Global Immigration Challenge

Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee · General Assembly

Date Aug 1, 2008

Language English

Author Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee

Pages 2

Year 2008

Date Aug 1, 2008

Language English

Author Biblical Doctrine and Polity Committee

Pages 2

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THE GLOBAL IMMIGRATION CHALLENGE
Resolution by the Church of God of Prophecy
95th International Assembly, 2008

Today a significant amount of fear and hatred is negatively affecting the mindset of many
nations because of the redistribution of population groups through immigration. As
Christians, we must ensure that our response to the issue of immigration is directed by a
Christian world view that is shaped by biblical principles rather than secular or current
attitudes. A number of biblical principles relevant to immigration run through the Bible.
Primarily, we as Christians are aliens on this earth. “. . . And they admitted that they were
aliens and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13 NIV). Our status as aliens and strangers
formulates the basis for our attitudes and responses toward those people who live outside
our society.

We affirm as Christians that our material possessions do not really belong to us. The
Promised Land belonged to the Israelites only in the sense that as host, God allowed the
Israelites to dwell in the Promised Land as His guests (Leviticus 25:23). Indeed, the children
of God were strangers and foreigners in the land they lived in. Similarly, as aliens and
strangers in our world today, the material resources of this world do not belong to us. We
have what we have because of God; as our host, He has distributed material resources to
us, His guests. As recipients of God’s graciousness and generosity, we need to guard against
selfishness and possessiveness, which would cloud our attitude toward immigrants.

We affirm that we are all strangers and foreigners In this world. Borders and national ethnic
identity should never separate us as God’s people. As non-citizens working in their country
of residence, aliens exist outside the social and political network of the society they are
residing in; thus, they are rendered powerless. Aliens are very vulnerable to exploitation. As
Christians, we should recall our roots as aliens and, thus, identify with their plight (Exodus
23:9) by treating them with kindness and helping them as earlier nations did to Israel and
were blessed by God for their generosity. As Christians, no one should ever be considered
an outsider. “. . . The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love
him as yourself . . .” (Leviticus 19:33, 34 NIV). The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–
40; Mark 12:30, 31; Luke 10:27) is to apply to the alien because he or she is our neighbor.

We affirm the privilege of serving the outsiders of society that mirrors the ministry and life of
Jesus. Because Christ identified with the stranger, we are to extend the same treatment to
the alien and stranger that Jesus would give to others (Matthew 25:3–5 KJV). Historically,
immigration policies around the world appear to be directed more by racism and economic
self-interest than compassion. Immigration quotas throughout many nations have favored
people groups established long ago because of political interest or racial preferences while
limiting immigrants from less desirable nations because of education, economic status, or
trade skills. We must be people of compassion who pray and extend love to those caught up
in the confusing and unjust immigration maze, as the Lord would be to the outcast of His
day.

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