Illegal immigration has always been a difficult issue. President
Trump’s decision to fully enforce a policy of separating children
from parents who cross the U.S.border illegally while their cases are being
heard has become the focus of intense criticism and debate. Each side offers facts
to support their view, and emotions are running high – so much so that members
of the Trump administration are being singled out by protesters and even
refused service at a restaurant.
There is endless debate about this as a legal issue, moral
issue, or both. The issue doesn't look like it will be resolved any time soon.
Whatever the outcome, the problem highlights some biblical themes.
Every one of us is on earth temporarily. This world is not
our final home, and we are all travelers seeking a permanent and eternal
residence with the hope of something better. For those who have accepted Christ
as Savior, that home is Heaven, which is reached when a believer dies or when Christ
returns to take His church to be with Himself. For those who don’t know Christ,
the border is closed and there is no entrance.
Proper documents allow immigrants to enter a country legally
and afford them the opportunity to make a new life there. Illegal aliens
(undocumented immigrants) live with the constant fear of deportation and rarely
have the opportunity to make a better life. Likewise, having the proper
“paperwork” is the only way to obtain eternal life. Only those whose names are
found in the Lamb’s Book of Life gain entrance to Heaven and enjoy its benefits
forever.
John described the scene that will take place when the
official spiritual documents are examined. “And I saw the dead, small and
great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened,
which is the Book of Life … there shall be no means enter [heaven] anything
that defiles…but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”
(Revelation 20:12; 21:27)
When immigrants become U.S. citizens after coming to America, they enjoy the advantages that offers. In Christ, believers are citizens of the heavenly
kingdom even before we arrive there. The Apostle Paul wrote of believers, “Now,
therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with
the saints and members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19) Because of
this citizenship, believers enjoy benefits in addition to eternal life that are
not available to non-citizens including God’s presence (Hebrews 13:5), God’s
care (Luke 12:22-31), answered prayer (John 16:23), and, most importantly, permanent
citizen status (John 10:28, 29).
For most illegal immigrants, nothing
short of amnesty will allow them to stay in the U.S. legally. In His death on
the cross, Jesus Christ provided the “amnesty” that allows our permanent
residence in Heaven. Forgiveness of the sin that separates us from God is
available to any who accept it (Romans 10:13).
While the President, Congress and political pundits debate
the pros and cons of immigration legislation, deportation, amnesty, and family
reunions, there is no debate on residency status in Heaven. Scripture is quite
clear. “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life
was cast into the lake of fire (hell, eternal punishment)” (Rev. 20:15).
A person who is truly born again can never be “deported”
from God’s kingdom. Christ said, “…the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37).
Accept Christ now so that your eternal home is secure.
Sadly, many who are legal or natural-born citizens of the U.S. think they
are free, but they are still trapped in spiritual chains. Without
knowing it, their hearts yearn for a freedom that is even more precious –
freedom from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.
“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And
you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. …if the Son makes
you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:31, 32, 36)
Gayle Virkler
If you are not sure if
Heaven will be your eternal home, click here for more
information.
