Tag: submission

How Should a Christian Approach the Issue of Illegal Immigration and Deportations?

On By Tyler BoydIn Christian Living, Christian's Relationship to Government, Kingdom Life, Questions and Responses

Earlier this week a Christian friend sent me the following request for an article:

I’ve seen lots of liberals and conservatives arguing over deportations. There are lots of emotions on both sides, and I haven’t had the chance to think through it. Can you write an article on the subject of how a Christian should approach the issue of illegal immigration and deportations?

This is an important question, and yes, it is often an emotionally charged issue. As Christians, we must ensure that our perspective is shaped by Scripture rather than political partisanship. To do that, we need to carefully consider a few key biblical principles.

What Does the Bible Say About Immigration in General?

Before addressing the more complex issue of illegal immigration, it’s important to remember what the Bible says about immigrants – often referred to in Scripture as “sojourners” or “foreigners.” On this, the Bible is clear. Immigrants must be treated with kindness and fairness. This begins with God’s commands to Israel in the Old Testament. Many foreigners in Israel were there for economic reasons, much like many immigrants today. God explicitly and repeatedly commanded Israel to treat them well.

You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

Exodus 22:21

When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Leviticus 19:33-34

He [The LORD] executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 10:18

Furthermore, Israel was commanded not to return runaway slaves to their masters.

You shall not give up to his master a slave who has escaped from his master to you. He shall dwell with you, in your midst, in the place that he shall choose, within one of your towns, wherever it suits him. You shall not wrong him.

Deuteronomy 23:15-16

While this passage does not explicitly refer to foreigners in particular, and arguably does not provide a direct parallel to illegal immigration, this shows that in the case of slavery, when certain individuals escaped difficult circumstances and found refuge in another land, God desired his people to prioritize hospitality over their legal (or rather “illegal”) status.

The New Testament does not speak as directly to the issue of immigration. We do, however, see in the parable of the Good Samaritan that our neighbor is defined as whoever we love and provide care for, regardless of their nationality (Luke 10:25-37). Among those who have been baptized into Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Greek” for they are all “one in Christ” (Galatians 3:28). Christians are even commanded to love their enemies, providing for their needs (Romans 12:20).

Therefore it is plain to see that God expects Christians to love, do good, and care for others, including immigrants. This stands in stark contrast to the harsh and vindictive attitudes that are often prevalent in the world around us, and sometimes influence public policy. Our primary concern should be to reflect Christ’s love when we interact with people, regardless of their nationality or legal status.

Does This Mean Christians Should Oppose Deportations?

This is where the discussion becomes more complex. The thing is, at least among the vast majority of Christians, there is little debate about how Christians are expected to personally treat immigrants in general. The question of illegal immigration and deportation requires careful consideration of additional biblical principles.

First, while Israel was commanded to care for foreigners within its borders, they were never given the responsibility to change the immigration policies of surrounding nations. The prophets often rebuked Israel for mistreating immigrants (Malachi 3:5; Ezekiel 22:7, 29; Jeremiah 7:5-7, etc), but they never once rebuked Israel for failing to make other nations more hospitable to foreigners. There was no command for Israel to use its power, wealth, or alliances to change the policies of the ungodly Gentile nations.

This is not because God was not concerned with the injustices of other nations, but because he desired Israel to demonstrate his wisdom to those other nations by following his law (Deuteronomy 4:5-8), not by directly seeking to reform other nations’ policies. As Gentiles, such as Rahab (Joshua 2:11), Ruth (Ruth 1:16), or Naaman (2 Kings 5:15) came to recognize the wisdom and power of the Lord, they were drawn to leave their former allegiances, and were welcomed as they embraced Israel and their God.

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles also never attempted to change Roman public policy, even though Rome was guilty of many injustices. The closest Jesus came to commenting on Roman law was when He was asked about paying taxes to Caesar (Matthew 25:15-22), and even then, He turned the question around into an opportunity to teach people about the importance of giving their allegiance to God. If Jesus had desired to change Roman public policy, He had the opportunity when Satan offered Him “all the kingdoms of the world” and all their “authority and glory” (Luke 4:5-7). Yet Jesus rejected this as a temptation.

Likewise, the apostles never campaigned to change Roman policies. The early church was known for “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6), but not through political activism. Instead, they focused on living a radically distinctive lifestyle, as salt and light (Matthew 5:13-17), faithfully following Christ’s commands while submitting to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17).

Would Jesus and the apostles be concerned with how Christians treat immigrants? Absolutely. If Jesus and his apostles were around today, would they have opinions about immigration laws and their enforcement? It wouldn’t surprise me. But just as we see in the example of Jesus himself, and in the example of the early church, our focus should be on living out the gospel, proclaiming our allegiance to a different Lord, and maintaining citizenship in a heavenly country, not political reform of earthly kingdoms.

How Should Christians Handle Situations Involving Illegal Immigrants?

Since the Bible calls us both to love immigrants and to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7), we must proceed wisely, carefully considering each of these obligations.

  • Show Love and Compassion to Immigrants, Regardless of Legal Status.

This is especially important if we find ourselves counseling immigrants who have become Christians, and have begun to wrestle with the implications of their illegal status.

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

James 1:16-17

We must avoid harsh, vindictive attitudes toward those who are in difficult situations, even if those difficult situations are brought on by their own choices.

  • Recognize that God Appoints Governing Authorities for a Reason

In Romans 13:1-7, Paul commands the Christians in Rome to remain subject to the governing authorities. He states that “there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” He teaches them that God appoints the authorities as His ministers for their good, and as an avenger to carry out His wrath on wrongdoers. As governments bear the sword enforcing their policies, they do not do so in vain. God has a purpose for them.

It’s important to remember that Romans was written while the wicked Nero reigned as emperor. This passage is not suggesting that God endorsed Nero’s numerous unjust uses of the sword. It simply reminds us that “all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). This means that even bad things, such as tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword (Romans 8:35) can work together “for good.” In the same way, God uses the governing authorities, even the wicked and unjust ones like Nero for the good of His children.

  • Encourage Submission To Laws Where Possible

Since we recognize that God has a purpose for the governing authorities, we should submit to their authority. The only exception to this rule would be if obedience to God necessitates disobedience to their commands (cf. Acts 5:29).

If an illegal immigrant becomes a Christian, we should encourage them to consider what submission to governing authorities looks like in their situation. Some cases may require difficult decisions. Each situation should be handled with wisdom and compassion, and a desire to please our Lord in everything He has required of us. Ultimately we are to subject ourselves to human institutions, and to those who enforce their laws, not because we view ourselves as their servants, but because it is the will of God (1 Peter 2:13-17).

For example, I once knew a young man who confessed to his close friends that he was brought to the U.S. illegally as a child. After this young man became a Christian, and after much prayer and counsel, he decided the right thing to do was to return to his home country as soon as arrangements could be made. It was a difficult decision, but he made it out of a desire to live faithfully. Each case is unique. It is important to surround fellow Christians with wise counsel and prayer.

  • Avoid Unnecessary Involvement in Enforcement

It is important to remember that while governing authorities do not bear the sword in vain (Romans 13:4), God has called us as Christians to live peaceably with all, providing for physical needs when they are present (Romans 12:18-21). Christians are not called to act as enforcers of immigration law. I do not find anything in Scripture that would require Christians to be snooping around, asking unnecessary questions, calling tip-lines, or otherwise trying to expose someone’s illegal status. God has appointed governing authorities to bear the sword, and he has not given that responsibility to His children.

So, What Is the Christian Perspective on Illegal Immigration?

In short, Christians are called to live as citizens of another kingdom (Philippians 3:20) while respecting the earthly authorities under which we live.

  • We should love and care for immigrants (Luke 10:25-37)
  • We should submit to governing authorities as much as possible (Romans 13:1-7)
  • We should be distinct from the world, in that we must not be vindictive or harsh, but instead show the character of Christ (Colossians 3:12-14)
  • We should not become obsessed with political activism, remembering that our mission is to seek first God’s kingdom, and to proclaim the supreme authority of His Son (Matthew 6:33; 28:19-20).

As strangers and exiles in this world (1 Peter 2:11), we must let our ultimate allegiance to Christ shape how we engage complex issues like illegal immigration. We are neither enforcers of government policy, nor the enemies of the governing authorities. Our primary mission to to bring the light of Christ into every dark corner of this world, drawing as many as possible out of the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13).

Suffering that Leads to Hope

On By Tyler BoydIn Christian's Relationship to Government, Kingdom Life, The Authority of God, The Resurrection

The Book of Daniel draws an important connection between Israel’s suffering and their hope for a better future. Central to this theme is the vision described in Daniel 7, where the Son of Man is depicted as being trampled by earthly kingdoms – visualized as terrifying beasts – yet ultimately exalted to reign with divine authority. Later, in the gospels, the phrase “Son of Man” became the most common way that Jesus referred to himself, indicating that Jesus viewed his mission as the fulfillment of the hope described in the book of Daniel. The purpose of this article is to explore how the book of Daniel provides an important perspective on faithful suffering and how this perspective is central to understanding the gospel.

Suffering in the Book of Daniel

Israel’s exile into Babylon serves as the backdrop to the events and prophetic visions described in the book of Daniel. The first part of the book (Daniel 1-6) describes the challenges faced by Daniel and his companions, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

The authorities assigned these men the task of learning Babylon’s customs and serving the very empire that had torn them away from their home. They could have abandoned hope in God and chosen instead to assimilate into Babylonian culture. Instead, then continually set themselves apart from the world around them by remaining loyal to God (cf. Daniel 1:8-9; 5:17). When the king demanded that Daniel’s friends bow to a large Babylonian image, they humbly and firmly refused, despite the looming threat of the fiery furnace (cf. Daniel 3:16-18). Later, when prayer to the LORD was declared to be a crime punishable by death in the lion’s den, Daniel still refused to hide or to stop offering his daily prayers (Daniel 6:4-11).

While living in Babylon, Daniel and his faithful friends refused to compromise their faithful loyalty to the LORD. Ironically, their willingness to remain faithful, even in the face of real danger and pain, continually resulted in their exaltation. Time and time again, they were honored and rewarded by the very kings whom they refused to serve (Daniel 1:19-20; 3:28-30; 6:25-27). Together, these famous accounts from the book of Daniel highlight the theme of faithful endurance, even while facing threats of suffering and violence. Rather than viewing suffering as a misfortune, the book of Daniel presents faithful suffering as the path to a better future.

The Vision of the Beasts (Daniel 7)

The stories of Daniel and his friends serve to explain, and are themselves explained by, Daniel’s wild vision described in chapter 7. The vision begins as Daniel sees four terrifying monster-like animals rise from the sea (Daniel 7:1-8). The fourth beast is described as the most terrible of all:

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.

Daniel 7:7

Daniel then looks and sees thrones where the “Ancient of Days” takes his seat, and the heavenly court sits in judgment over the beasts. The terrible fourth beast is destroyed and burned, and the dominions of the other beasts are taken away.

Once the beasts are judged, Daniel sees another figure, this time a human character, identified as the “son of man”:

I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13-14

As we would expect, Daniel is greatly disturbed by this wild vision (Daniel 7:15). Thankfully, one of the spiritual beings from God’s court approaches Daniel and offers him an interpretation of what he was shown.

The Suffering and Exaltation of the Son of Man

The four beasts are identified as symbolizing the evil and destructive nature of four successive earthly kingdoms (Daniel 7:16-17). The terrifying fourth beast is depicted as kingdom that made war with, and prevailed over, the saints until the Ancient of Days pronounced judgment (Daniel 7:19-26).

The saints, however, would not remain defeated forever. The human figure, the exalted son of man, is identified as symbolizing the saints of the Most High, as they are given an everlasting kingdom.

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.

Daniel 7:18

And the kingdom and the dominion
and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven
shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High;
his kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom,
and all dominions shall serve and obey him.

Daniel 7:27

Just as Daniel and his faithful companions faced continual threats at the hands of the Babylonians, so also the kingdom of the fourth beast continually trampled and defeated the saints of the Most High. And just as Daniel and his friends were continually exalted to positions of increasing authority as a result of the faithful endurance, so the saints were ultimately rewarded with an everlasting kingdom that would never pass away.

As we reflect on this wild vision given to Daniel, we begin to see the significance of the times when Jesus identified himself as the “Son of Man.”

Hope through Suffering in Christ

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 8:31

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will is profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.

Matthew 16:24-28

When Jesus used the phrase “Son of Man,” he was recalling both the suffering, defeat, and ultimate exaltation of the saints in Daniel’s vision, and claiming this pattern to explain his purpose.

In Christ, we see that suffering and death are not ends in themselves. They are not mere unfortunate realities to endure. As the book of Daniel demonstrates, faithful endurance of suffering is the pathway to future exaltation. It is not a misfortune to avoid, but a doorway to vindication in an everlasting kingdom. This perspective transforms how we view our own trials and suffering at the hands of earthly rulers and kingdoms in our own day. By embracing faithful, submissive endurance, as Jesus did on the cross, we follow him on the path to eternal hope and glory.

Following Christ means accepting self-sacrificial suffering as an necessary part of our journey. Just as Daniel’s visions foreshadowed, and Jesus’s life confirmed, it is through enduring suffering faithfully that we find our ultimate exaltation. This truth calls us to a life-changing understanding of what it means to follow Christ: that true discipleship is marked by a willingness to embrace the cross, knowing that through it lies the promise of resurrection to eternal life and citizenship in an eternal kingdom.

How Earthly Kingdoms Stand Against Christ

On By Tyler BoydIn Christian's Relationship to Government, Kingdom Life

Throughout Scripture, earthly kingdoms, such as Egypt, Canaan, Assyria, Babylon, and Rome, consistently oppose God’s kingdom. From Nimrod’s Babel to the “Babylon” in Revelation, this continual theme deserves consideration. What about today? How should Christians view and relate to the earthly nation in which they live?

What is an “Earthly Kingdom”?

The word “kingdom” is now seldom used to refer to modern political dominions, with terms such as “nations,” “countries,” or “states” being more common. Here, I use the phrase “earthly kingdom” to distinguish these political dominions from the heavenly kingdom over which Christ reigns as King.

Christians should take no issue with the idea of a “king,” or “kingdom” in general. Calling Jesus “Christ” means acknowledging Him as God’s anointed King, the world’s true Lord. Christians are not anarchist. In a sense, Christians are monarchist, submitting to Christ’s rightful reign and seeking first His kingdom.

While the preceding article “What Jesus Talked About the Most” focuses on Christ’s Kingdom, this article examines the other earthly dominions which are governed by earthly rulers. How should Christians, citizens of the heavenly Kingdom, think about and relate to earthly nations and their rulers?

Who Do Earthly Kingdoms Serve?

When Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness, the devil tempted him:

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.”

Luke 4:5-7

The devil claimed that he had authority over all the kingdoms of the world, and the ability to give those them to whom he wanted. Interestingly, Jesus never disputed this claim. Notice Jesus’s response:

You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.

Luke 4:8

That’s it. Jesus did not dispute the devil’s ability to make good on his offer. If Jesus did not recognize Satan’s capacity to do so, the offer would not have been a genuine temptation as the text portrays it to be.

In fact, everything else the New Testament says about Satan’s authority over earthly kingdoms supports the Devil’s claim. Satan is elsewhere described as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and the “prince of the power of the air” (Eph. 2:2). John states that “the whole world is under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:9).

In Revelation, the “beast” worships the Dragon, from which the beast had received it’s authority (Rev. 13:4). The Dragon is identified as the Devil and Satan (Rev. 12:9). This “beast” is an image of earthly kingdoms from the book of Daniel and is identified with “Babylon,” or more precisely, those who in John’s day were exercising Babylonian type authority (Rev. 17:1-9). This “Babylon” is described as a “dwelling place for demons” (18:2), and Christians are warned to “come out of her” (18:4). “Babylon” and the other earthly kings and nations under her deception are ultimately judged and destroyed (Rev. 18:9, 23).

One of the primary ways Satan influences the world is through giving authority to earthly kingdoms, which are described as worshiping him, and are under his dominion.

How Do Earthly Kingdoms Maintain Power?

Earthly governments maintain power through top-down authority, coercing behavior through the threat of violence. As Paul noted, they “do not bear the sword in vain,” ruling through violence or its threat to punish those who would oppose them. Civil laws carry weight because disobedience is punished with fines, imprisonment, pain, or death. Without the threat of punishment, civil laws are powerless.

Jesus frequently contrasted His kingdom with the ways of earthly ones. While earthly kingdoms are described as persecutors, Jesus’s kingdom belongs to the poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and peacemakers.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10

While earthly rulers “lord it over” and “exercise authority” over others, the greatest in Jesus’s kingdom is a servant.

You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But is shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.

Mark 10:42-43a

While subjects of earthly kingdoms fight for the success of those kingdoms, Jesus’s Kingdom is seen as “not of this world” due to their refusal to fight.

If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered to the Jews. But my kingdom is not of this world.

John 18:36

Earthly kingdoms are by their very nature violent, relying on the power of the sword to gain and maintain the power to lord over others. Without the power of death, earthly rulers would be unable to enforce even the most basic laws.

How Do Earthly Kingdoms Oppose God?

When people assert the right to rule over mankind, they claim authority which God has reserved for His Son. As Isaiah prophesied, the government rests on His shoulders, with an authority and dominion that is without end.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given
and the government shall be upon his shoulder…
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end.

Isaiah 9:6-7a

Jesus confirms this authority, stating, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mt. 28:18). Earthly kingdoms exist because they do not recognize this authority. Instead of submitting to God’s rightful authority, they exalt themselves. Babylon’s attitude of self-exaltation is described by Isaiah as a rivalry the rightful authority of the Most High.

You said in your heart,
“I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;
I will ascend above the height of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.

Isaiah 14:13-14

When Israel asked for a king like the nations, this too was recognized as a rejection of God’s reign (1 Sam. 8:7). Jeremiah likewise warned them against learning the “ways of the nations” (Jer. 10:2) reminding them that there is no king like the LORD.

 Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?
For this is your due;
for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms
there is none like you.

Jeremiah 10:7

As plainly stated in Psalm 2, God recognizes earthly kings as standing against the LORD and against His anointed King.

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying
“Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”

Psalm 2:1-3

Earthly kings who do not change their ways and submit to God’s Anointed will be destroyed (Ps. 2:10-12).

Why Are Earthly Kingdoms Important?

Although earthly kingdoms are described as serving Satan, ruling by the power of death, and standing in opposition to Christ, Christians must recognize that God still uses them to accomplish an important task.

While Christians are forbidden from avenging their enemies (Rom. 12:19-21), God does not permit evildoers to escape His vengeance, and He uses earthly authorities for this purpose, as ministers who execute His wrath on evildoers.

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad… For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.

Romans 13:1-5

There are numerous examples in the Bible of God using earthly governments as his servants for this purpose. When Israel asked for a king like all the nations, God punished them by giving them what they asked for, a government like that of earthly nations (1 Sam. 8:22). God used the office of an earthly king to execute his wrath, just as he says in Hosea,

I gave you a king in my anger,
and I took him away in my wrath.

Hosea 13:11

Assyria is also described an instrument in God’s hands to execute His wrath. Interestingly, Isaiah makes it clear that God was able to use them as His ministera, even though they had no intention to serve God willingly.

Ah, Assyria, the rod of my anger;
the staff in their hands is my fury!
Against a godless nation I send him,
and against the people of my wrath I command him,
to take spoil and seize plunder,
and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
But he does not so intend,
and his heart does not so think;
but it is in his heart to destroy,
and to cut off nations not a few.

Isaiah 10:5-7

Likewise, Jeremiah 50-51 describes how God used Babylon to punish Israel for their wickedness. Even the pagan King Cyrus was called “My shepherd who shall perform all my pleasure” (Is. 44:28).

Despite the wickedness of earthly authorities, God still uses them to fulfill His will on the earth. As long as evildoers continue, earthly kingdoms will play an important role, and must be submitted to for this reason.

There Is Another Way

When Jesus established his Kingdom, He did not do so by the pursuit of earthly political authority, but by dying on a cross at the hands those authorities. His refusal to fight for power shows His kingdom was different in nature from the kingdoms of the world (John 18:36). Jesus is a real king (John 18:37), but His kingdom gains and maintains its power the same way Jesus did, through faithful obedience, love, service, and sacrifice, submitting even to rebellious earthly authorities.

Peter urged Christians to disciples submit to pagan Roman emperor, not because they agree with their claim of lordship, but “for the Lord’s sake.” (1 Pet. 2:13). They trust that God can use these authorities as His servants (1 Pet. 2:14). By following Christ’s example of submissive suffering (1 Pet. 3:13-17; 4:1), His disciples faithfully trust in God’s ability to restore, confirm, and strengthen them (1 Pet. 5:10).

We submit to them, because they we that to Christ belongs the true “dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet. 5:11). Christians are called to submit to earthly authorities and their kingdoms, all while living as strangers and exiles whose citizenship is in Christ’s kingdom.