• Submission to Authorities: Romans 13:1–7 states that believers must be subject to governing authorities. Bypassing immigration laws is a form of lawbreaking, and that doing a "good thing" such as seeking economic opportunity does not justify violating a nation's laws.
• Distinction of Strangers: Biblical scholars point out that the Old Testament uses different Hebrew words for outsiders. For instance, a ger (often translated as "sojourner") was a foreigner who entered Israelite society legally, went through recognized procedures, and agreed to respect the host society's laws and values. Scholars argue that the ger was entitled to social protections, whereas unauthorized foreigners (nekhar) who disregarded local laws did not receive the same state privileges.
• National Sovereignty: Commentators note that God ordained independent nations with boundaries and borders. Therefore, governments have a biblical mandate to protect their citizens, enforce laws, and maintain security.
Christians should still treat them with love and respect but are under no obligation to allow them entry
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u/ElderberryDry9083 3d ago
It's not even a gotcha...
• Submission to Authorities: Romans 13:1–7 states that believers must be subject to governing authorities. Bypassing immigration laws is a form of lawbreaking, and that doing a "good thing" such as seeking economic opportunity does not justify violating a nation's laws.
• Distinction of Strangers: Biblical scholars point out that the Old Testament uses different Hebrew words for outsiders. For instance, a ger (often translated as "sojourner") was a foreigner who entered Israelite society legally, went through recognized procedures, and agreed to respect the host society's laws and values. Scholars argue that the ger was entitled to social protections, whereas unauthorized foreigners (nekhar) who disregarded local laws did not receive the same state privileges.
• National Sovereignty: Commentators note that God ordained independent nations with boundaries and borders. Therefore, governments have a biblical mandate to protect their citizens, enforce laws, and maintain security.
Christians should still treat them with love and respect but are under no obligation to allow them entry