Christian Persecution
Posted on 22nd February 2025 by Joshua Eden No comments
In the last few years, various reports have suggested that Christian persecution has reached a record high. More Christians today are persecuted than ever before as sources claim that one in seven Christians face “high levels of persecution and discrimination” for their beliefs. The Open Doors annual World Watch List revealed that almost 4,500 Christians were killed for their faith in 2024, 69 per cent of whom were in Nigeria.
Last week, the mainstream media, once again, failed to report that 70 Christians were beheaded in a church in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The increase of Christian persecution in Africa, Asia and the Middle East is apparently not newsworthy. Mainstream media fails to report that advanced surveillance, as seen in China, and restrictions on free speech is being indiscriminately used against those who have Christian beliefs. As a result, the many churches arebeing driven underground, and more Christians are concerned about their livelihood, and what would happen if their employers became aware of their Christian beliefs. The Commission of Inquiry into Discrimination Against Christians (CIDAC) has found that Christians in the UK are being increasingly punished for public expressions of their faith.Traditional views on marriage, sexuality and abortion are thetriggers which lead to a ‘search and destroy’ approach by public schools, hospitals and large businesses.
Nevertheless, it is important that Christians remember that persecution is to be expected because all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12). The believer must not wear camouflage and pretend that they are something they are not. We are not to run away into the mountains and make an inclusive community. In Matthew 5:13-14, Our Lord calls the believer salt and light because the potent taste of salt and the emissions of light are not designed to be hidden, but to bring about taste, sight and preservation. The Christian cannot do anything else but proclaim the glory of God in speech and conduct. Running away from the world is not an option.
We ought to pray for a faith that endures any trial or circumstance. The trials that we go through are a test of ourfaith that produces an endurance (James 1:3). In trial and persecution, you will see what you are truly made of: if you truly fear man or God; if you truly believe in God’s sovereignty and trust him; if you truly do love your neighbour; if you truly do believe that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Now is not the time to recline but to remember that the God we serve is greater than any opposition we may face. Now is the time to pray for strength and a boldness to fulfil the commission given to us. Now is the time to make no provision for the flesh but to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Now is the time to make no excuse for not attending church on the Lord’s Day. The church is the barracks and hospital for wounded soldiers of Christ to be strengthened in the Lord and in the power of His might; equipped to put on the whole armour of God that we may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-11).
‘In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33). These are the words of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.