has departed from the gospel preached to “every nation, tribe, people and tongue.”
The gospel does not need a racial gatekeeper.
Jesus Christ is the gate.
To watch the full interview, click here. (Editor’s note: strong language/content).
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
