Dying for Christ
“Torture by the Grand Knout” [a whip used to inflict punishment in Siberia, often causing death], Library of Congress, (PD)
“A Russian Army captain came to a minister in Hungary and asked to see him alone. The young captain was very brash, and very conscious of his role as a conqueror. When he had been led to a small conference room and the door was closed, he nodded toward the cross that hung on the wall.
‘You know that thing is a lie,’ he said to the minister. ‘It’s just a piece of trickery you ministers use to delude the poor people to make it easier for the rich to keep them ignorant. Come now, we are alone. Admit to me that you never really believed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God!’
The minister smiled. ‘But, my poor young man, of course I believe it. It is true.’
‘I won’t have you play these tricks on me!’ cried the captain. ‘This is serious. Don’t laugh at me!’
He drew out his revolver and held it close to the body of the minister.
‘Unless you admit to me that it is a lie, I’ll fire!’
‘I cannot admit that, for it is not true. Our Lord is really and truly the Son of God,’ said the minister.
The captain flung his revolver on the floor and embraced the man of God. Tears sprang from his eyes.
‘It is true!’ he cried. ‘It is true. I believe so, too, but I could not be sure men would die for this belief until I found it out for myself. Oh, thank you! You have strengthened my faith. Now I too can die for Christ. You have shown me how.'”
The above is a true account, recorded by Richard Wurmbrand in Tortured for Christ. Wurbrand, himself, was imprisoned by the Communists for 14 years. During that time, he was repeatedly tortured and brainwashed. He spent nearly three years in solitary confinement.
Persecution has characterized Christianity from the outset [1]. Tragically, some persecution has been self-inflicted with Catholics persecuting Protestants and vice versa [2].
We in the Western church have not known persecution and torture for Christ’s sake, not in our time. Such persecution is, of course, ongoing elsewhere in the world — a fact we often put out of mind [3]. Islamic extremists massacre Christians in Africa and the Mideast [4]. Hindu violence against Christians in India is increasing [5].
Would we be willing to die for Christ, if it came to that? None of us could know for sure, until confronted with the choice. But the question is worth considering.
Do we love Christ enough to die for Him? Others have.
Until that day comes, do we love Him enough to live for Him?
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12: 1).
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[1] Wikipedia, “Persecution of Christians”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians.
[2] The Autobiography of a Hunted Priest by John Gerard, Ignatius Press.
[3] Open Doors, “World Watch List 2025”, https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/persecution/countries/.
[4] Ave Maria School of Law, “The Persecution and Genocide of Christians in the Middle East”, https://www.avemarialaw.edu/the-persecution-and-genocide-of-christians-in-the-middle-east/.
[5] Wikipedia, “Violence against Christians in India”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence_against_Christians_in_India.
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A Lawyer's Prayers 
What a challenge. Meeting with a missionary family from North India (Punjab) over lunch here in our city, just a week ago, they confirmed that amid the growth of Christian groups in their area, persecution by Hindu and Sikh’s and others is increasing by the day. By now they have arrived home to face it once more. May we also be found faithful, here in South Africa and the West! PS the execution of Christians continues in Northern Nigeria, Mozambique, etc. Thanks Anna.
Thank you for sharing, Erroll. One in seven Christians is persecuted worldwide. But we know our reward is eternal.
Excellent and timely post Anna. The rise of persecution is escalating at an alarming rate in many countries, both of Christians and Jews. I recently read where 54 Christians were massacred on Pam Sunday in Nigeria. Before that, on February 13, 70 Christians were beheaded in their own church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There is a video on the web that shows an actual stoning to death of a young Christian convert from Islam, who given the choice of recanting or dying, chose the latter. It took 6 and a half minutes for this young man to die!
Persecution is very real, and I am convinced that it will eventually make its way to the West and we will not escape it. While we have peace we must be preparing our hearts to make our stand for Christ.
So right, Ron. We in the West will not be exempt.
Powerful and convicting. May we not only be willing to die for Christ, but truly live for Him daily, no matter the cost. Faith like this strengthens us all.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12: 1).
Amen 🙏🏼🤗
I’ve read of Richard Wurmbrand before and marveled at his testimony. More recently, I read Pastor/missionary Andrew Brunson’s book, “God’s Hostage,” where he recounts being arrested and imprisoned In Turkey in 2016. After twenty-three years working in that country, he was taken hostage for his faith, accused of being a spy, and he writes of how he survived the two years until he was released.. Throughout his ordeals in the Turkish prison system, he said, “I never stopped talking to Jesus.”
May our love for our Lord Jesus control all our actions when our faith is put to the test, by God’s grace. “Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:13)
Thank you, Anna, for this reminder to continue to pray for the persecuted Church and to pray for our own patient endurance when we are persecuted.
May God keep us strong in the faith as the world grows darker.