“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government.  Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. II Peter 2:9-11.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Romans 13:1-3.

Since President Trump was elected there has been a rise in churches providing sanctuary to illegal aliens.  According to Noel Anderson of the Church World Service the number of churches that have expressed a willingness to offer sanctuary has doubled to 800.  Further, many religious people have expressed sympathy for those who break the law in this way, including publications such as Christianity Today.

Federal Law prohibits anyone from knowingly harboring an illegal alien, including in a church.  However, immigration officials are reluctant to enter churches or prosecute pastors or their accomplices who participate in these activities.  This allows pastors and other persons to thwart the law without a fear of being brought to justice.  Unfortunately, these people also have an insufficient fear of God, as even though they many times acknowledge the scriptures that demand christians be law-abiding citizens, they rationalize their misconduct in their self-righteousness.

Scripture teaches that God is behind all governments and rulers.  When you resist government authorities by violating a law, you are attempting to resist God Himself.  God demands submission to the authorities in our lives – whether government, church, work, school, etc.  He makes no provision for rebellion against the authorities He has placed over us.  We can certainly speak out against policies we disagree with, including immigration policy, but we have no permission from God to resist a lawful act of authorities.

Resisting authority is a hallmark of Satan and those that will be eternally damned along with him.  We need to be very careful to respect and obey the laws and authorities God has placed over us as they are not a terror to good works but to evil.