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When Jesus revealed to His disciples the fate
of Jerusalem and the scenes of the second advent, He foretold also
the experience of His people from the time when He should be taken
from them, to His return in power and glory for their deliverance.
From Olivet the Saviour beheld the storms about to fall upon the
apostolic church; and penetrating deeper into the future, His eye
discerned the fierce, wasting tempests that were to beat upon His
followers in the coming ages of darkness and persecution. In a few
brief utterances of awful significance He foretold the portion which
the rulers of this world would mete out to the church of God.
Matthew 24:9, 21, 22. The followers of Christ must tread the same
path of humiliation, reproach, and suffering which their Master
trod. The enmity that burst forth against the world's Redeemer would
be manifested against all who should believe on His name.
The history of the early church testified to the
fulfillment of the Saviour's words. The powers of earth and hell arrayed
themselves against Christ in the person of His followers. Paganism
foresaw that should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be
swept away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity.
The fires of persecution were kindled. Christians were stripped of their
possessions and driven from their homes. They "endured a great fight of
afflictions." Hebrews 10:32. They "had trial of cruel
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mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and
imprisonment." Hebrews 11:36. Great numbers sealed their testimony with
their blood. Noble and slave, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, were
alike slain without mercy.
These persecutions, beginning under Nero about the
time of the martyrdom of Paul, continued with greater or less fury for
centuries. Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes
and declared to be the cause of great calamities--famine, pestilence,
and earthquake. As they became the objects of popular hatred and
suspicion, informers stood ready, for the sake of gain, to betray the
innocent. They were condemned as rebels against the empire, as foes of
religion, and pests to society. Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts
or burned alive in the amphitheaters. Some were crucified; others were
covered with the skins of wild animals and thrust into the arena to be
torn by dogs. Their punishment was often made the chief entertainment at
public fetes. Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and greeted
their dying agonies with laughter and applause.
Wherever they sought refuge, the followers of Christ
were hunted like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek concealment in
desolate and solitary places. "Destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom
the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains,
and in dens and caves of the earth." Verses 37, 38. The catacombs
afforded shelter for thousands. Beneath the hills outside the city of
Rome, long galleries had been tunneled through earth and rock; the dark
and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond the city
walls. In these underground retreats the followers of Christ buried
their dead; and here also, when suspected and proscribed, they found a
home. When the Life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the good
fight, many a martyr for Christ's sake will come forth from those gloomy
caverns.
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Under the fiercest persecution these witnesses for
Jesus kept their faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut
away from the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but
friendly bosom of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of
faith, patience, and hope they encouraged one another to endure
privation and distress. The loss of every earthly blessing could not
force them to renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and persecution
were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward.
Like God's servants of old, many were "tortured, not
accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection."
Verse 35. These called to mind the words of their Master, that when
persecuted for Christ's sake, they were to be exceeding glad, for great
would be their reward in heaven; for so the prophets had been persecuted
before them. They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for
the truth, and songs of triumph ascended from the midst of crackling
flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over
the battlements of heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest
and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to
them from the throne of God: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will
give thee a crown of life." Revelation 2:10.
In vain were Satan's efforts to destroy the church of
Christ by violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of
Jesus yielded up their lives did not cease when these faithful
standard-bearers fell at their post. By defeat they conquered. God's
workmen were slain, but His work went steadily forward. The gospel
continued to spread and the number of its adherents to increase. It
penetrated into regions that were inaccessible even to the eagles of
Rome. Said a Christian, expostulating with the heathen rulers who were
urging forward the persecution: You may "kill us, torture us, condemn
us. . . . Your injustice is the proof that we are innocent
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. . . . Nor does your cruelty . . . avail you." It was
but a stronger invitation to bring others to their persuasion. "The
oftener we are mown down by you, the more in number we grow; the blood
of Christians is seed."--Tertullian,
Apology,
paragraph 50.
Thousands were imprisoned and slain, but others sprang
up to fill their places. And those who were martyred for their faith
were secured to Christ and accounted of Him as conquerors. They had
fought the good fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when
Christ should come. The sufferings which they endured brought Christians
nearer to one another and to their Redeemer. Their living example and
dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and where least
expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service and enlisting
under the banner of Christ.
Satan therefore laid his plans to war more
successfully against the government of God by planting his banner in the
Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived and led
to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would
fail, and they would fall an easy prey.
The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice
what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its
stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity
and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian
faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to
accept Jesus as the Son of God and to believe in His death and
resurrection, but they had no conviction of sin and felt no need of
repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part
they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might
unite on the platform of belief in Christ.
Now the church was in fearful peril. Prison, torture,
fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the
Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no
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compromise. Others were in favor of yielding or modifying
some features of their faith and uniting with those who had accepted a
part of Christianity, urging that this might be the means of their full
conversion. That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of
Christ. Under a cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating
himself into the church, to corrupt their faith and turn their minds
from the word of truth.
Most of the Christians at last consented to lower
their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and
paganism. Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted,
and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry, only
changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of
Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the
church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious
rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and
worship. As the followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian
religion became corrupted, and the church lost her purity and power.
There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They
still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshiped God
alone.
There have ever been two classes among those who
profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour's
life and earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the
Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose
their errors. Even in her best estate the church was not composed wholly
of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught that those who
willfully indulge in sin are not to be received into the church; yet He
connected with Himself men who were faulty in character, and granted
them the benefits of His teachings and example, that they might have an
opportunity to see their errors and correct them. Among the twelve
apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not
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because of his defects of character, but notwithstanding
them. He was connected with the disciples, that, through the instruction
and example of Christ, he might learn what constitutes Christian
character, and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, and, by the aid
of divine grace, to purify his soul "in obeying the truth." But Judas
did not walk in the light so graciously permitted to shine upon him. By
indulgence in sin he invited the temptations of Satan. His evil traits
of character became predominant. He yielded his mind to the control of
the powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were reproved,
and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master.
So do all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those
who disturb their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a
favorable opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those
who for their good have sought to reprove them.
The apostles encountered those in the church who
professed godliness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity.
Ananias and Sapphira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an
entire sacrifice for God, when they were covetously withholding a
portion for themselves. The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the
real character of these pretenders, and the judgments of God rid the
church of this foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the
discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and
evildoers. They could not long remain in connection with those who were,
in habit and disposition, constant representatives of Christ; and as
trials and persecution came upon His followers, those only who were
willing to forsake all for the truth's sake desired to become His
disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued, the church remained
comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less
sincere and devoted, and the way was open for Satan to obtain a
foothold.
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But there is no union between the Prince of light and
the prince of darkness, and there can be no union between their
followers. When Christians consented to unite with those who were but
half converted from paganism, they entered upon a path which led further
and further from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in
deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought
his power to bear more fully upon these, and inspired them to persecute
those who remained true to God. None understood so well how to oppose
the true Christian faith as did those who had once been its defenders;
and these apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions,
directed their warfare against the most essential features of the
doctrines of Christ.
It required a desperate struggle for those who would
be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which
were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church.
The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of
religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and
proscribed.
After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few
decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still
refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that
separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God.
They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an
example which would imperil the faith of their children and children's
children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any
concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even
peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If
unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and
righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war.
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Well would it be for the church and the world if the
principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the
hearts of God's professed people. There is an alarming indifference in
regard to the doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith.
The opinion is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital
importance. This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of
Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in
ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded
with favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people.
Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof
that disturbed the sinner's peace. Though few in numbers, without
wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers
wherever their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they were
hated by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the
same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw off the
restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God's people. It was for the
same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour--because
the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their
selfishness and corruption. From the days of Christ until now His
faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who
love and follow the ways of sin.
How, then, can the gospel be called a message of
peace? When Isaiah foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to Him
the title, "Prince of Peace." When angels announced to the shepherds
that Christ was born, they sang above the plains of Bethlehem: "Glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke
2:14. There is a seeming contradiction between these prophetic
declarations and the words of Christ: "I came not to send peace, but a
sword." Matthew 10:34. But, rightly understood, the two
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are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace.
Christianity is a system which, received and obeyed, would spread peace,
harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will
unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the
mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God, and thus to one another. But
the world at large are under the control of Satan, Christ's bitterest
foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly at
variance with their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion
against it. They hate the purity which reveals and condemns their sins,
and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon them its just
and holy claims. It is in this sense--because the exalted truths it
brings occasion hatred and strife--that the gospel is called a sword.
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous
to suffer persecution at the hand of the wicked has been a cause of
great perplexity to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to
cast away their confidence in God because He suffers the basest of men
to prosper, while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by
their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who is just and merciful,
and who is also infinite in power, tolerate such injustice and
oppression? This is a question with which we have nothing to do. God has
given us sufficient evidence of His love, and we are not to doubt His
goodness because we cannot understand the workings of His providence.
Said the Saviour to His disciples, foreseeing the doubts that would
press upon their souls in days of trial and darkness: "Remember the word
that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they
have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you." John 15:20. Jesus
suffered for us more than any of His followers can be made to suffer
through the cruelty of wicked men. Those who are called to endure
torture and martyrdom are but following in the steps of God's dear Son.
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"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise." 2
Peter 3:9. He does not forget or neglect His children; but He permits
the wicked to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do
His will may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are
placed in the furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be
purified; that their example may convince others of the reality of faith
and godliness; and also that their consistent course may condemn the
ungodly and unbelieving.
God permits the wicked to prosper and to reveal their
enmity against Him, that when they shall have filled up the measure of
their iniquity all may see His justice and mercy in their utter
destruction. The day of His vengeance hastens, when all who have
transgressed His law and oppressed His people will meet the just
recompense of their deeds; when every act of cruelty or injustice toward
God's faithful ones will be punished as though done to Christ Himself.
There is another and more important question that
should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul
declares that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer
persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. Why is it, then, that persecution seems in
a great degree to slumber? The only reason is that the church has
conformed to the world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition.
The religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy
character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and His
apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin,
because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently
regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that
Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a
revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of
persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be
rekindled.
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