Immigration: Are We Sinning Or Submitting?

 

Immigration: Are We Sinning, Or Submitting? By Gary Patterson 

 "Since God says, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1), let’s ask some questions. Does “every person” include those who would enter America illegally? Do illegal border-crossers have any obligation, in God’s eyes, to “be subject to the governing authorities,” or is it just everybody else who’s expected to do that? You cannot “be subject to the governing authorities” while simultaneously violating the law of the “governing authorities.” That is contradiction. Are those who refuse to “be subject to the governing authorities” sinning? Is sin evil? Peter says governors are supposed “to punish those who do evil.” (Tennessee Bible College https://www.tn-biblecollege.edu/illegal-immigration-and-the-bible/) 

 As I watch the news, my heart goes out to those who are being deported because of illegal status. I know that by the laws of our great nation, they are not to be here without securing required naturalized citizenship. But I know that for many, America has become a refuge for those who are fleeing the violence and abuse that has been afflicted on them by the those in their country, who are involved in severe criminal activity. 

  When the apostle Paul says "Let every person be subject" he is referring to one who must place himself/herself under the authority of another person, or government. Just as we are to "submit yourselves (ourselves) therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) 

I remember our new President saying that those who must leave now, can come back and establish American citizenship, unless they have a past criminal history, and are a threat to the security of the American people. I know that what is going on in our country is a a very difficult experience. But if we are to be a nation that is "Under God", than we must do those things that are required in order that we satisfy the laws that are set up for all Americans. And most of all we must be a people that submit to the laws and will of our awesome God. 

May God help us to do as the old hymn says: To "Trust And obey! GP