Spiritual "Illegal Immigrants"

It dawned on me over the past 24 hours that those religious people (many of whom call themselves "Christians") who refuse to be covenanted with the visible church are very much like illegal immigrants.

These (religious people) live in the same land, they breathe the same air, and they see the same things most of the rest of us do--but they have no rights, no privileges, and no honor.

Just as illegal immigrants have their "advocates," (whose advocacy is more a hindrance to their good, than a promoter of it), so do spiritual "illegal immigrants," (in that there are many foolish religious people that encourage them in their ignorance).

These spiritual "illegals" wrongly believe they have access to God; and they seek to take what they want from Christ, His church, and the Bible, while leaving what they don't like alone (like responsibility and accountability).

But just as illegal immigrants ought to be sent back home--so God will send "home" (to hell) all those spiritual illegals as well.

Still, there is good news: even as illegal immigrants can "repent," go home, and start over, seeking the citizenship of another country in a lawful way--so can spiritual "illegals," as well. When they repent, believe, and apply to the visible church for admission, they can (and should) be wholeheartedly received.