The history of Christianity is marked by the blood of martyrs, who have given their lives for their faith. From the early Church to the present day, Christians have faced persecution, violence, and displacement.
This article exposes the shocking truth about the number of Christians martyred or displaced due to their faith and explains why believers need to be made ready by the Holy Spirit to endure the upcoming Tribulation.
A 2000-Year History of Christian Persecution Introduction
Early Church Martyrs (33-313 AD)
The early Church faced intense persecution under Roman rule. Thousands of Christians were martyred, including Stephen (Acts 7:54-60), Peter, and Paul.
Medieval Period (313-1517 AD)
During the Middle Ages, Christians faced persecution from various groups. However, it was the Roman Catholic Jesuits who perpetrated one of the most horrific campaigns of Christian persecution. According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, the Jesuits martyred as many as 54 million Protestants for rejecting Papal Authority during the Reformation period.
Islamic Persecution (632 AD-present)
Islam has been a major source of Christian persecution throughout history. From the early conquests of the Middle East and North Africa to the present day, Christians have faced violence, forced conversions, and displacement. According to Open Doors USA, over 4,000 Christians are killed for their faith every year.
Modern-Day Persecution (20th-21st centuries)
The 20th century saw the rise of communist and nationalist regimes, leading to the persecution of millions of Christians. In the 21st century, Islamic extremism has become a major threat to Christian communities worldwide. According to the Pew Research Centre, Christians are the most persecuted religious group globally. The Worst is Yet to Come –
The Tribulation
The Bible prophesies a future period of unprecedented persecution, known as the Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22, Revelation 7:14). This seven-year period will be the most violent and intense persecution of Christians in history, with many believers facing martyrdom. The Tribulation will be so severe that God must shorten the days or no one would survive (Matthew 24:22).
The Order of Events:
Understanding Matthew 24
Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 24 reveal a different order of events: –
- False messiahs and false prophets emerge –
- Wars, rumours of wars, and nation rising against nation –
- Famines, earthquakes, and pestilences –
- Persecution of believers, including martyrdom –
- False prophets rise, and the gospel is preached to all nations –
- The abomination of desolation –
Tribulation intensity increases, with God shortening the days for the elect’s sake – The rapture occurs after the Tribulation
Preparing for the Tribulation
To endure this unprecedented persecution, Christians must be made ready by the Holy Spirit, moving in the power of Elijah to perform healings, deliverance, and miracles. The pre-tribulation rapture interpretation may leave many unprepared and ill-equipped to face the Tribulation. Instead, believers must seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to endure till the end, demonstrating God’s protection, provision, and power.
Conclusion
As we remember the sacrifices of past martyrs, we must also prepare for the challenges ahead, knowing that our faith will be tested like never before. The Tribulation is imminent, and it’s essential to be prepared. Let us not be caught off guard by its sudden arrival. Instead, let us seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, trusting in God’s promise to equip us for the challenges ahead.
May we be found faithful, enduring till the end, and demonstrating the power and glory of God in the face of unimaginable persecution.
