Should a Country Have Borders?
The concept of national borders and sovereignty, while not explicitly detailed in ancient scripture, is affirmed by applying principles of God's order, delegated authority, and the historical division of peoples.
1. The Principle of Order and Governing Authority
The most direct justification for borders comes from the Apostle Paul’s teaching on the role of the state.
God Institutes Authority: The New Testament teaches that all earthly governing authority is established by God to maintain a structured society: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). A border is the physical and legal definition of that authority's jurisdiction. Without defined borders, a government cannot effectively maintain the civil order, enforce laws, or ensure the security it is commanded to uphold.
Maintaining Justice and Security: Governments are commanded to “execute wrath on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4) and protect the good. This duty necessitates the ability to control who enters a territory, manage resources, and ensure internal peace. The border is the instrument that enables a government to fulfill these core, God-given responsibilities to its citizens.
2. Historical Context and Divine Separation of Nations
The Bible also suggests a divine origin for the separation of human groups, which implies defined limits.
The Tower of Babel: Following the confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel, humanity was dispersed “over the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11:8). This event is often interpreted as God initiating the division of humanity into distinct groups, languages, and territories.
A Time and Place for All: Later, the Apostle Paul noted God’s sovereignty over national boundaries in his address to the Athenians: “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place” (Acts 17:26). This suggests that defined national existence, including borders, is part of God's overarching plan for human civilization and distinct cultural expression.
3. The Christian Balance: Sovereignty and Compassion
While borders are biblically supported as necessary for order, they are never intended to negate the Christian's ultimate duty to love the neighbor.
Borders as Responsibility: A border signifies a specific area of responsibility. The government is primarily responsible for the welfare and safety of the people within those boundaries.
The Border is Not the Wall of the Heart: The existence of a border means that legal entry procedures must be followed (upholding Romans 13). However, the border should never be a boundary to the Church's compassion for the stranger, the refugee, and the needy (upholding Leviticus 19:34 and Matthew 25:35).
Therefore, from a Christian perspective, a country should have borders to maintain the order necessary for justice, but those borders must be managed with both prudence (security) and mercy (compassion).
