Immigration is the action of coming to live permanently in a foreign country. The Bible is the story of two kingdoms at war. On the ground it is a one way refugee crisis with millions of sinners realizing the kingdom of darkness is a miserable existence and not the only option. Immigration is hugely expensive, but the King paid the price in full with his blood. He is willing to accept all refugees who wish to immigrate AS LONG AS THEY DO IT LEGALLY. The King of the kingdom of light only asks for that we renounce our former kingdom (repentance) and trust in the finished work he did on the cross (faith). He grants visas to 100% of the applicants willing to accept his terms. Praise God he has, “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Col. 1:13) Jesus expects the full assimilation of those immigrating and their obedience to the rules of his kingdom. Because he has actually adopted each immigrant into his family, he will never deport any of them – but he has no qualms about chastising his own who fail to keep his laws because he loves them and wants what is best for them.

The Bible records the stories of many who desired this better country (Heb. 11:14-16) and earnestly sought how to get there. In fact, the heart of man knows the kingdom of darkness is not the right place to be and longs for a city other than his own (Heb. 13:14). But being rebels at heart, most men want the benefits of this new country without being willing to agree to the King’s terms. The King will not tolerate illegal immigration – period! As omniscient God, no trespassers will escape his attention – all who attempt to enter illegally will face immediate deportation. (Matt. 22:11-13)

Eventually the King will lead his citizens into the city he has specially prepared for them – a city surrounded by very tall walls with twelve gates of pearl. (Rev. 21:12) For eternity his immigration policies will remain consistent: “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27)

Opinions and feelings largely rule the day as many debate the pros and cons of illegal immigration. Some even appeal to Jesus’ love and compassion – out of context and misapplied – to justify their viewpoints. For an honest reader of the word of God however, the principles of Christ’s spiritual kingdom that should set the guidelines for the kingdoms of this world are settled, certain and in no doubt whatsoever: “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)