According to Strong’s concordance of Biblical languages the English word “sanctuary” is a translation of the Greek word “hagios.” Greek is the language spoken during the time of Christ’s earthly tenure and was the language in which the New Testament was written. Hagios refers to a holy, consecrated person or place. In the secular realm, Webster’s Dictionary of the English language defines “sanctuary” as a place of refuge where one is protected from the law or from punishment for breaking the law. Webster’s translates the English word “rebel” as one who resists authority.

Anciently the Lord provided sanctuary cities for people who had killed someone by accident. These were safe zones where the accused could be protected from the “avenger” until the legal process could render a verdict.

The majority of Americans, some 70% of whom profess to be Christians, are openly against the harboring and protection of foreign criminals. Many newspaper, magazine and television items feature these citizens who recognize the situation for what it is–the flaunting of the nation’s laws by certain cities and states. These concerned citizens applaud legal officials who do their job, encouraging them to round up more foreign criminals and to expel them from the country. And rightfully so, for these so-called “aliens” live off the labors of American citizens. For example, there is a hospital in Dallas, Texas where some 80% of the babies born each year are born to illegal aliens. These “anchor babies” automatically become American citizens, making them eligible for all the benefits enjoyed by legal citizens. Due to the nation’s immigration laws the babies’ parents become partakers of those same benefits. As a result, legal citizens are forced to support them by providing food, shelter, medication, etc. Many of them live better than many American citizens. An added irony is that when a legal citizen commits a crime he/she is prosecuted by the legal system. They have no “safe zone” to run to where they are protected from the law. Not so with illegals, who need only enter a sanctuary area where they are protected, cared for, etc. There is a reason for this situation which will be explained at the end of this series.

Of late we have been hearing about another type of organization that has opened its doors to foreign criminals. “Sanctuary churches” openly advertise that they will welcome, protect and provide for any and all foreign criminals while shielding them from the nation’s legal system.   L.J.