“Some men can’t be bullied or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.” —Alfred the Butler
Those words, from last summer’s mega-blockbuster movie The Dark Knight speak of motive. Like me, you may wonder what motivates real terrorists to strap on explosives and self-detonate—blowing up others in acts of terrorism that some call martyrdom.
The writer of Hebrews has a different take on what being a martyr (being killed because of your beliefs, not taking your own life) is all about. He writes of those who died for Christ: “These people earned a good reputation because of their faith” (Hebrews 11:39).
Why a good reputation? Because they refused “to turn from God” (v.35) and accepted death at their persecutors’ hands.
Jesus is the supreme example of a fixed faith that led to ultimate sacrifice. He remained silent and accepted the imminent horrors of crucifixion (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:63). His goal was life and victory over death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Stephen, a follower of Jesus, spoke words of forgiveness and life even as he died a martyr (Acts 7:60)—imitating his Savior.
These examples define true martyrdom—selfless acts that lead to life. They don’t live to die—they die for life.
These words from Matthew Henry clarify the contrast: “Shall we be most amazed at the wickedness of human nature, that it is capable of such awful cruelties to fellow-creatures, or at the excellence of divine grace, that is able to bear up the faithful under such cruelties, and to carry them safely through all?”
To live and die for Jesus is all about life!
More:
• Matthew 16:25
• Philippians 1:21
• Revelation 6:9-11
Next:
How did Jesus both live and die for life? How can you daily surrender your life more fully to Him?
Invisible on July 9, 2010 at 11:00 am
If someone has put a lot of thought, not just a sudden desperate act, into the whole idea of trying to live and trust jesus to bring them through, or would it be better to just go and be with him, is pretty sure they’re a christian, if that person chose that being with jesus was choice they felt was best, would that person automatically go to hell? or is there a chance they would still get to go to heaven? just wondering.
tom felten on July 9, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Good question. When we look at Jesus’ conversation with the thief on the cross (Luke 23:32-43), this 11th hour conversion occurred as he believed in Jesus. He said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” Regardless of when we do it, salvation and eternal life in Jesus always begins with belief . . . with faith (Acts 16:31; Ephesians 2:8). God’s Word makes it clear that this is the only way to heaven: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Invisible on July 9, 2010 at 12:57 pm
but what if you blow it. i dont mean a little mistake or sin. really blow it. even if you believe that jesus is lord and that he was raised from the dead is that still enough for god to let you into heaven. ive heard that he wont which really scares me . is there anything else you can do to make sure you have all your bases coverd?
tom felten on July 9, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Invisible, a glance at some characters in the Bible reveals that God loves and forgives even those who have done horrific things: David (who committed adultery and devised a way to have his lovers’ husband killed) was “a man after God’s own heart”; Paul, the most prolific writer of the New Testament, was at one time a hater and murderer of Christians; and there’s many, many more. But both of these men repented and experienced forgiveness. Check out this verse written by the Apostle John, “If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness” (1 John 1:9). God will forgive “all” our wicked deeds, all our sins, when we come to Him in genuine repentance and belief.