Persecution of Christians has occurred throughout history, from ancient Roman empires to modern-day conflicts, often stemming from religious or political differences. In 2023, an estimated 4,998 Christians were killed for their faith, and nearly 15,000 churches and Christian properties were attacked, with specific countries like North Korea, Somalia, and Nigeria experiencing high levels of violence. Persecution can also have the effect of purging “easy-believism” and nominal Christians from the church, leaving a more committed body of believers, while also narrowing the church’s focus to its core mission.
Historical persecution
- Early Christians faced persecution from both Jews and Romans, who accused them of impiety for refusing to worship Roman gods.
- The Roman Empire’s persecution ended with the Edict of Serdica in 311 and the Edict of Milan in 312, which legalized Christianity before it eventually became the official religion of the empire.
- Since the rise of Christian states, Christians have also been persecuted by other Christians over doctrinal differences, which have been declared heretical.
Modern persecution
- High-risk countries: North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, and Yemen have the highest rates of reported persecution against Christians.
- Recent trends: Attacks on Christians in Nigeria have increased since 2020, accounting for a majority of the Christians killed for their faith in 2023.
- Scale: In 2023, nearly 15,000 churches and Christian properties were attacked, and 4,998 Christians were killed for their faith-related reasons.
- Geographic spread: The number of countries experiencing “extreme” or “very high” levels of persecution has risen significantly from 23 in 2015 to 55 in 2023.
Effects of persecution on the church
- Narrowed focus: Persecution can cause the church to become more focused on its core mission, as there is no time to chase trends or cater to worldly “seekers” when facing persecution.
- Purging of nominal Christians: When it’s no longer convenient or lucrative to be a Christian, many false believers will abandon the church, leaving a purer body of believers.
- Increased commitment: True believers who remain are often seen as being more committed and useful for the sake of the gospel, as they do not flee persecution or try to legislate against it.
Jesus said that persecution is a reality for his followers and is a sign of true discipleship. He taught his followers to expect persecution, to rejoice when it happens for righteousness’ sake, and to respond with love and prayer instead of hate. He famously stated, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” and promised a great reward in heaven for those who endure it.
Key teachings about persecution
- Expectation: Jesus warned his followers that they would be persecuted for following him, saying, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). He said they would be hated and even killed, with people thinking they were serving God (Matthew 10:22).
- The Beatitudes: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). He told them to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad” because their reward in heaven would be great, as the prophets before them were also persecuted.
- Response: Jesus taught his followers to respond to persecution with love and prayer, not hatred or violence. He said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). He also exemplified this, praying for forgiveness for those crucifying him (Luke 23:34).
- Identity marker: Persecution is not a sign that something is wrong with you, but rather a mark of true discipleship in a fallen world. It is a consequence of living righteously in a world that is often opposed to it.
- Endurance: He encouraged perseverance, saying, “The one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13). He also offered a promise of reward for those who remain faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:10).
THE TRUMPET OF LIFE!
THE TRUMPET OF LIFE!
Are you concerned about the PERSECUTIONS of CHRISTIANITY worldwide? Happy or Sad?
https://youtu.be/WEZX7ZtskZk?si=V1cLrGK9FkhrD8Pi
Biblically, it is a spiritual battle which has occurred for all time, since Satan was cast out of Heaven:
Satan was cast out of Heaven due to pride and a rebellion against God, a story found in biblical passages like Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17. As a high-ranking angel, Satan became envious of God and sought to exalt himself, leading him to instigate a rebellion with a third of the angels. In a war, he was defeated and cast out of heaven, becoming the adversary, or Satan.
The fall from grace
- Pride and ambition: The central cause of Satan’s downfall was his pride and desire to be like God.
- Rebellion: He led a rebellion against God, attempting to usurp His authority and take His place.
- Fall of angels: A large number of angels joined his rebellion and were also cast out of heaven with him.
Biblical accounts
- Isaiah 14:12-15: This passage is often interpreted as a prophetic description of Satan’s fall, detailing his desire to “ascend into heaven” and be “like the Most High”.
- Ezekiel 28:12-17: This passage describes a beautiful, high-ranking cherub whose pride led to his ruin and expulsion from his place of honor.
- Revelation 12:7-9: This passage describes a war in heaven where the dragon (Satan) and his angels are defeated and cast out to the earth.
The aftermath
- Adversary: His act of defiance transformed him from a beautiful angel (often called Lucifer) into Satan, the adversary of God and humanity.
- Cosmic conflict: His expulsion set the stage for the ongoing cosmic conflict between good and evil, which continues to affect humanity today.
The battle of good versus evil has been continuous since Satan was cast out of Heaven.
Luke 22:31-32 (NIV)
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Christianity is not a religion but a life that exposes darkness to quench their activities on Man.
Since the world systems are rooted in the devil’s deceit, whatever is of Christ and whoever carries His Name living a righteousness gilded life, are always attacked. Very painful though! But it had rather fueled Revivals!
The truth? Whoever hates CHRISTIANITY hates his/her CREATOR and shall be JUDGED by God while every PERSECUTION endured for the sake of CHRIST shall be REWARDED eternally by God too… so, choose to STAND for CHRIST at all COSTS!
The CHURCH is MATCHING on!🙌🏻🙏🔥