Illegal Immigration . . . and the Gospel

As Christians, by keeping God's Word, we are to obey the laws of the government (Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13–17; Titus 3:1). The exception to this general rule would be if a government mandate requires believers to disobey God (Dan. 3:16–18; Acts 5:29). Nothing in current U.S. immigration law requires Christians to disobey God, and so, U.S. immigration laws are to be submissively obeyed by believers.

Christians who reside in the U.S. illegally… If a Christian is illegally residing in the U.S., he should take active steps to rectify that situation. This may involve seeking legal residence through whatever means are available to him (for which we would recommend consultation with an immigration lawyer). That may mean that you may have to leave the U.S. until such a time as immigration can legally take place, but make no mistake about it: you don’t have a right to put yourself of others who’ve applied the right way, who are waiting patiently for their approvals . . . legally.

If you reside in the U.S. illegally, you should understand that doing so constitutes sin, and that such sin remains until their law-breaking status is resolved. Pretty simple. Staying here illegally also brings with it additional temptations — to lie and deceive (about one’s status), to steal (by avoiding taxes and other fees, healthcare, etc.), to worry (about getting caught), and so on. When known sin continues without repentance, the believer’s relationship to God is seriously hindered (Ps. 66:18; Prov. 28:9), and you bring Christ’s name, to open shame.

Like any sin, breaking the law in this regard can be forgiven through confession and repentance before God (1 Sam. 15:22; Psalm 32:5; Prov. 28:13; 2 Cor. 7:9, 10). Repentance will manifest itself in a proactive attempt to make the situation right — either by attaining legal status through the appropriate means, or by leaving the country until such time as a legal immigration status can be obtained.

The Biden Administration’s failures . . .

The Biden Administration has been the most incompetent in U.S. at securing our nation’s borders. It has failed to enforce U.S.  immigration law, sent mixed signals, and been derelict in its Constitutional responsibility to protect Americans. These facts are not debatable, but they’re at the heart of the fruit that’s come – sex-trafficking, drugs, crime, and chaos. The result of the Biden Administration’s lies and failures is widespread contradiction and corruption (Prov. 29:12). Even from state to state and city to city, the enforcement of immigration policies differs widely. Nonetheless, the government still retains the right to enforce its policies, even if it does so inconsistently (Rom. 13:1–7).

Although mixed signals (on the part of the Biden Administration) do not excuse illegal behavior (on the part of individuals), the result is still massive confusion, and the Word of God tells us that “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Church leaders should become familiar with whatever state and regional laws apply to them and their congregation, perhaps even meeting with an immigration attorney to discuss such matters. Doing so will safeguard pastors from giving counsel that unknowingly violates Federal or State law or conflicts in any way with the Word of God.

Pastors must be above reproach on this issue. . .

Pastors, it’s not the church’s responsibility to police the immigration status of individuals. The role of the church is to faithfully proclaim the truth of Scripture, trusting the Holy Spirit to prick the consciences of sinners (Ps. 19:7–14; John 16:8; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12). The church may provide private counsel to those who are struggling with how to submit to the government in their given circumstances (1 Pet. 5:1–3; Heb. 13:17). However, the pastor’s role is not to give legal counsel, but rather biblical counsel, encouraging believers to honor the Lord by living according to what Scripture teaches. If legal counsel is requested, pastors should direct those to whom they minister, who have been identified as being here in the U.S. illegally, to the appropriate legal channels.

The qualifications for spiritual leadership require individuals to be above reproach (1 Tim. 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9). Someone willfully continuing in unrepentant law-breaking would be disqualified from any position or office of spiritual leadership. Moreover, in the spirit of Matthew 18:15–17, we would begin steps of private admonition and shepherding with that individual once his situation became known to us. When the news recently reported that a Catholic church helped illegals in NYC escape prosecution for their crimes, that was not doing “God’s work,” but they became co-conspirators and a party – both to the crimes committed as well as sin.  Such things shouldn’t be named among Christian people.

What if I came to the U.S. as an unbeliever, but am saved now? . . .

Maybe you entered the U.S. illegally, and that was before you were saved. Now, having come to faith in Christ, you’ve also come to realize that obedience to His Word means submission to the laws of the land (John 14:15, 21; cf. Luke 20:25). I would give you compassionate and confidential counsel to you, but in doing so Brethren, I cannot and will not compromise the biblical standard. Though it may be difficult, I would encourage you to do what is right and trust God for the results (see: 1 Sam. 24 and 26, where David obeyed the law by sparing Saul’s life and trusted God with the outcome).

You must understand that living in accordance with God’s will starts by living in accordance with His Word (Ps. 119:105; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:17–18; Col. 3:16). To persist in disobedience is to put oneself outside of His will (Col. 1:9–10). You can be confident that God, in His sovereign purpose, is fully aware of your struggles and concerns (Rom. 8:28; cf. Matt. 6:25–34). Through prayer and supplication, you can rest in His care and you can trust Him as you seek to obey as He has clearly taught and commanded in His Word. (Ps. 55:22; Php. 4:6).

Relocation: from stranger to brother . . .

If a believer, who is in the U.S. illegally, is convicted of his sin in this area, and determines he needs need to return to his home country, which is the right thing to do; the church should do its best to make the transition as easy as possible. This may include financial help with travel and relocation costs, as well as an attempt to connect the individual with a church in that country. Because the individual was likely not a Christian when he left his native country, it is crucial that (with the church’s help) he find a solid group of believers in his home country with whom he can now fellowship and enjoy worship (Heb. 10:25). Though he came here as a stranger, he may now leave as a beloved brother in Christ, and the church must send him off accordingly (Eph. 2:19; Philemon 1:16).

Illegal Immigration and the Gospel. . .   

As Christians, we embrace the opportunity to preach the gospel to those who come to the U.S., whether they come through legal channels or otherwise. In a very literal sense, the nations have come to us, and so Brethren, we have a unique opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission without going far from home (Matt. 28:18–20; Luke 24:47).

The mission of the church can become blurred if we allow political issues to overshadow biblical preaching and gospel-centered ministry. We must take special care to remember that we are first citizens of heaven before we are citizens of earth (John 18:36; Php. 3:20; Heb. 11:9–10). Biblical Christianity; therefore, is not defined by political agendas, but rather by the truth of the gospel (1 Cor. 2:2; Gal. 2:20). If we get this right, then we'll get it right with how we, as Christians, address the subject of illegal immigration. Amen.