Refugee to Resident

Long before I became a resident of Australia, there has been an ongoing debate concerning how to handle the boats of refugees and "asylum seekers."  There are differences between these groups, though the terms are often used interchangeably.  Similar to where I lived previously in Southern California where drug trafficking and people smuggling are ongoing issues, the position of Australia provides unique challenges.  Having little practical knowledge of the conditions which have evolved over the decades to bring us to this point, I have no unique insight or authority to even suggest a solution.  It seems unlikely that a single action or policy will make the "problem" of people smuggling go away.  Even this term is a misnomer, because these profiteering smugglers are the ones who are bringing desperate refugees or asylum seekers.  Those who feel they have no where else to flee will do anything to save themselves, their family, and seek a future in Australia.

Are there clear guidelines and policies in place so people can be processed as refugees whilst remaining in their country?  Do people have access to facilities that do not rely upon the internet or electronic banking?  Is there a way for genuine refugees to be accepted into Australia even if they lack the funds to take their case before the court?  The boats of people may be more of a symptom than the cause.  But from what I hear on the news - whether it is true or not I cannot be certain - many people pay money for the boat trip to Australia because they are convinced it will expedite or even ensure their processing into Australia.  People sadly pay money and find themselves aboard leaky vessels, some perish at sea, and others are intercepted and processed at offshore facilities.  They believed the words of a smuggler but were deceived.  Whilst some are found to be true refugees and brought to Australia in time, others are sent back home to start the process over again.

Having just finalised the process for permanent residency for my family and me, it is clear there is a legal way to immigrate to Australia.  While some have no choice but to flee, others make a decision to take the risk to climb aboard a boat with the hope of becoming a resident and possibly a citizen of Australia.  It must be beyond sobering for people who spend all their money for a trip they are told will result in them being processed and accepted into Australia and never make it.  I think we can all sympathise with their plight, having been deceived by people who stand to profit from them.

I wonder if this is the way some people think about heaven.  They are told that as long as they are a "good person" they will be accepted.  They like to think that on the Day of Judgment God will be sympathetic towards their plight, their ignorance of His policies, and throw themselves upon His mercy.  But God has been very clear that there are not many paths to salvation.  There may be many routes one can take to acquiring residency status in Australia, but there is only one way to heaven:  through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour and LORD.  Many will say to Jesus on that day, "Lord, Lord!" but He will say to them, "I never knew you.  Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness."  I am sad at the thought of people being deceived to think they can be good enough or that they will be able to sweet-talk their way into heaven.  God is a Just Judge, and He has made a way for all people to be saved.  They must first meet His exacting conditions.  Jesus says in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

If we want to do the works of God, we must believe on the One He has sent, the God-Man Jesus Christ.  It is one thing to lose your life savings because you were duped to believe a boat trip would end in residency; it is far worse still to lose your soul because you were deceived to think your "good" works could save you.  Salvation is in Christ and no other.  Only those who seek refuge in Christ will become residents of heaven!