As I observe the ongoing uproar being made over the RFRA law, one thing is becoming more and more apparent. Some miraculous act of God notwithstanding, persecution of Christians is going to become a reality in this nation, and it is going to happen soon. I don’t mean verbal persecution, but state-organized, legalized persecution that will cost Christians more than just hurt feelings. Another truth that should be apparent, especially this week as Christians remember the death and resurrection of our Savior, is that any genuine persecution we suffer in His name is a tremendous reason to rejoice in Jesus Christ.
The Cultural Tidal Wave
The world and its vicious hatred for Christian morality marches on. Christians who want nothing more than to politely and gently hold to their religious convictions will continue to be accused of bigotry, discrimination, hatred, and worse. Rancorous voices across the nation will demand that these Christians shut up, fess up, put up and join up with the depraved acts of debauchery of the LGBT movement and the socio-political forces supporting it – all in the name of “tolerance”.
Politicians with even loose traditional mores will be dragged through the mud. Entrepreneurs who are minding their own business will continue to be targets for titillating sound bites, ferocious vilification, and even threats of violence. Businesses will close. And eventually, laws will be enacted to stifle any voice of dissent. All from a movement that holds that no one should ever “force their beliefs on someone else”.
Christ Our Victor
The time is coming when the pretenders of the faith will be sifted out from amongst the defenders. In many ways, the time has already arrived. However, this is likely only the beginning. Christians in America are most certainly in the “Sardis hour”; that is, the hour of decision. American Christianity as we’ve known it is gasping and ready to die. The few who have not “defiled their garments” will stand, because the faith imparted unto them is unquenchable. Christians everywhere must all seek to “strengthen the things which remain”, and begin to actually “work out our salvation in fear and trembling”.
And yet, as with the Apostle Paul (Phil. 4:4), I say, “Rejoice!” As with the Apostle Peter (I Pet. 1:6-7), I say “Rejoice!” As with Jesus Christ Himself (Matt. 5:11-12), I say, “Rejoice!” In this season of the Resurrection, as at all times, let us look unto Jesus (Heb. 12:2-3), the One in Whom we hope (Tit. 2:13), and in Whom we have life (Rom. 6:8-9)!
While the world seems to crumble around us, let us remember the infathomable glory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, by which He conquered death and sin (I Cor. 15:55), voided the curse of the law on our behalf (I Cor. 15:56), and makes absolutely certain our complete and utter victory (I Cor. 15:57)! When we remember these truths, we will never be dissuaded from the faith, never silenced by earthly powers, never disheartened from our trials, never discouraged from our work. In Him, and through Him, and for Him, we can and will be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of our risen and victorious Lord (I Cor. 15:58)!