Persecution

Christian persecution, as in days of old, has begun to become prevalent around the world today, as other religions and faiths exercise intolerance for the belief that claims that only by Christ can one enter into eternity. During and immediately after the life of Christ, many Jews and other people groups found what Christ taught about himself to be harsh and offensive. Christ himself suffered the ultimate persecution, experiencing a slow painful death of crucifixion. Though Christians have always suffered some form of mistreatment in certain parts of the world, it does seem as if the pendulum is beginning to swing, once again, back to the idea that a man who claimed to be God and the only way to heaven conjures up offensive reactions in a multitude of people. But, the Bible clearly states that suffering ill treatment is not only walking in Christ's shoes, but it is also to be expected as the battle lines are drawn and the last days grow ever nearer. In today's American culture of comforts and religious freedoms, perhaps all northern Americans can use a reminder of what Christ taught in order to become more alert, as Christianity slowly becomes a disrespected religion.



The teachings of Jesus Christ upset many faiths and religious leaders. Jesus did not claim to be a prophet or to be a wise man of God. Jesus claimed to be God, and the only begotten son of God. When considering that the Jewish nation had built their spiritual authority upon the laws of Moses, this claim was considered blasphemy. Men and women were faced with making the decision that Jesus was either who he said he was, or Jesus was a mad man, upsetting the entire religious system of that day. Those who believed in Him followed him faithfully, and those who did not believe had reason to fear him and to hate the new teachings Christ supported. The religious leaders of the day put together a plan to persecute Jesus for these outrageous claims and persecution of the disciples and Christ followers would soon follow. But, as we now know, the persecuted Jesus was part of the plan for forgiveness and redemption, and in order for mankind to experience the ultimate atonement, Christ had to die.



Before Christ was crucified, he made sure that the disciples understood that to follow him would mean to choose a road of pain and suffering. Because we are made in God's image, and Christ was the very nature of God, we must walk the paths that Christ walked, enduring trials and persecution. "And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it" (Luke 9:23-24). Because Satan is the prince of this world and is the great deceiver of men, it is Satan's desire to not only prevent men from believing the truth of salvation, but it is also a principle objective to destroy the efforts of Christians throughout the world. Because there is a battle in the spiritual world, there is battle on earth. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12). And so the results of spiritual battles raged against men, Christian persecution results. Discover related issues for those who follow Christ by visiting these Bible resources.



Jesus Christ also warned his followers that they would be hated. "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sale; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). The book of 1 John explains that believers should not be surprised at Christian persecution. And Paul the apostle urges the young churches to pray for those who persecute them because those who led a godly life would certainly suffer ill treatment from others. Paul also stated that he considered it joyful to suffer for the sake of Christ. Because Paul had an eternal perspective about his future, he considered being persecuted as gain for the kingdom of Christ. The New Testament is clear; believers who are devoted to the cause of Christ threaten the eternal security of false teachings, and persecution will follow.



And, as we live in the end times and the second coming of Christ draws nearer by the hour, we should heed the words of Christ himself. Increased Christian persecution is actually a significant sign that we are coming ever closer to this magnificent event. "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake" (Matthew 24:5-9) Though being persecuted for one's faith is never easy, we can all take heart that on the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every knee shall bow and those who have persevered shall inherit the riches of his kingdom.