IMMIGRATION: CHRISTIAN COMPASSION VS. UNSANCTIFIED GRACE
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IMMIGRATION: CHRISTIAN COMPASSION VS. UNSANCTIFIED GRACE
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I attended a city councilor’s meeting last week. The room was packed with people on both sides of the issue regarding the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) Program. You may find this is an issue in your city as well.
Why is this issue important? For starters, removing this program ties the hands of local area law enforcement from protecting its citizens and is the pre-cursor step in positioning a city to become a “sanctuary city.”
By definition, the program “enhances the safety and security of communities by creating partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to identify and remove aliens who are amenable to removal from the United States.”
This program, (287(g)), was added to the Immigration and Nationality Act in 1996, which authorizes the director of ICE to work with state and local law enforcement agencies. It did NOT happen under the Trump administration, but has been in place for almost twenty-five years.
So why is it that suddenly liberals are so outraged over it? Because it hinders their agenda.
In essence, the program allows local area law enforcement to protect the citizens of their community from illegal acts by illegal aliens, allowing them to begin the deportation process if needed.
That issue is a hot-button in our society today because we have become a society which offers unsanctified grace.
Unsanctified grace is when we offer mercy apart from holiness. It applies grace to an issue, but does not require repentance or righteousness. Unsanctified grace does no one any good, and actually causes harm by preventing real repentance. It is the open door to lawlessness.
The Bible warns us of the danger of lawlessness and how it will increase in the last days.
Because of the increase of wickedness (also translated as lawlessness), the love of most will grow cold. (Mt 24:12)
The actual Greek word for wickedness in that verse is “anomia,” which means violation of law. And yet there are many Christians today who believe that it is “unchristian” or hateful if we refuse to allow all migrants, who are pressing in at our borders, to enter or if we deport illegal immigrants who are already residents. Let’s take a closer look at this.
The vehement attacks, name-calling, and rage by people—some Christians—who are against the deportation of illegal immigrants when they break the laws of our land is confusing. I have had numerous comments on my Facebook page claiming that deporting an illegal immigrant—even those who have committed murder—is “ungodly, uncompassionate and racist.”
As American citizens, why wouldn’t we want our local officials to have, and exercise, the authority to deport illegal aliens who have committed crimes in our cities so they can protect law-abiding citizens?
As I have asked this question on social media, I have been called hateful, unchristian, and a host of names that I won’t repeat here. However, I have yet to receive an answer to the question above: Why wouldn’t we deport an illegal alien who commits a crime in our land? Why do they consider it “loving” to allow a criminal to remain in our country in violation of our law? How is that love?
In defense of illegal immigrants, Christians and non-Christians alike quote Scripture to reinforce their position and yet balk at Scripture that nullifies their position.
We must remember the Bible is consistent with itself. We can’t cherry-pick Scriptures, but must remember they all work together to reveal the Father’s heart.
Many, who in defense of illegal immigrants, cite verses such as Deuteronomy 10:18, which says, “He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.”
No other country on the planet gives as much welfare assistance to other countries or those who cross into their borders. Even illegal aliens have immediate access to some forms of assistance the moment they arrive. No other country does that.
Yet while we are mandated to be kind to foreigners, the Bible never elevates them above the citizens of the nation in which they lived. Furthermore, it required that foreigners adopt the practices and laws of the land in order to “take part like one born in the land.”
Exodus 12:48, 49—A foreigner residing among you who wants to celebrate the Lord’s Passover must have all the males in his household circumcised; then he may take part like one born in the land. No uncircumcised male may eat it.
The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.
Throughout the Bible, the Lord made a distinction between His chosen people and those who didn’t honor Him. (Ex 8:23, Ex 9:4).
It also reveals that those born in the land have greater protection than the immigrant who comes into the land: From a foreigner you may exact it, but your hand shall release whatever of yours is with your brother. (Dt 15:3)
We must realize that God doesn’t change. He is a God of mercy just as much as He is a God of justice. We cannot proclaim one and ignore the other.
I believe the answer to the immigrant issue is found completely within the Bible if we will look at God’s heart. In essence, we are all “immigrants” into the Kingdom of God, but when we accept the Lord and choose His ways (and laws) through the sacrifice of His Son, then we become legal citizens.
That is called grace and requires repentance and acceptance of God’s ways.
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. (1 Jn 3:4)
Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? (Rom 2:4)
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Pt 3:9)
We enter God’s Kingdom in the one way He prescribes—through receiving the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Because of this, we receive His Kingdom and benefits. Those who refuse His Way will not inherit His Kingdom or benefits. What happened when Lucifer rebelled and would not follow the laws of Heaven? He was kicked out.
It is the model God set in place.
Let us stop offering unsanctified grace as we work to resolve this immigration issue. May we find the balance of being “kind” to foreigners, without forfeiting justice and kindness to the citizens of this land.
Karen Hardin is an intercessor, author, minister and literary agent. Her work has appeared in USA Today, World Net Daily, Crosswalk.com, Charisma, CBN.com, The Elijah List, etc. For additional information you can contact her at www.prioritypr.org or www.karenhardin.com.
Don’t miss our July First Friday Prayer Conference Call. Our special guest is Bill Wells, Mayor of El Cajon, California (not a sanctuary city.) His perspective on what the immigration crisis is doing to California is fascinating. Call (712)775-7430 (no code needed), or join us on Facebook LIVE or Zoom webcast at 1215 ET, Friday, July 5, 2019.
Share what you think about Christian perspectives on immigration. Leave a comment.
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Thank you, Karen, for such a timely article. Truly, the scriptures clearly teach that we are to secure our borders (the Lord is the one who set the boundaries of nations), have laws in place for the safety of the citizens and aliens: who are expected to follow the same laws in scripture as the citizen, and for nations to expect the alien to “bring something to the table” in their host nation just as Jacob and his family were asked about their occupation from Pharoah when they were allowed into Egypt. They weren’t allowed a hand out just because they were Joseph’s family. Joseph coached them on what to say to Pharaoh when they were asked. We know that the Lord is not a one dimensional God, so I am praying into other things He is also up to during this time. He declares that He will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. Nations will be coming to the Lord in this hour. I believe he is using this to show leaders of other nations the plight of their people. The people of prayer are being stirred in all the nations. Some aliens will go back home to bless their nations. Leaders in times past have used immigration as an excuse to not deal with the problems in their countries and now they’ve been publicly shamed before the world for not leading as they should. Others will see what the effect of open borders does to a nation and will plot a course change for their own good. I also believe the Lord is dealing with illegal immigrants about covetousness and lawlessness being brought to their host nations. This is why we have so much identity theft. The Lord’s working on many levels. “God forgive us as a nation for unsanctified mercy indeed. Cause righteousness and praise to spring up in all the systems in our nation.”
Thank you Karen Hardin. Your article is a well written blessing in a time of much needed clarity on grace, truth and love.
We who have the privilege of being born citizens of the United States also have the responsibility to live according to our Creator’s instructions, not only undocumented immigrants. Many who are born here do not appreciate the privilege, and live only for their own profit instead of for the benefit of their community. But many undocumented immigrants came here to do work that benefits our society, which we have heartily welcomed.
Thank You…these statements sum it up…confirmation that many are on the right track.
Very refreshing to see the words in black and white scripture oriented. Blessings and love to you all.
I believe the issue here is whether we want to run our country like a church? Angela Merkel did that and brought disastrous consequences to Germany and Europe as a whole. The truth is the top duty for leaders of a country should be first and foremost to make sure the citizens of their country are safe living in the land. No other policy should override this. Government leaders: To reach out and offer help to suffering people of other countries should NEVER be carried out by sacrificing the safety of the law abiding citizens of your own country. I pray that God will give our government leaders His wisdom and insight and discernment to make immigration policies. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Wow thanks
Amern, well put!
Very well thought-out and well written article, with references straight from the Word. Thank you!
Very impressed with what Karin Hardin had to say on this issue. The scriptures she used were very clear as to how the God of all the people on the earth loves and shows grace, yet at the same time requires respect for His laws and guidelines for all living on the planet.
My mother is Japanese, married a white American soldier during the Korean War period. She had five years to becoming a citizen of the USA or be deported. I remember helping her speak and write english while I was in elementary school. Of course, I didn’t realize the urgency of her becoming a citizen. But, we accomplished this task prior to our family being sent to Europe to join my father who was assigned to an Army unit in France. Years later, we learned how close my mother was to being deported if she had NOT completed the task of becoming a citizen. So, in my view any person wanting to be in my country and hasn’t become an American citizen, should be deported. Too many are living here as an illegal,freeloaders, with no intentions of becoming legal. I blame the Congress (socialist DEM) for enticements, not the President. He is trying all he can to stopping the flow, build the wall, and have one door to assist any immigrant to becoming legal. I went on to serve the military and since retired and feel even stronger today, that any color/race of people wanting to enter into the U.S.A. will become a citizen. If not, don’t even bother sneaking in. We will evidently find you and deport you for not being legal. Period! We are a country of law and order, not a country of lawlessness and chaos…In Jesus Name.
Carole Kealy P
Born in London , England I know how hard it was to become a green card holder in the United States. I would not marry my American boyfriend as I thought he would always think that I married him to get into the States and that was never the case. I was not filled with the understanding of the Grace of JESUS when I entered this country in 1974 illegally through the Canadian border. It is NOT of the LORD to break the law of GOD and man.I have repented since and lived in this amazing America for 45 years legally and as an American citizen like my paternal grand mother who was born in Connecticut.
In fact I have just written a book telling of how entering the U.S illegally is VERY wrong. Read Romans 13 to see that they are breaking the law of GOD and man. I pray for this scheme that is communism. Half of the world is vying for globalization. Ultimately the one world religion will try to take over but we have read the end of the BOOK Revelation and JESUS will break this evil system. The enemy has blinded those who do NOT know JESUS. This is a spiritual battle and we must stand for our democracy. I am praying for President Trump and can see who he is, he is truth and has a genuine love for America as we do. May GOD Bless President Trump and those in his administration. When Obama first got in I heard in my heart “The DEMISE of America.” I know that the LORD was talking to me, he had been groomed from childhood through his grand parents to tear down America. LORD JESUS we put President Trump and his administration and YOUR country America into YOUR Hands O GOD please Heal our land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
This is a good, balanced perspective. Thank you for this excellent, thoughtful article!
Thanks Karen for a great article! I can’t find it right now but there is a verse that specifies we are to take care of the migrants “that are within the Congregation”. We are nowhere instructed to support those in false religions.
@Alicia, please get the God-breathed correct interpretation of the Revelation prophecy, The Journey Through Tribulation, to find out what the beast actually is and what we have to come out of. KingdomofLightTruth.org
His grace leads thee to repentance. Grace without repentance is not of God.
As Christians who study the prophecies in the Bible, it behooves us be activists. Let’s keep our nation apart from the one-world government that becomes the “beast”. The world-wide immigration effort is financed and organized by the one-world government proponents to fill our nation with voters that want the “beast” to take care of them! They will vote in the USA against Limited Government! Big government is the “safety net” that becomes the “Beast”. Revelation 18:4 – Warning to us: We need to “…Come out from her, my people, so that you may not share in her sins, neither participate in her plagues. Isa. 48:20 says: “…come draw near you survivors of nations…”; Jer.50:8 says “…flee out of the midst of Babylon…”
Wow! Christians are coming into agreement with God, finally…with such beauty of testimony of the yielded cost of citizenship here and those scriptures of what God has given for law..we are arising in power of His love, people!!!! Thank you both!!!
Thank you, Karen Hardin. I especially appreciate your Scriptural references, but ALSO, illegal immigration doesn’t work financially, no matter how much anyone may want it to!
Another perspective, although not especially Scriptural, is that of entitlement, much like my expecting to move to another city without making any preparations (housing, financial, employment, transportation, food, learning and ascribing to the culture and cultural etiquette, etc.) and expecting my hosting city, its residents, businesses, government, churches, civic groups, fundraising organizations, etc. to provide all of my needs. There actually ARE TONS of (RED-LETTER) Scriptures opposing this. (You would probably be more efficient at providing those than I would.)
And finally, in both scenarios, (theirs and mine), ANY government compelled to “help” other locales’ citizens does a MUCH bigger service by helping them in their own locality, because it helps to fortify: the populace, the natural resources, the infrastructure, the culture, the community- and humanistic spirit, — everything tied to that place, its inhabitants, their communal and individual identities and their intrinsic relational world role. If I’m wrong, then, as ALWAYS, I welcome and ENCOURAGE ALL responses, whether in agreement, disagreement or neutral. Thanks, again, Karen! Sincerely, respectfully and prayerfully in Christ (to ALL).
Ellie, your example of one of us moving to another city but with no prep and expecting the new city to cover our expenses perfect analogy of what’s messed up regarding this issue. We would never be allowed to do that and yet people insist illegals should have that privilege. It is irrational and as you state financially irresponsible. Thanks for sharing!
Karen Hardin, thank YOU! I only pray that my analogy and other thoughts will be heard, understood and endorsed by those who hadn’t yet considered opposing perspectives. Prayers!
Brenda Dormann, thank you for your perspective! VERy well-stated!
It’s baffling to me that the same people who call for “compassion” towards illegal aliens can be so hateful towards fellow citizens.
Janet Werdin, same here! Maybe they VALuE them for their votes, and/or fEAR them for potential future reprisals. Obviously, they DON’t value conservatives/Christians, nor fear us. Anyhow, I, for one, would LOvE to hear their response to that, because: 1. how else can we come together, if not for dialogue? and 2. very likely, as they try to justify both, they’ll realize how contradictory, senseless and wrong their thinking/feeling is, -OR- 3. maybe WE’ll learn and grow more from them than wE realize. (I don’t see how, but just maybe.) God bless you, Janet!
Being a stranger in the land. Concidering all I had to do plus the years it took and the cost to be come a citizen. Learning essential facts about the government and laws , renouncing my former citizenship.passing tests and Reciting the pledge of allegiance in an awesome ceremony made me proud and thankful to become an American.
Counting the cost made it meaningful. Those who come expecting hand outs loose out and can never become loyal contributing proud citizens, they will always have decided
loyalties.
As the LORD warns us we cannot serve GOD and mammon we will hate the one and or deny the other. Cheap grace never saved
any one
LORD I pray for great wisdom and Devine council for our elected officials in this matter so that we can build a great GOD fearing
Nation together. In JESUS name Amen
Thank you, Brenda for becoming part of our country and going thru the process. We applaud you! Thanks for sharing with us!