Immigration is one of the most pressing issues of our time. It’s a conversation filled with emotion, political rhetoric and deeply held beliefs. But as Christians, the question isn’t just about policies or parties—it’s about truth. What does the Bible actually say about borders, nations and the role of government?
Pastor Jack Hibbs recently tackled this issue, and his perspective is worth considering. Not because it aligns with a particular ideology, but because it starts in the right place: God’s Word, not emotion.
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1. The Danger of Emotion-Driven Theology
Too often, discussions about immigration are fueled by personal feelings rather than biblical truth. But as Hibbs points out, that’s a dangerous approach, “Some of you are going to find out that you do not have a biblically based theology… You have a politically based theology, which is wrong. You have an emotionally based theology, which is wrong.”
Emotions can cloud judgment. They change with the culture, the news cycle or the latest trending topic. But Scripture? It remains the same.
2. Yes, The Bible Speaks on Borders
A common argument is that Christians should support open borders out of love. But does the Bible actually teach that?
Hibbs references Acts 17:26-27, where Paul tells us: “He has made from one blood every nation of men to live on the entire face of the earth, having appointed fixed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord so perhaps they might reach for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.”
In other words, borders aren’t a human invention—they’re divinely ordained. Even Jesus used the imagery of a sheepfold, where a shepherd protects his flock within set boundaries (John 10:10).
3. The Hypocrisy of Open-Borders Advocacy
Many of the loudest voices demanding open borders live behind gated communities, lock their doors at night and expect security for their families. This contradiction is hard to ignore.
“If you don’t think we should have borders, then why do you lock your doors at night? Why do you pay for homeowners’ insurance?” Hibbs asks.
It’s easy to call for others to bear the burden of unchecked immigration, but few are willing to live by the standards they preach.
4. Government’s Role in Upholding Order
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the necessity of government to maintain order and justice. Daniel 2:44 and Romans 13 remind us that governing authorities are appointed by God for this very reason.
Hibbs warns against dismissing these principles: “Did you know that you swear an oath to uphold the laws of this land and to defend the Constitution against enemies foreign and domestic? That’s the law.”
If we value law and order in our homes and communities, why wouldn’t we expect the same for our nation?
5. Heaven Itself Has Borders
If borders are immoral, then why does Revelation 21 describe heaven as a city with walls and gates? Why does it distinguish between those inside and those outside?
Hibbs puts it plainly: “Heaven has walls. Heaven has gates. The Bible says all those who are outside the walls are cowards.”
Clearly, borders serve a purpose—not just on Earth, but in eternity.
6. A Path to Compassionate Reform
Contrary to popular belief, enforcing immigration laws isn’t about cruelty—it’s about justice. However, Hibbs acknowledges that the current system is broken and in need of fixing.
This isn’t about mass deportations or turning a blind eye. It’s about restoring order while offering a fair path forward.
Immigration is a complex issue, but the Bible offers clarity. Nations, borders and law are part of God’s design. Compassion is essential, and so is truth.
A truly biblical approach doesn’t ignore the reality of borders—it embraces them as part of God’s order for the world. And if heaven itself has walls, maybe we should reconsider the idea that having them on Earth is somehow un-Christian.
This article originally appeared on Charisma News, and is reposted with permission.
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James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
