ACCEPTING LEGAL IMMIGRANTS
A Biblical Model of Borders, Belonging, and Mutual Honor
I. GOD ESTABLISHES NATIONS, BORDERS, AND LAWS
Scripture is unambiguous: God establishes nations and assigns their boundaries.
“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth,
and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings.”
(Acts 17:26, NKJV)
This means:
- Nations are real
- Borders are intentional
- Authority is delegated
- Order is God’s design
Borders do not oppose God’s will; they express it.
“You have established all the boundaries of the earth.”
(Psalm 74:17, NKJV)
II. THE BIBLE DOES TEACH KINDNESS TO IMMIGRANTS — BUT WITHIN LAW AND ORDER
The Old Testament repeatedly commands kindness to the ger (sojourner / foreigner).
But the ger was not an illegal presence. He was a recognized resident living under the laws of Israel.
“One law shall be for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.”
(Exodus 12:49, NKJV)
This verse is foundational.
Biblical compassion never abolished the law.
It required equal submission to it.
To dwell among Israel meant:
- Accepting Israel’s laws
- Respecting Israel’s God
- Honoring Israel’s customs
- Living peaceably within Israel’s borders
III. IMMIGRATION IN SCRIPTURE REQUIRED INTEGRATION, NOT REPLACEMENT
Immigrants were welcomed — but they integrated.
“If a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him.
The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you,
and you shall love him as yourself.”
(Leviticus 19:33–34, NKJV)
Notice what this does not say:
- It does not say Israel must abandon its culture
- It does not say laws are suspended
- It does not say borders are erased
Instead, the stranger is treated as a citizen —
which implies citizenship responsibilities.
Equality before the law requires submission to the law.
IV. ILLEGALITY IS NEVER BLESSED IN SCRIPTURE
The Bible never affirms benefiting from lawlessness, even when compassion is present.
“Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set.”
(Proverbs 22:28, NKJV)
“You shall not move your neighbor’s boundary mark.”
(Deuteronomy 19:14, NKJV)
God consistently condemns:
- Boundary violations
- Lawless expansion
- Disorder that erodes inheritance and justice
Kindness is commanded —
lawlessness is not excused.
V. MUTUAL HONOR IS THE BIBLICAL EXPECTATION
Biblical immigration is built on mutual honor, not entitlement.
The receiving nation must:
- Treat immigrants with dignity
- Apply laws fairly
- Protect them from abuse
- Offer opportunity
The immigrant must:
- Honor the nation’s laws
- Respect its culture
- Submit to its authority
- Integrate peacefully
“Render therefore to all their due:
taxes to whom taxes are due…
honor to whom honor.”
(Romans 13:7, NKJV)
Honor flows both directions.
VI. WHY PEOPLE IMMIGRATE — AND WHY HONOR IS LOGICAL
Immigrants come to a nation because:
- Opportunity exists
- Order exists
- Safety exists
- Stability exists
These are products of law, culture, and borders.
To benefit from a nation while rejecting its laws or culture is inconsistent and unjust.
Scripture assumes that those who enter another nation desire to participate in what makes it flourish, not dismantle it.
VII. JESUS AND THE APOSTLES AFFIRM ORDERED SOCIETY
Jesus did not call for civil disorder.
Paul did not excuse lawlessness.
Peter did not teach rebellion.
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.”
(Romans 13:1, NKJV)
This applies equally to:
- Citizens
- Immigrants
- Leaders
The New Covenant changes the heart —
it does not abolish responsibility.
VIII. HEAVEN ITSELF REFLECTS GOD’S PRINCIPLE OF ORDERED BELONGING
Scripture reveals that even the kingdom of God operates with both invitation and order.
The gospel is offered to all people without distinction:
“Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
(Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
Yet entrance into God’s kingdom is clearly defined:
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
(Acts 4:12, NKJV)
All are welcome —
but entry is through faith in Christ Jesus.
Once received, believers are no longer strangers, but citizens:
“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, NKJV)
Citizenship in God’s kingdom brings both belonging and responsibility.
The law of that kingdom is love, written on the heart:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another.”
(John 13:34, NKJV)
Heaven does not abandon order in order to be loving.
It establishes love within order.
In the same way, earthly nations may welcome those who seek to enter —
but belonging rightly involves lawful entry, submission to authority, and mutual honor.
IX. A GOSPEL-SHAPED CONCLUSION
The gospel welcomes all people.
It does not abolish all nations.
Salvation is borderless.
Citizenship is not.
Biblical immigration looks like this:
- Secure borders
- Just laws
- Compassionate enforcement
- Legal entry
- Cultural integration
- Mutual honor
- Equal accountability
This is not unloving.
This is biblical wisdom.
FINAL STATEMENT
We can love the foreigner.
We can welcome the immigrant.
We can defend dignity and opportunity.
And still affirm what Scripture clearly teaches:
Immigration in the Bible is lawful, ordered, integrated, and honorable —
never chaotic, lawless, or destructive.
“God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”
(1 Corinthians 14:33, NKJV)