Persecution of Real Christians in America
Persecution of Real Christians in America
Dedicated to all regenerate churchmen in the United States
A lot of times we hear people say, "There is no persecution of the church in America." This statement, though understandable on one level, is entirely false. In fact, every truly regenerated (born again) Christian does get persecuted; and it depends not at all on where we live, or in what era of human history we live.
Here are Paul's Holy Spirit-inspired words of 2 Tim. 3:12: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted," (ESV/italics mine). This means that if you are a real Christian you will be persecuted--and it does not matter where you live. There is simply no way around this inevitable spiritual law of the gospel.
Somebody might say, "Yes; but Christians in America are not thrown in jail for preaching the gospel, and for worshipping the one and only God in spirit and truth as Christ's church." And, God be praised, this is pretty much the case, (though there may be some exceptions somewhere). We should be thankful for this; and give God praise and glory for it. Only a fool would want (or "pray" for) persecution, on the alleged basis that this will fuel the spread of the gospel around the nation. People that say such things are both liars and hypocrites. They would be the first to abandon the faith upon the propagation of overt state-sponsored persecution. (But enough about that/that is an aside.)
The truth is, that every Christ-loving saint of His church (even in the USA) definitely suffers persecution, at least from time-to-time. Someone might ask, "Well, what shape does this persecution take?" And the answer to this question is, "Any number of forms." God's people can be persecuted in their souls just as really as in their bodies. Satan is able to lift up his ugly head against the saints; and he can (and does) do this through virtually any kind of people. This list could include enemies, friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, fellow-students, unregenerate clergymen, and any number of others--you name it.
If you love Jesus, and you are a citizen of the United States, you may not carry scars on your body (like Paul and many others in the NT did); but you may very well bear scars on your heart and soul--and all of them are the scourges of God's enemies who do the devil's work in persecuting the precious children of God.
But, can we "blame" unbelievers for persecuting us? Are they not practically "forced" to do so, out of their rage and fury against the freedoms our souls possess in Jesus? Do not our lives (and our gospel) torture them with the undeniable knowledge that they are guilty before the Holy God; and that none of their hopes to work for God's favor will ever succeed; and yet, we are fully liberated (as God's children)?
Remember: before we were miraculously regenerated by the Holy Spirit, we also were persecutors of Christ's church. We thought we were righteous in ourselves; and that those crazy Christians were "nutso" to believe that Someone else (Jesus Christ) was their righteousness.
So, what are we to do about all this? If you love Jesus, here is my advice to you: the next time Satan shows up to persecute you--your soul, your body, whatever--recognize what is happening; and stand your ground (through your faith in Christ). Allow the persecution to have its savory effect of provisionally-"cleansing" your soul anew and afresh in Jesus' blood; and accept that the psalmist's ancient words are also good for us: "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word," (Ps. 119:67/ESV).
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #20
1 August 2025
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