A lot of these liberal churches that harbor illegal immigrants who are criminals say they are following the example of Jesus. They are following the Jesus of their imagination rather than the Jesus of the Bible.

In this quote, Robert Jeffress criticizes certain liberal churches that offer sanctuary to illegal immigrants, particularly those who may have committed crimes. He argues that these churches claim to be following the example of Jesus, but Jeffress suggests they are actually following a version of Jesus that exists only in their imagination, rather than the Jesus of the Bible. Jeffress implies that their interpretation of Christian values is skewed, arguing that the actions of these churches are not aligned with what he believes the true teachings of Jesus convey in scripture.

Jeffress’s statement reflects a broader debate within the Christian community about the relationship between religious values and social justice issues. By referring to the “Jesus of their imagination,” he suggests that these churches have created a more idealized or flexible version of Christ’s teachings, one that may not align with traditional biblical interpretations. His criticism implies that some churches may prioritize humanitarianism over what he sees as more rigid biblical law or teachings on sin and morality.

The quote also touches on the tension between compassion and law within the context of Christian doctrine. While some churches may focus on the compassionate aspects of Jesus’ ministry, such as helping the poor and oppressed, Jeffress contends that these actions could be misguided if they contradict biblical principles regarding illegal activity. His perspective suggests that following Jesus means adhering strictly to the moral and legal framework laid out in scripture, even if it contradicts more liberal interpretations of charity and justice.

Ultimately, Jeffress's quote reflects a critique of how certain churches interpret Christian teachings, arguing that some may stray too far from what he believes to be the true message of Jesus as portrayed in the Bible. His words highlight the ongoing theological debate about how Christianity should engage with contemporary issues like immigration, and whether these actions align with the biblical portrayal of Jesus.