How Many Would Willingly Undergo Torture And Death For Eternal Life?
Posted: Monday, September 05, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
One of most people’s questions would probably be, but we don’t have to do that in order to go to heaven do we? Well, the answer is probably yes and no. You might then ask, what kind of an answer is that?
The real answer is that you do not have to go looking for someone to kill you over your religion. So, no it is not a requirement for admission into heaven. But before we get too elated over that fact, let’s look at some biblical doctrine and some biblical examples of folks who did.
Jesus had also foretold this to his apostles in Matthew 24 and told them that many would hate them and bring false charges against them and, “will kill you”. The writings of John from Patmos continues the subject mostly in symbolic language so the Romans would not know of the warning. But one statement made in Revelation is of utmost importance and gives a partial answer to our subject question.
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10 KJV)
Now many people take that verse to mean simply that you must live faithfully until you die. Not so, although that is a requirement, this verse means ‘be though faithful (even-added jhh) unto death‘. It simply means don’t give up or give in, even if it means your life.
And many thousands did just that. For several centuries the church was persecuted in this way. First by the Romans and the Jews, in an effort to squash the new religion. In many cases, the only way they could save their lives was to renounce Jesus Christ as the Son of God. They were thrown to lions in arenas where they were watched, for entertainment as the animals crushed and tore them to pieces. Some were burned at the stake, some were pulled asunder by tying their hands or feet to a stationary block and the other to a winch where they were literally pulled apart. Some had their eyes gouged out before being slain. All that would have been necessary to save them from these torturous deaths, would have been to recant their beliefs. Relatively few did.
I recommend that everyone read the online book of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. You may reach the Index Page Here.
By reading this book, you cannot help but be astounded at the strength and resolve of those who were martyred. Some actually could not bear up under it and did renounce Jesus. At least one pathetic situation was when one man had been tortured unmercifully and then was about to be burned at the stake, as the fire began to hurt severely, he recanted and was removed from the fire. But he died from his previous injuries and stress. A woman who was then tied to the stake and the flames were beginning to engulf her screamed, “Oh Why did you recant?”
Now, the reason to consider these historical items is, for one thing, most if not all early Christians firmly believed that they were expected to endure a horrible death if it came upon them, without denying Jesus Christ. If, as most now feel, a sneaky little lie would not hurt in order to save their life, not many would have undergone the things they were faced with.
The fact that most people now are so blessed with freedom, especially as we have known it here in the U.S., that we have no idea what such an environment could be as was in the beginning of the Lord’s church. May we continue to live our lives freely and without fear of such persecutions.
But! Even though it seems unlikely that we in this nation will ever be subjected to such, what would YOU do, if it did happen? It is difficult, maybe impossible, for one to know what his reactions might be if he was subjected to something more horrible than can be imagined. I have considered these very things for years and I have prayed earnestly that I would have the strength and determination do face it bravely. In years past, I fear that I would not have been able to pass such a test. But now, I have come to accept the fact that I MUST have that resolve, whether or not it should ever occur. It is still extremely difficult to try and imagine the stress or the results of such. But, as it stands today, my full intention would be to accept whatever came.
Part of the ability to resolve this, I know, is that my age is such that I would not shorten my life very much by accepting death today. That, I have no doubt, I could accept without wavering. But torture and extended pain is quite another matter. I have undergone severe pain on many occasions but usually I had medication to relieve it somewhat at least. After heart bypass surgery 20 years ago, I was given strong medication to bring home with me for pain relief. I took one of them twice, shortly after being home, but no more. That surgery leaves you with pain, especially when you cough, for several weeks.
If one’s faith is weak, in other words if you are not certain that eternity offers you eternal life in heaven, or eternal torment if you fail to serve God, you will probably see little reason to be concerned over this. But, if you are convinced of life hereafter, you must give consideration to it. As I said above, it is unlikely that many, if any, readers will ever have their faith tested by such circumstances, but the faith and resolve must be that which would face it.
“So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17)
For continuing increase in faith, continue to study the word of God. The more you study, the more your faith grows.
This Article has been viewed 100 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.