Earlier this year, the former head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), Russell Moore, stepped down from his position as lead ethicist and political lobbyist for the denomination to take a back seat role at Christianity Today. While Moore was in office, he relentlessly pushed an open-borders agenda straight from the playbook of George Soros. Now that Moore is gone, his legacy continues as his successors continue to advance progressive politics on behalf of Southern Baptists.

Last week, a federal judge struck down one of the progressive lefts’ most guarded jewels, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)–an executive order signed by Obama in 2012 that allowed illegal immigrants who were brought into the country illegally to remain here and receive benefits. The executive order, which was never approved by Congress, was struck down on the basis that the president did not have the authority to skirt federal law.

Enter the ERLC who now makes this a “gospel issue” about fellow “image-bearers.”

Of course, even the worst of all criminals are image-bearers of God, but that does not negate the responsibility of individuals to submit to governing authorities and obey the laws of the land. The laws in the United States do not allow people to enter the country without going through the proper channels–despite the fact that one may have been brought here against their will, the laws expressly forbid their continued presence. Nonetheless, the ERLC insists that Congress has done nothing to help these “image-bearers.”

By the way, it’s not Congress’ job to offer aid to non-citizens–it’s their job to enact laws that further the interest of this nation. Congress is not a charity or a Church, it is civil government instituted by God to bear the sword of God’s wrath against law-breakers (Romans 13:4).

The Baptist Press reports, however, that Dan Patterson–who is currently serving as interim head of the ERLC–is complaining about the government’s “inaction.”

“Once again, government inaction is hurting individuals,” said Daniel Patterson, in written comments released by the Evangelical Immigration Table according to the BP. “This court decision confirms that a fair and just [legislative] solution for our broken immigration system is needed immediately.

“Too many immigrants live needlessly in constant fear,” Patterson said. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Christians must not waver in pleading the case for these fellow image-bearers.”

Living in fear is what the Scriptures describe as people who commit crimes. Romans 13:4 is clear, “for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” Staying in the country illegally is a crime.