068. Chapter 63: The Profession of Christ and His Trut
------------ CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE ------------ The Profession of Christ and His Truth
Spiritual valor manifests itself at specific occasions. It reveals itself, in word and deed, in the manifestation of the grace which is within us, our faith in Christ, our love toward Him, and our hope in Him. The enemies cannot tolerate this light, and they therefore resist it and assault those who cause this light to shine forth. The valiant person does not yield to them, however; he presents himself publicly with that much more freedom by way of a steadfast confession. The word "confession" (or profession) means: to make known, to reveal, to admit, to declare publicly, to promise, and to thank. All of this applies, for a confession is a revelation of the disposition of our heart toward certain matters. Sometimes it is used in reference to the confession of sin -- which one admits to have committed -- either against God: "I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord" (Psalms 32:5; Matthew 3:6); or to each other: "Confess your faults one to another" (James 5:16).
However, we are here discussing a profession as it pertains to making a declaration 1) about God: "Every tongue shall confess to God" (Romans 14:11); 2) about Christ: "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Php 2:11); 3) concerning true holiness and godliness: "... professing godliness" (1 Timothy 2:10); and 4) concerning true doctrine (Titus 1:9).
Profession of the truth is the unwavering witness, in word and deed, of the truth of God as it is revealed, acknowledged, and believed -- a truth which leads man unto salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. This profession is to the glory of God and the salvation of our neighbor.
It is a witness. God neither wants His truth, nor the grace which He has bestowed upon someone, to remain hidden; rather He wills that light would shine forth out of darkness. Furthermore, He wills that those in whose hearts the light has shined and who are light in the Lord would let their light shine before men (Matthew 5:16). Such are called witnesses for Christ. "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me" (Acts 1:8); "...Antipas was My faithful martyr (Revelation 2:13); "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe" (John 1:7). The act of witnessing pertains to the revealed truth of God, or generally speaking to all that God communicates in His Word -- and in particular the way whereby God leads the elect unto salvation. Occasionally, without any further modification, this is referred to as truth. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32); "... even as thou walkest in the truth" (3 John 1:3). At times there is modification: "The way of truth" (2 Peter 2:2), "the word of truth" (James 1:18), "the truth of the gospel" (Galatians 2:5), "the truth of Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:10). Believers rely upon this truth, and to this truth they bear witness, while rejecting all errors.
Christ is the marrow of this truth. The truth reveals Christ as to who He is in His Person; who He is in His divine and human natures and in His offices of Prophet, Priest, and King; and who He is in His states of humiliation (that is, His suffering and death and its efficacy unto reconciliation and the meriting of salvation for the elect) and exaltation: His resurrection, ascension, sitting at the right hand of God, and coming to judgment. This Jesus is the object of confession. "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men ..." (Matthew 10:32); "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus ..." (Romans 10:9). The Lord Jesus is the eternal way of salvation. "Neither is there salvation in any other" (Acts 4:12); "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (John 14:6). He is therefore called "the captain of their salvation" (Hebrews 2:10). A professor of the truth bears witness to Him as He is revealed in His Word, and declares that all men who are outside of Him perish and that all who believe in Him are led unto salvation by Him. In order for someone to bear witness to this truth, he must both be acquainted with and believe it. Thus this profession is the witness of a truth which is both acknowledged and believed. To profess something with which we are not acquainted is nothing but foolishness.
Such is the practice of the papists: "I believe what the church believes." To profess that which we do not believe is nothing but hypocrisy. Scripture therefore speaks of "knowledge of the truth" (Romans 2:20), "the acknowledgment of the mystery of God" (Colossians 2:2), "the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10), "the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18), and "knowledge of salvation" (Luke 1:77). He must not only know the truth but he must also believe it. Knowledge and faith are therefore conjoined. "And we believe and are sure that Thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:69); "... add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge" (2 Peter 1:5). Profession of the truth does not only require that we bear witness to the truth that Christ is the only way of salvation, but it is also a declaration of our faith in Him and of our hope upon Him. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets" (Acts 26:27). This profession is therefore called "the profession of our faith" (Hebrews 10:23). The apostle confirms this: "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15).
Profession of the Truth is in Word and Deed This profession occurs in word and deed. It occurs with words if we declare the truth of God to others by speaking of it for the purpose of instructing those who are not acquainted with it, to build up and strengthen those who have but little knowledge, and to the conviction of those who oppose the truth and persecute us because of the truth. Observe this in the following passages: "... with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10); "Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Php 2:11).
We profess the truth with deeds if we:
(1) Publicly join ourselves to the true church and persevere in fellowship with her, that is, with the people of God and Christ who own the cause of Christ by bearing witness to it and who affirm the following: "This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise" (Isaiah 43:21); "But ye are a ... peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9).
(2) Display the image of the Lord Jesus in a holy walk and if Christ is formed in us (Galatians 4:19), and we bear the image of the heavenly Adam (1 Corinthians 15:49). The luster of holiness conveys to everyone that we associate with Jesus. "By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Hereby the counsel knew that Peter and John had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13), and persecutors identified true Christians as follows: he does not lie, he does not gamble, etc. and he is thus a Christian. Upon this they were arrested.
(3) Endure all suffering for the sake of the truth of Christ. God has put enmity between Christ and His own on the one hand, and the serpent and his seed on the other hand. All unconverted men who live according to the flesh always persecute those who live according to the Spirit -- this being due to opposite natures, objectives, and manner of conduct. As soon as someone becomes a partaker of the nature of Christ, places himself under His ensign, and stands up for Him, everything at once opposes him. Someone will not be persecuted for the hope of salvation itself, unless it would be by those who deny the resurrection of the dead. Rather, the issue is the way by which one seeks to obtain salvation. The name of Christ is so hated by the Jews and the Mohammedans that they will persecute someone unto death for this. Among those who bear the name of Christian one will not readily be persecuted for having a general hope of salvation in Christ. If, however, someone knows Christ in truth, and confesses Him to be such as He is and to be the Savior that He is, all false Christians will come against this. Such is the case with Socinians (who also wish to bear the name of Christian), and with Arminians -- as was shown to be true in the beginning of the previous century and would still prove to be so if they had the power. This is also the case with all the unconverted within as well as outside of the church. This is particularly true for the Antichrist, who is drunk -- and still drinks himself drunk -- with the blood of those saints whom he can grasp in his clutches. When a true Christian manifests himself as he is, he will become the focus of everyone‘s opposition. All who are thus inclined, according to their power, will persecute him with heart and deeds, and will not rest until he is out of the way. If someone conducts himself faithfully under such circumstances, he professes Christ, and whoever is killed because of this witness is a martyr. The latter is the Greek word martur which means to be a witness. The Qualities of an Unwavering Witness of the Truth This profession is an unwavering witness. In this definition we make mention of one characteristic, but it implies several others.
First, this profession must occur out of love to the Lord Jesus and His revealed truth. Someone can die for his testimony of the Lord Jesus merely for the sake of being honored, without having delight in the truth. He also can only be motivated merely by the pressure of his conscience since he knows it to be the truth. Or he can also do this with the imagination that he shall be saved. This enables Papists to allow themselves to be killed by Mohammedans and the heathen. This enables all manner of heretics to die for their sentiments. Suffering itself does not make a person a martyr; rather, it is the cause for which one suffers, as well as the love which one has for this cause. If one dies for the truth, then his death is indeed a testimony; however, the one who suffers will not benefit from his suffering if it does not issue forth from love. "And though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:3). It is love which caused the bride to say, "This is my beloved, and this is my friend" (Song of Solomon 5:16), and Paul, "For the love of Christ constraineth us" (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Secondly, it must occur voluntarily. Human nature fears suffering; however, such fear does not contradict voluntary willingness. When death and the profession of Christ stand in opposition to each other, the faithful professor of the truth will choose his profession and death above life and denial. Neither does he do so reluctantly and scarcely, but with his whole heart. Even though suffering and death make him fearful, and he cannot cast this fear away, he nevertheless conquers this fear, so that he neither yields to this abiding fear nor consequently recants. He chooses to confess Jesus all the same -- come what may. He inwardly desires this and freely offers himself to the Lord, saying, "Here I am." "Thy people shall be willing in the day of Thy power" (Psalms 110:3).
Observe how sorrow and willingness are conjoined in the disciples (Luke 22:45). To them the Lord Jesus said, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).
Thirdly, there must be boldness. Fear indeed remains, and this in itself is not sinful. Boldness conquers fear, however, and perseveres. It renders a man willing to put everything on the line -- even life itself -- due to having such high esteem for Jesus, His truth, and His cause, and to seeing in it so much glory for Jesus and ourselves, and so much benefit for others. Boldness will cause us to own His cause and to despise derision and grief. One will then not show himself to be of a servile disposition; that is, he will neither be filled with shame, tremble, be captured against his will, be forced to give a testimony, nor to present himself as being miserable in order to obtain mercy from the enemies -- thus prompting them to deal gently with him. The enemies have no compassion, for the mercies of the wicked are cruel. They will do what the Lord has decreed concerning them -- no more and no less. In such a display of humility there is some semblance of succumbing and the enemies will become all the more courageous, thinking, "We already have him under control, and we shall be able to push him a little further." Instead -- both by words and countenance -- we must present ourselves as courageous champions who have now entered the arena to oppose our enemy. Such was the case with Peter and John: "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled" (Acts 4:13). With such boldness Stephen stood before the council, so that all who belonged to the council, steadfastly beholding him, beheld his countenance as being the face of an angel (Acts 6:15). When our life is at stake, we must be as bold as we would be in time of freedom.
Fourthly, there must be caution. This is a beautiful word and many continually have it in their mouth when they do not want to engage themselves. This is as much as being remiss in duty. To yield relative to the cause of Christ is then considered to be peace-loving and wise. Those who boldly own His cause are, in the opinion of such, viewed as unwise, headstrong, and imprudent. They will deem it to be his own fault if such a person gets into an uncomfortable situation and causes others to suffer likewise. Be on your guard against such devilish cautiousness, abhor it, and arm yourself against those who practice such caution -- they betray the church, prevent the confession of Jesus, and are a hindrance to other professors of the truth. Rather, caution must govern us in our engagement. We must not step beyond the boundaries of our calling and condition, run where we have no business being, or cast pearls before the swine. The latter are those whom we have found to become more wicked and stubborn when trying to bring them to repentance by means of the gospel. We must carefully watch against speaking too much or too little while engaged in defending the cause of Christ -- as well for pride, a pedantic attitude, and the seeking of our own honor. We must see the evil from afar and avoid it, unless other circumstances dictate to us that we anticipate it. When the Lord Jesus sent forth His disciples to preach the gospel, He gave them the following instruction: "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16).
Fifthly, there must be uprightness. All hypocrisy and ambiguity must be far removed from such a profession. That was the sin of Peter, and his first effort to disguise himself is considered as much a denial of Christ as the second and third denial (Matthew 26:34
Sixthly, there must be an unwavering commitment. It is not sufficient to have great courage before there is a need for it, and to triumph prior to the battle and the victory -- as many have done who have shamefully succumbed and were guilty of denial when it came to the point. It is not sufficient to begin, to persevere for some time, and yet to yield in the end. Rather, we must remain steadfast until the end. You should know from the very outset that, in times of persecution, the antichrist will so conceal his intent and will give in to you in so many ways, that it appears that we are entirely free to remain with the truth and religion -- yes, as if popery is now so reformed as to be almost of one faith with the true Reformed Church. It is but a minor point which is to be overlooked and then you will be free from death and everything else -- indeed, even be amply rewarded. One will be asked to affirm, for example, that he embraces and believes all the truths which are in the Romish church. For popery does indeed believe many truths of the Reformed church, and one must only forsake the errors of Calvin or of those who are in the Reformed church. What does Calvin matter? He was but a man. Furthermore, the Reformed themselves admit that he has erred here or there, and there are many quarrels within the Reformed church, for what the one says the other denies. Thus, without doing any violence to your conscience, you can declare and affirm that you embrace the truth of the Romish church and reject the errors of Calvin, as well as those that are to be found in the Reformed church. Thus, life or death is contingent upon this, and it is but a small point of contention. Be it known, however, that everything hinges on this point of contention (as insignificant as one may make it), for if this point were so insignificant, and if they are so nearly in agreement, why would they then kill anyone for such an insignificant point of contention? It is therefore not so insignificant. It is a departing from, renouncing, and forsaking of the true church and of Christ, the Head of that church, as well as of the truth of which the Reformed church is the pillar and ground. It is a transferring into the assembly and army of the antichrist, who persecutes the true church, sheds the blood of the saints, and opposes Christ. On the basis of that argument one can also become Jewish or Islamic, for some truths are yet to be found with them. It is true that our faith is not based upon Calvin, for he was but a man. We do not wish to defend that in which he has erred. It is also true that the Reformed church is not perfect, and we do not wish to defend the errors of given individuals. If the errors are grievous, then their proponents are expelled. However, to make such a declaration relative to the profession of truth is but a snare to entrap the upright. We must therefore be steadfast in all things and, with Moses, neither leaving one hoof behind nor disengage the least link in the chain. This is the steadfastness which the Lord Jesus requires: "But he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). The Purpose of Profession of the Truth The purpose of this profession is the glorification of our God and the salvation of our neighbor. It is not suffering but the cause which makes the martyr -- and not the cause alone, but it is the objective which makes a good martyr. This profession must proceed from love and be made for a holy purpose. The purpose is, first of all, to glorify God; that is, to make known the perfections of God -- His goodness, righteousness, truth, etc., which come to the foreground in the salvation of man -- through Christ in word and deed, and by giving expression to this by way of a holy life. For, says the Lord Jesus, "Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit" (John 15:8). This occurs when we patiently endure everything which befalls us for the sake of the truth, for when someone suffers for the sake of the truth, the truth will become manifest and be searched and known all the more. "This spake He, (that is, Christ of Peter) signifying by what death he should glorify God" (John 21:19). It is grace to have this as the objective in speaking, conduct, and suffering, and that in turn begets a martyr who is pleasing in the sight of God, angels, and men.
Secondly, it is to the salvation of our neighbor. A Christian does not only desire to be saved himself, but he has love for his neighbor, also greatly desiring to bring his neighbor to the knowledge of the truth, and to repentance and salvation. He perceives that the confession of the Lord Jesus is a fruitful means to that end. He therefore owns His cause in time of peace as well as in time of persecution, and he is glad when he has opportunity for this. He knows that the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, and that by means of speaking and experiencing the truth others are won. This is his objective according to the apostle‘s instruction: "... but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). He shows furthermore that suffering for the sake of the truth also has that fruit. "Inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace" (Php 1:7). To love that goal and to have this as the objective in his profession of truth is a glorious and holy endeavor.
God Requires Profession of the Truth
We have thus held before you the nature of professing the truth. This, however, is the duty of everyone who wishes to be saved; salvation or damnation is contingent upon it. Impress the following upon your heart: "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33). Consider furthermore what is written in Romans 10:9-10 : "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Some seek to pacify themselves in a time of persecution by deluding themselves, "Merely to have but true faith in the heart is sufficient unto salvation. Even if our mouth is silent and even if we externally join the church of the antichrist, this is but an external ceremony which neither benefits nor detracts. He is foolish who thereby endangers his belongings and his life -- belongings and life which are surely worth participation in a mass." This argumentation is refuted by the apostle, however, when he says, "and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Wherever true faith dwells in the heart, there the mouth will not be silent. "I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak" (2 Corinthians 4:13). Add to this: "Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God (that is, to be the Savior He is and is declared to be in the Word of God), God dwelleth in him, and he in God" (1 John 4:15). Make as many excuses as you wish, you will but deceive yourself to your eternal damnation, for salvation and damnation are contingent upon this confession. When the church prospers, a multitude of all manner of men will join her; however, they are not all fit to confess Jesus.
(1) Such is true for the ignorant, who do not know God‘s way unto salvation. They cannot give an account of their faith, for what would they say? They are inexperienced in the Word, the truth is hidden from them, and they have not known the way of peace.
(2) Such is true for those who do not believe in Christ. They may have some book knowledge of Christ, but they know of no transaction with Him to receive Him, cause Him to dwell in the heart by faith, be in Him, and grow in Him.
(3) Such is true for those who have no love for God, for the truth, or for the upbuilding of the church -- those to whom salvation is not glorious and desirous, and who perceive more glory, sweetness, and advantage in earthly things, this life, and the temporary enjoyment of sin.
(4) Such is true for those who daily and in very deed live for that which is visible; that is, in all world conformity and in the indulgence in all the lusts of the eyes and of the flesh as well as the pride of life, while in the meantime satisfying themselves with an external religion of form and custom. All such are not professing the name of the Lord, but are already denying the Lord Jesus in time of peace. To you Titus 1:16 is applicable: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." When persecutions come for the Word‘s sake, they will drop as ripe plums. The honor of the world, money, and convenience will be worth much more to them than Jesus and all His fullness. They will not be willing to endure either injury or shame for the love of Jesus. Yes, they themselves will become persecutors -- if not the most bitter ones -- of the true confessors of Christ. Many already persecute the truly godly. Know that the Lord Jesus has already -- so to speak, with His finger -- identified you during His sojourn upon earth. "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended" (Matthew 13:20-21); "They ... which ... in time of temptation fall away" (Luke 8:13). And what will be your end? It will be what Paul writes: "Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Php 3:19). Christ, in the day of judgment, will deny you before His Father, before the angels, and before men. "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:23).
Believers Exhorted to Confess Jesus Boldly
Now I will turn to you, true believers, to stir you up to confess the Lord Jesus boldly. Prepare yourself for the trial of your faith, and strengthen yourself to be steadfast in your confession, for we shall also have our turn. God has always dealt with His church in this manner. God traverses from nation to nation in bringing persecution upon the church. Presently the church in France is having her turn, and it will perhaps soon be our turn, for the church has rarely been so long at peace, as she has been in The Netherlands. The church of The Netherlands is not only entirely corrupt in a moral sense, but also in the manifestation of all manner of new doctrine. Wherever ignorance prevails, errors will surface. It is a certain sign that The Netherlands will be visited by way of either external or internal persecution -- persecuted by men who will not tolerate sound doctrine and who hate holiness of life. The godly will be tried so that the truth of life and doctrine of the few faithful may shine forth according to Paul‘s prophecy: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). Therefore, be prepared, so that when persecution comes, you may be ready and steadfast to confess Jesus and thus receive the crown of martyrs. In order to stir you up in this respect, I shall add a letter here which I have previously written to some persecuted and oppressed brethren. A LETTER OF EXHORTATION to Be Steadfast in the Confession of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Truth in Time of Persecution and Martyrdom My beloved brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ, who have been deemed worthy by Him to be His witnesses, to suffer for His cause, and to oppose the antichrist! Grace and peace be multiplied to you from the God of all grace and all comfort! As your suffering and steadfastness have come to my knowledge, I think of the words of the apostle: "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also (evil entreated) [Note: These words are added in italics in the Statenvertaling.] in the body" (Hebrews 13:3). I must also think of the declaration of the Lord Jesus to be made at the time of the general and final judgment: "I was in prison, and ye came unto me" (Matthew 25:36). Since I cannot physically pay you a visit, I will therefore endeavor to visit you with my pen, praying that the omnipotent and good God may bless my address to you to the strengthening and comfort of your soul. Be courageous, you champions of the Lord, and do not succumb in the battle. "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1 Corinthians 16:13). Do not give heed to either internal or external persecution. When spiritual light has driven away the clouds of the soul, the heart is strengthened by grace, and internal assaults are rebuffed and have lost their potency, you will then be able to be publicly manifest as a "goodly horse in the battle" (Zechariah 10:3). Our heart is inclined to be tossed to and fro by internal assaults; and even if we persevere, these will cause us to lose courage and joy when enduring suffering. Among the most prominent of these assaults are:
(1) No one knows of my suffering, for it transpires in secret. If I were permitted to suffer publicly upon the scaffold, the Lord Jesus would yet be glorified by me, the gospel would yet be confirmed, believers would be strengthened, and others would be convicted; however, my suffering is now useless and fruitless.
(2) I do not suffer so much for the truth as for my sins. God punishes me for my previously committed misdeeds, and therefore I can only expect distress in my suffering rather than comfort.
(3) I suffer from a bad reputation and crimes are laid to my charge. The best they can do with me is laugh about me, calling me a martyr -- not of the Lord Jesus, but of Calvin.
(4) I do not suffer in consequence of love for Jesus and His truth, but only due to the compunction of my conscience, which cannot believe what one knows to be a lie, nor deny what one knows to be the truth. Or, I suffer and do not recant because I am fearful of being condemned after my death if I were to be guilty of denial.
(5) My suffering is of such long duration, and there is not the least hope of ever being delivered; this makes me discouraged and sorrowful.
(6) It is but an insignificant matter and is merely form and custom. I maintain faith in the heart, even though I join myself externally to them and conform to them; it is all compulsory.
(7) Other godly souls fare so well. Why am I in such misery?
(8) I am always full of fear -- either for death, prolonged and severe suffering, the wickedness of men, or man‘s craftiness. It is for this reason that I am drawn into suffering and compelled to suffer, rather than that I endure it willingly and courageously. This suffering is too severe for me and I can no longer endure it. I am furthermore concerned about my loved ones who have denied the faith, and above all about my children who have been put into monasteries and who drink in idolatry from their youth.
I shall first endeavor to remove these concerns, and then I shall stir up your souls to be steadfast, courageous, and patient.
First, it is the practice of the enemies to cause believers to die a thousand deaths in secret, for they know by experience that public executions produce more believers than that are put to death. On the other hand, believers wish to suffer in public, being of the opinion (due to their misconception) that they will then glorify Jesus more. You ought to know, however, that the Lord Jesus and the holy angels observe secret suffering as much as public suffering, and God brings your secret suffering to the knowledge of the church and your suffering is spoken of throughout the entire world. Public suffering is frequently intermingled with the seeking of self. The soul will then not be without strife as to whether she is steadfast to gain her own honor, to be free from the shame of recantation, and for other reasons. This will confuse the soul and deprive her of such purity, comfort, and courage in suffering as are experienced in secret suffering. Therefore do not select the manner of suffering -- neither a greater nor lesser degree. The sovereign Lord, who, in His unsearchable wisdom and unfathomable love, imposes upon every faithful martyr whatever befalls him, is pleased to go such a way with you. This way is neither the result of the cunningness and wickedness of the enemies, nor a consequence of our choice, carefulness, or carelessness; rather, it is according to the Lord‘s decree. It is in this manner that He wills to be glorified by you and to bring you to glory. Those who are suited for suffering of long duration are frequently not suited for public suffering. Fear for a violent death has caused many to recant and deprived them of all composed thoughts relative to faith, hope, and love -- which they at times may have in more abundance when suffering in solitude and for a lengthy period of time. Secret suffering will not always remain hidden. It will all become manifest in the day of judgment and all men will acknowledge you as a faithful martyr. Therefore be silent before God and say with blind submission, "Thy will be done and do with me as it pleases Thee; only give me strength to bear it."
Secondly, there is a spiritual assault by which the soul can be greatly vexed; namely, that one is not suffering for the cause of Christ, but that this is a judgment of God upon prior committed sins and for previously denying Him. Even though such an assault will rob us of courage in our suffering, it does happen to be very beneficial, for this causes the soul to examine herself and thereby is led to Christ. Everything is turned upside down, our previous sins and sinful life come to mind in a lively sense. We begin to doubt whether we have ever possessed grace, are converted, and if everything has not merely ensued from an enlightened understanding. We shall be terrified by death, and be fearful of being damned. See to it that you do not avoid these thoughts; rather, reflect upon them and permit your concerns to have a more intense effect. This is followed by unsettling strife, and this godly sorrow works repentance unto salvation not to be repented of. We shall begin anew as if we had never rightly done so. We shall long for Jesus in order to be a partaker of His blood, and to have Him as a ransom for the forgiveness of our sins. We shall pray, weep, and wait, as well as yearn for Christ to have Him as our Surety. We shall choose Him, receive Him, and by faith bring Him into the heart, surrendering ourselves to Him without any reservation and recantation.
Then there are additional concerns -- such as: am I elect? Is it not too late? Is not the time of grace past? It becomes dark, Jesus hides Himself, the Lord seems to cast the soul away, and it appears as if there is no grace to all eternity. This is followed by an inclination to deny Christ since we feel to be no partaker of Him anyway. See to it that you also do not avoid this battle, for when the battle will be most vehement, grace will break through. We shall then come to Jesus with more composure, perceiving that He offers Himself in the gospel. We shall enter into the covenant of grace, rely upon Jesus with more confidence, give our soul into His hand, and without fear entrust it to Him. We shall thus become conscious that our sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ‘s blood and that salvation has been merited. From this issues forth peace of conscience, spiritual joy, ardent love for Jesus, and a courageous willingness to suffer and die for His name. Behold, such is the lovely disposition which the soul acquires from the temptation that we are suffering for our sins rather than the truth. We then perceive the contrary, namely, that God has been satisfied, that sins have been forgiven, that God has imposed this suffering upon us, that He calls us to confess His name and glorify Him, and that in this way He will place the glorious crown of martyrs upon us. That which is eternal then becomes glorious and that which is of the world despicable, and this joy makes all that is bitter to be sweet. From our weakness and our earlier denial we shall derive strength, and we shall increase in strength. We thus make improvement by no longer trusting in self, but by standing in the power of God, and, with joyous courage, endure everything to which the Lord calls us by His grace and of which He deems us worthy.
Thirdly, there is the temptation of suffering from an evil reputation of being disobedient to the government, of having committed a given evil, of being stubborn, and being but a martyr for the sake of Calvin and his errors. You must skillfully resist this temptation for you know very well that they do not have an evil deed as a basis for torturing you, but they rather do so to cause you to deny the truth. They have but fabricated this evil reputation. You know indeed that Calvin is not the issue; you do not esteem him more highly than other faithful ministers. You do not rely upon his word but only upon the Word of God. God, angels, and believers also know this -- yes, it is even known to the enemies, and they take occasion to harden their heart and render yours weak by way of this evil reputation. Thus, the Jews dealt with the Lord Jesus and said, "For a good work we stone Thee not; but for blasphemy" (John 10:33); "This man calleth for Elias...let us see whether Elias will come to save Him" (Matthew 27:47
Fourthly, it is even a greater trial to be assaulted with the following thoughts: "I am not suffering for the truth but only because my conscience compels me to do so. It is not love for Christ that motivates me, but rather fear of being damned if I recant. My faith, relative to my spiritual condition, is weak. I doubt whether I already have been regenerated, whether Christ is my Savior, and whether I shall be saved -- even if I am suffering and dying for the truth. The unconverted can also suffer and die due to being compelled by their conscience and being convinced of the truth." It is indeed true that salvation or damnation is contingent upon whether we confess or deny the truth. Impress the following texts vividly upon your heart: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:10); "Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33). You thus observe here that it is better to be faithful in your confession -- even if you do so in a deficient manner and due to being compelled by your conscience -- than to recant and do violence to your conscience. Furthermore, if you are mostly motivated by the compulsion of your conscience, do not insist that this is not intermingled with love for Jesus and His truth. You are conscious of the one since it manifests itself most strongly, but if you were to carefully examine yourself and focus but a little upon Jesus, you will experience that you love Him too much to deny Him. You will then say, "Beloved Jesus, I do not desire to deny Thee." Love will indeed manifest itself in sweet affections, but in essence it consists in the will being engaged by the intellect. Therefore, whenever the will consciously values and chooses Jesus, and motivates us to confess Him, then such is a confession of Jesus out of love. Therefore do not let this confuse and discourage your soul, but rather rejoice that your conscience is enlightened and lively, and acknowledge that it is not only your conscience motivating you in your faithful confession. Even if, however, the conscience were silent -- yes, if it were more quiet than the intelligent will -- love would manifest itself all the more. When the sun is down, the stars can be observed much better, for even though they are also present during the day, they cannot be seen due to the presence of a greater light.
Regarding your spiritual state, if there is a heartfelt sorrow, loathing, grieving, and shame about both former sins and your sinful heart at present; if you are exercised to receive Christ as Surety and to apply Him to your soul (even if it is in darkness, strife, and without assurance); if a tender watching over the heart proceeds from this to refrain from sinning; if the inclination arises to cleave to Jesus in all faithfulness and to suffer and die for His name (even if it pleased Him not to give much light and comfort), then it is in truth and there is life and faith. Rely then upon the promises and the Lord will indeed favor you with grace and comfort, even if it be at the very end of your life. It is a much more courageous deed to remain faithful to Jesus in darkness and while being subject to internal strife, than when you enjoy many sweet frames and the comforts of the Spirit. Oh, what a great grace it is to jealously guard your heart, be humble, and run after Jesus with tears in your eyes, for such are frequently most genuine in their spiritual exercises and at times become the strongest Christians! Keep courage.
Fifthly, there will be another temptation in conjunction with the others -- all of which will reenforce each other in bringing us to recantation. The argument is as follows: The difference in viewpoint is but very insignificant. They are only desirous that we would deny the errors of Calvin, and this we can do quite readily, for Calvin has errors which I do not wish to support, and I do not need to suffer for Calvin‘s sake. They will also permit me to adhere to my faith in my heart. They will not inflict suffering upon me for that reason as long as I externally conform to their conduct, attend the mass, and physically bow before the wafer and their images. This external performance is but ceremonial, and salvation is contingent upon the faith we maintain in our heart. Circumstances are not the same as during the persecutions of the heathen, at which time one was obliged to renounce Christ. The parties in question now confess the truth: Christ is the Savior.
Answer: Many, in denying the truth, have stumbled over this stone. We must therefore consider all the more carefully what snake is hidden in the grass. Everything depends on this small difference -- even if that small difference were ten times smaller. To subscribe to this is tantamount to transferring into the church of the antichrist, thus uniting oneself with that people who persecute the church of the Lord Jesus and have shed the blood of the saints as water. You thus bring upon your soul all the blood of the saints, and you are guilty of all the persecutions as if you yourself had performed them personally. You will not escape the wrath of God over the blood of His saints. Yes, even if they did not require a declaration from you, the attendance of the mass, or the rendering of any reverence to their images, being satisfied that you have left the Church of the Reformation and called yourself a member of the Romish church, then you would have denied Christ, His truth, and His church, and you would have transferred into the bloody empire of the antichrist. Even if you then confess the name of Christ, you are denying Him in deed. Why else do they persecute those who confess Christ in word and deed? They nullify the efficacy of Christ‘s one perfect sacrifice by sacrificing Him daily unto the forgiveness of sins, and by denying that Christ has also paid for actual sins committed subsequent to baptism. They worship a piece of bread as if it were the glorified Jesus, which is just as much a total denial of Christ as transpired during the persecutions of the heathen. Therefore, give heed. If, however, one goes further than that and attends the mass, bowing before the god of bread and the images, the excuse will not hold that you do it only with the body and not with the heart, for God also wants to have the body (1 Corinthians 6:20). God requires a confession; however, to behave in such a manner is a denial before men rather than a confession. Furthermore, it is hypocrisy when there is a contradiction between the heart and your deeds. Do not think that all this is but ceremonial. It is an actual deed -- an act of idolatry which is expressly forbidden. "Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them" (Exodus 20:5). The faithfulness of the seven thousand who were left in Israel consisted in that they had not bowed their knees to Baal (Romans 11:4). The faith of the heart is of no value if the confession of the mouth differs from it. True faith and the confession of the mouth always go hand in hand. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart...thou shalt be saved" (Romans 10:9); "I believed, and therefore have I spoken" (2 Corinthians 4:13). Also the fact that you were compelled to do this will not absolve you before God. The love of Christ must influence you to such a degree and salvation must be worth that much to you that you will not permit yourself to be compelled and that you are willing to endure all torture for Jesus‘ sake. Therefore be encouraged -- the suffering which has transpired has already been eliminated and you do not know what suffering will yet come. Only your present suffering is reality and that transpires as rapidly as time passes. Live and let your care be for the day, for you know not what tomorrow will bring. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (Matthew 6:34).
Sixthly, there is yet another temptation which brings unrest in the soul: There are so many godly who traverse through this world with ease. They have rest, sit under their grape vine and fig tree, enjoy their possessions in peace, and die in faith. I, however, am plagued all the day, and I am chastened every morning. Why does it go so ill with me, whereas others fare so well? My answer is: "Is not the Lord sovereign? May He not do with His clay as pleases Him? Is it not grace that long since you have not been cast into hell?" It behooves us to embrace His sovereignty with love and to be in subjection to it without quarreling -- especially since we know that all things must work together for good for those who are His (Romans 8:28), and that it is all goodness and love which He, according to His foreknowledge and determinate counsel, causes us to encounter. "For He performeth the thing that is appointed for me" (Job 23:14). Do not be envious of the happiness of others. May not the Lord give as well as take? May He not give of His own to whomever He wills? Is your eye evil because the Lord is good? You ought rather to rejoice that God shows you that He is good. Above all this, however, the Lord shows you greater goodness than all those who spend their days peacefully according to the body. I shall not mention to you the illuminations of the Holy Spirit, the kisses of the Lord Jesus, the sweet comforts, the submissive dispositions, and the disposition of a martyr -- all of which the Lord visits you with at times. There are others who spend their days in darkness, weakness of faith, and in the commission of many spiritual sins -- even though they prosper according to the body. Is the body therefore more than the soul, and the prosperity of the body more than the prosperity of the soul? God on the contrary bestows upon you the greatest favor which a creature on earth can enjoy; that is, to be a witness for Jesus, to show that love toward Jesus can overcome everything, that many waters cannot quench love, to be engaged in battle as a champion against the antichrist, and to anticipate the crown of martyrs. It is the purpose of man to glorify God. The more someone answers to His purpose, the happier he will be. Each of you are more to the glory of Jesus, however, than a thousand others of the godly. Therefore be well-satisfied with your portion and rejoice in it. Thank the Lord that He has deemed you worthy to be martyrs.
Seventhly, the last temptation which I shall propose is this: "My suffering is too severe and it lasts too long; I can no longer bear it and I will yet come to the point where I will be guilty of denial. And besides that, I am very oppressed, since I have been deprived of my loved ones. They have recanted, and my children have been put into monasteries and are raised in an idolatrous environment. Wretch that I am; where shall I flee and what shall I do? I am at the end of my rope." You ought to know that you deem your cross to be too heavy and its duration too long. The fear for suffering prior to its arrival is more severe than the suffering itself. When we are subject to it, and when God calls us to be a martyr, He generally also grants a martyr‘s spirit. If you become discouraged at times, the Lord will again grant courage and will comfort the soul with inward grace. When grace fills the soul, suffering is no suffering. If Jesus comes in view and His love kindles the love of the soul, you will step over the mountains of suffering as if they were molehills. God knows how much you can bear, and He will not tempt you above that you are able to bear. He will either moderate your cross according to your strength or increase your strength in accordance with your cross. With the temptation the Lord will grant deliverance, doing so by granting you to be content with His will so that His grace is sufficient for you and you can glory in your infirmity, and so that you will "take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ‘s sake," being strong when you are weak (2 Corinthians 12:10). It can also be that He will make the cross lighter and give you some breathing room, for it is all inflicted upon you by men, but not of men. It is inflicted upon you by God who has counted the hairs upon your head. As He sends it to you in love to glorify you, so He can also diminish your cross -- be it by entirely delivering you from it or by setting you at liberty, all things being possible to Him. Or He may also translate you into glory, saying, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord" (Matthew 25:21). As far as being deprived of your loved ones and their recantation is concerned, it is true and it aggravates your suffering. Jesus must, however, also be worth that much to you. "He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matthew 10:37). Thank the Lord that you have some in this world who are dear to you, so that by forsaking them you may demonstrate your superior love to Jesus. As far as the recantation of so many thousands is concerned, it is indeed true that they are wretched, for they have denied Jesus. Next to the Reformation, however, the antichrist has not received a heavier blow than the one inflicted by their recantation, for thereby a great multitude is now intermixed with popery who hate popery in their heart, and through them more light is kindled among the papists. They perceive the inferiority and falsehood of their religion as well as the veracity of the Reformed religion. They are capable of turning away from popery and transferring to the Reformed camp when times change -- a change which is imminent. As far as your children are concerned who are confined to monasteries, God will care for them according to His immutable covenant, namely, "to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee" (Genesis 17:7). The Lord is providing for them as far as their sustenance is concerned, and preserves them from the many vanities of the world in which they otherwise perhaps would have drowned. He can preserve them in the truth, or, if they are not acquainted with the truth as yet, reveal it to them. If one day times change, God will then cause them to acknowledge, confess, and experience the truth. Let there be much prayer for them and surrender them to a faithful Lord. Therefore let nothing disturb you, and in all things prevail as a champion. Let none of these things move you, and neither count your life dear unto yourself (Acts 20:24); "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10); "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12). My beloved brothers, from whom the luster of glory emanates, permit me to encourage you to be valiant and steadfast. If you are not in need of such encouragement, being sustained by the Spirit of liberty Himself, having striven valiantly until now, it is nevertheless my duty and inclination to share with you what the Lord has granted me. Permit me therefore to show my love to you, so that I may hear in the Day of Judgment, "I was in prison, and ye came unto Me" (Matthew 25:36).
First, consider the examples of so many thousands of martyrs who, striving uprightly, have received the crown of glory and who are now triumphant in heaven. It is God‘s way throughout all ages to call some to be blood witnesses in order that the Lord Jesus may be glorified, the world be brought under conviction, and the church be strengthened. If I may understand something about the Revelation of John, it appears to me that the fourth vial is now being poured out and that the fifth vial is about to be poured out upon the throne of the beast (that is, Rome) which not long after that is destined to be destroyed, whereby the empire of the antichrist will be obscured. Some time subsequent to this, the beast himself will be eradicated and a glorious state for the church will follow upon this. It thus appears to me that you are among the last who have the privilege of being martyrs for Jesus. I repeat, "among the last," for I believe that the church, also in other lands, must expect persecutions -- however, they will be short. Therefore do not succumb in the end, but take as an example of suffering and steadfastness all who in former times have been martyrs for Jesus‘ sake -- who were persecuted, tortured, and killed by Jews, the heathen, and the antichrist for the name of Jesus. In all this, however, they remained conquerors, kept the faith, and confessed Jesus until the very end. It would be an impossible task to enumerate all their glorious testimonies, severe and lengthy suffering, valor, and faithfulness. This is not subject matter for a single letter. I shall only present the register recorded in Hebrews 11:35-39. "Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith," etc. Behold, such was the steadfastness of the martyrs -- yes, many having too great a desire for martyrdom have imprudently offered themselves, did not hesitate to encourage the martyrs engulfed in flames, and at times would cry out, "I am also a Christian." Women would even hasten to the places where believers were gathered, having heard that the enemies were on the march to murder them all. These women would be fearful that they would come too late; they also took their children along so that they also would be privileged to become martyrs in their youth. Would you then succumb who are called to martyrdom? Will their steadfastness not stir you up to endure everything -- as they did -- steadfastly and resolutely for the name of Jesus? The greater the suffering, the greater will be the glory. Do as the companions of Daniel did, who would not worship the image upon the command of Nebuchadnezzar, and said to him, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we shall not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Daniel 3:16-18).
Secondly, compare your suffering for a moment with eternal glory. What do you have to lose? You will say: "Honor, possession, father, mother, children, conveniences -- yes, even life." And what have you to suffer? You will say, "Hunger, cold, nakedness, stinking prisons full of abominable vermin, heavy chains, bloody labor, merciless beatings, scarcely being able to lie down to get a little sleep -- and then in the end to be abused, burned, hung on the gallows, and to be eaten of dogs." Know, however, that all these are but light tribulations which will readily pass. Paul refers to them as such in 2 Corinthians 4:17. Will recantation yield you all those desirable things again, and will recantation enable you to flee all these miseries? You yourself know that such is not the case. If by recanting you would get that wish, and you then would have an unbearably turbulent conscience which would not give you rest day nor night; and the wrath of God filled your soul with terror and anxiety and your body with painful stones, with unbearable gout, with evil sores, with painful discomfort, exhausting you to the very bone so that you would then seek death without being able to find it; or your wretched soul, having been restored to all freedom, perhaps in all luxury, would depart with the sense of hellish agony some days after you had recanted, would you then have gained anything? Be assured that as soon as you would have recanted, you will regret it, and you will wish and seek to be in that state again. By their fallen cheeks, their dejected countenance, and the pallor of death, it is to be perceived how the internal condition is of those who have denied Jesus and retained their possessions. They elevate your state a thousand times above theirs. You are now in this state and you cannot recover what has been lost. The wrath of God would pursue you if you again regained everything. The presence of your wife and children would only aggravate the distress of your soul. The avoidance of the water would be the equivalent of jumping into the fire, and all would at last end in damnation. Be assured -- for experience teaches this daily -- that the enemies do not believe your recantation. You would still be hated by them, for they seek after your life. Is it then not better to remain steadfast in your confession of Jesus, since you cannot gain anything by recantation? And if you could gain the whole world with it and would do injury to your soul, what would you give as a ransom for your soul? "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25). Place eternal glory over against all your suffering and the pleasures of the world, and you will come to the same conclusion as Paul did: "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). Oh, how blessed, how sweet, and how glorious it will be, regardless of what the manner of your death may be, to be ushered into heaven by the holy angels after death! Oh, how all the inhabitants of heaven will arise when they witness the triumphant entrance of a valiant champion of the faith who has overcome! How friendly will be the manner in which the Lord Jesus will welcome such a soul! What joyous hallelujahs will resound because of your victory! It exceeds our understanding. Our tongue is too weak. No eye has seen it, no ear has heard it, and it has never arisen in the heart of men what God has prepared for those who love Him -- and particularly for His faithful blood- witnesses. The inheritance of the saints in glory, the immediate communion with God, the life of beholding Him, to be satisfied with the Lord‘s all-sufficiency, to be irradiated by the light of His countenance, to be embraced by His love, to be surrounded by His omnipotence, to be filled with His goodness, even to shine forth in pure holiness, to be aflame with love, to be incomprehensibly joyful in God, to be among the angels, to be in the company of the souls of the most perfectly righteous men, and while being in His immediate presence, together with them behold and experience the perfections of the Lord, and thus magnify and praise these perfections -- that is felicity and that is glory. To be united with one‘s own and yet glorified body; to be conformed to the glorious body of Christ; to stand at the right hand of King Jesus in view of the entire world -- particularly of those who have tortured and killed them; there, according to soul and body, to be glorified and crowned as conqueror; to be ushered into heaven by the Lord Jesus and there to eternally experience undiminished fulness of joy without end and without fear -- all this is the great benefit which the Lord has laid away for all those who fear Him and put their trust in Him before the sons of men. Attentively consider the following passage: "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number...stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;...What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Revelation 7:9
Thirdly, view the Lord Jesus from every perspective. He is so eminently glorious that it is our greatest glory to confess Him as our Lord and King. We are therefore not to be ashamed of Him. God the Father makes confession about Him by declaring from heaven, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." The angels bore witness to Him at His death and resurrection -- yes, all angels worship Him. How boldly and joyously have all martyrs professed Him and sealed their profession with their death! Would you then be ashamed of Him? Is He not worthy of a measure of suffering? He is worthy a thousand times to be professed by you while suffering in some measure. How much good has He done for you! Out of love for you He left His glory, took upon Himself your human nature, doing so in the form of a servant, became poor so that He had nothing upon which He could lay His head, and took upon Himself your sins and put Himself in your stead as Surety. How heavy a task it was for Him to deliver you from eternal damnation, to reconcile you with God, and to lead you to glory! God‘s wrath upon sin caused Him to crawl over the earth as a worm and to wallow in His own blood -- blood coming forth as sweat due to the hellish agony within His soul. He was betrayed, shackled as an evildoer, and led away captive. The ecclesiastical authorities judged Him worthy of death as a blasphemer of God, He was beaten with fists, and they spat in His blessed countenance. He was smitten in the face, and He was mocked in a most contemptuous and grievous manner. He was delivered to the Gentiles, dragged from the one court to the other, led along the streets of Jerusalem with a robe of mockery, placed on a duo with a murderer, and had His death demanded as if He were the most wicked among the people. He was scourged in a most wretched manner and crowned with a crown of thorns, which was pounded into His head with sticks. He was led outside the city while bearing His cross, and died on the cross in the greatest distress of soul while suffering the most extreme measure of scorn and pain. All this He suffered out of love for you in order to deliver you from sin and damnation. He made a good profession, namely, that He was the King and the Savior -- a confession which cost Him His life. Would you now be ashamed of Him and deny Him? Would you not suffer somewhat for this loving and loveable Jesus, and not show by your suffering how dear and precious He is to you? The Father, in consequence of His suffering, bestowed this honor upon Him: "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Php 2:11). Would you then withdraw yourself from the opportunity to render Him glory? Would you, in response to all His love and goodness to glorify you, defame Him, be ashamed of Him, and deny Him? Far, far be it from anyone that this would arise in one‘s heart. Therefore let the love of Christ constrain you, and let nothing be so precious to you that you would not be willing to set it aside for Him, thus to glorify Him by way of a bold profession. Rejoice in the fact that you still have a body and a life to demonstrate thereby that you love and honor Him. Be joyful that your suffering continues somewhat longer, so that your profession should continue that much longer, and you should glorify Him for a lengthy period of time upon earth.
Fourthly, acknowledge the grace which God has manifested toward you. Others He permits to remain choked in sin, permitting them to walk on the way to destruction. However, He has bestowed the riches of His grace upon you. How wondrous are the ways by which He has drawn you to Himself! Every deed and every step is an evidence of His love. Reflect upon the entire way along which the Lord has led you since your youth. His eye remained upon you when you departed from Him. He was longsuffering when you persevered in your stubbornness. All the day He stretched forth His hands to you when you were gainsaying. He allured you, drew you with love, convinced you of your wretched state, revealed His Son to you, gave you faith whereby you received Jesus as your Surety, made you a new creature, gave you a new heart, and caused you to walk in His holy ways. How frequently has He comforted you and spoken to your heart! He enabled you to remain faithful when He called you to suffer, has sustained you hitherto, and kept you in the faith by His power. He grants you His Spirit which makes you bold and courageous, and makes you willing in the day of His power in the beauties of holiness. He gives you power when you are faint and increases your strength when you have no might. At times He causes you to behold the crown and causes you to taste how good it is to be near to God. He causes you to esteem the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of the world and addresses you as follows: "My son, be valiant, be of good courage, and fear not, for I am with you. Be not perplexed for I am your God. I take hold of your right hand, strengthen you, and sustain you with the right hand of My righteousness. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Will not all this divine benevolence kindle your love, so that you will say, "I shall cleave to the Lord; He is my portion and therefore I shall hope in Him. I surrender my body and soul to Him; let Him do with them as pleases Him. May He but give me faithfulness as I presently suffer for His Name‘s sake, and may He make me steadfast to valiantly endure all that is yet to come. For nothing will befall me except it be through His hand. I look beyond my enemies, for God commands them as follows: "Curse David, and inflict such and such upon him." That -- and no more -- will they be able to do to me." Therefore, as champions of God, be vigilant and strong, and the Lord will strengthen your heart.
Fifthly, the faithful profession of Christ and His truth is of an unspeakably great advantage for the church in general as well as for specific individuals. The church will not be eradicated by torturing and putting martyrs to death, but she is built up by it. When persecutions for the Word‘s sake come about, the church is purified, the chaff blows away, the gold is separated from the dross, the luster of the church becomes brighter, and she inspires more awe in the eyes of the world. The church is much more glorious when she is small and pure than when she is a large, mixed multitude. If in the one locality the church is eradicated due to having been thoroughly corrupted, the number of the truly godly being extremely small, and there being practically nothing left, she will raise her head in a different locality all the more gloriously. If there were as yet many godly left, their dispersement would grant them the opportunity to let their light shine in other localities. Every individual believer becomes, so to speak, a minister and establishes a little church in those localities where he resides -- as occurred during the persecution of the church recorded in Acts 8:4. It is true that prospects are gloomy and will even become more gloomy. Furthermore, I believe that other churches will also be refined by persecutions. I am assured, however, from the Word of the Lord, that the antichrist will no longer have dominion in such a general sense as in the past. The Lord will preserve for Himself a portion that will persevere and not lose courage. Rather, they will remain standing as champions and battle against the antichrist with the word of their testimony until the Lord -- one day, suddenly and unexpectedly -- will pour out His judgments upon him and will glorify the church.
Brothers, you are the pillars of the church. You are the voice whereby the glory of the Lord Jesus is declared and your testimony resounds throughout the world. See to it, therefore, that you remain steadfast, for every eye is upon you. Thus, the enemies will not be able to rejoice, and the godly will neither be put to shame nor be grieved for your sake. Your steadfastness causes many to come to themselves, and they begin to seek after the truth of the gospel. Who knows how many children you will beget in your bonds! Those who stumble along are strengthened, and those who for fear have succumbed and recanted when the first storm arose, will, by reason of your steadfastness, become bold to reverse their recantation and by renewal to strive and suffer for the truth. Due to your steadfastness the enemy will have much more work than he had first anticipated.
Maybe God, who brings forth new martyrs by the thousands, will cause your church to arise from its ashes to the remorse of her enemies. For indeed I anticipate something great from the restoration and steadfastness of such an innumerable multitude. When fire is restricted, it will burst forth all the more vehemently. If the enemy would have left alone those who by renewal united with them and would have been satisfied with their recantation, then the church in that locality would, humanly speaking, be finished. However, now there is yet hope. Behold therefore what a great matter the Lord has entrusted to you! Those who have become bold by your steadfastness would again succumb due to your cowardice and recantation. Therefore, quit yourselves as men and you will prevail with your testimony.
Sixthly, and as far as you personally are concerned, has not your martyrdom yielded you much benefit? Prior to this you lived in, or rather fell into, many sins which now do not have the least effect upon you. Perhaps some of you have been converted who were unconverted while enjoying freedom. Some of you who for fear have denied the truth now courageously endure everything. Has not your knowledge of divine truths increased and become more spiritual? Has not your heart become holier? Have not your prayers become more vehement? Do you not have more frequent and intimate communion with God? Do you not see more of God‘s friendly countenance? Do you not enjoy more comfort? Are you not able to rejoice more in the hope of glory, and has not all that is of the earth decreased in value in your eyes? And even if there come days of darkness, weakness of faith, and strife, are not your wrestlings that much stronger and does not the Lord time and again strengthen your soul? Would you be willing to exchange your condition for the crown of a king and all the luxuries of the ungodly? Observe therefore and gratefully acknowledge the grace which God bestows upon you. Oh, how precious you are in the eyes of all the godly throughout the world! How many texts are there not in the Bible which declare you blessed! Permit me to bring them to your remembrance. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you" (1 Peter 4:14); "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven" (Matthew 5:11-12). Consider Paul‘s triumphant declaration shortly before his death as a martyr: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Lift up your heads; by faith make the words of Paul your own, and emulate him by saying, "Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God‘s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:33-39).
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be courageous in the battle. Do not withdraw yourself from the battle, and do not surrender one inch, for the more you capitulate, the more your enemies will exact of you. They are never satisfied. It is safer to stand firm in a matter, in which you in certain circumstances would perhaps concede, and which stand could be called impudent, than it is to concede too much. You will be more secure and avoid many snares. Your conscience will enjoy ten times more peace concerning the first than over the latter. The more courageous you are, the more the enemy will lose courage, the more you will gain in strength, and the more glorious will be your victory. Let them do with your body as they please, or rather, what God wills that they will do to you, and, with David, strengthen yourself in the LORD your God.
Possess your soul in patience -- of which you are truly in need. Arm yourself against any desire for revenge even entering your heart. Yes, even if you could avenge yourself, do not do so, but be as a sheep that is dumb before her shearers. Pray for those that persecute you, and reward them good for evil. Let the Lord Jesus continually be an example for you in order that you may follow His footsteps. The weapons in our battle are not carnal, but nevertheless are strong Godward. Arm yourself therefore with the entire armour which the apostle proposes in Ephesians 6:1-24. The meek person is to be preferred over the strong person. Patience not only reduces the suffering, but it yields luster to the one who is patient, and it convicts and even conquers the enemies. Consider therefore that time is short, and that your suffering is transitory. It proceeds from the hand of the Lord and is to the glory of Jesus. Let patience therefore do her perfect work; that is, suffer all things with quiet patience for the duration of this suffering, for the victory and the crown will ensue.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be faithful unto death and the Lord will give you all the blessings which He promises to those who overcome. "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. I will give thee a crown of life. He...shall not be hurt of the second death. To him...will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it; to him will I give power over the nations: Confession, and conduct and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of My Father. The same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. Him...will I make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from My God: and I will write upon him My new name. To him...will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne" (Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22). Behold, such are the invaluable promises which God makes relative to faithfulness and the endurance of a small measure of suffering. Therefore, be faithful unto death. I conclude with the benediction of the apostle: "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you, Amen" (1 Peter 5:10-11).
Beloved brothers who are adorned with glorious, divine luster, I remain with my whole heart, Your loving fellow brother in Christ.
Final Exhortation to Believers
Citizens of the Netherlands, we shall now turn again to you. If this discourse has stirred up your heart and you have become desirous to confess the Lord Jesus, make work of this at once. You are living in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation which neither knows God and the way of salvation, nor has a desire after godliness. Come out from among her, having as your objective to confess Jesus by a godly life, so that every one may come under conviction by reason of your self-denial, humility, meekness, love, and good-naturedness; and so that everyone may perceive the heavenly nature which is within you. Speak of Christ, of the necessity and efficacy of His suffering, and of the nature of faith and regeneration.
Join yourself to the godly so that it may become manifest that you are one with them in your support for Christ and your opposition to the world. Remain with the true church and be diligent in attending public worship and in partaking of the Lord‘s Supper. Thereby one confesses the Lord Jesus. To separate yourself from her and to remain on your own is a quiet denial of Christ and His cause. If shame and injury come upon you due to your confession, rejoice in this, for it is a small beginning of martyrdom. When the Lord brings persecution upon the church by the world, if errors are stubbornly adhered to in the church and if she persecutes such ministers and others who promote the truth and godliness -- then oppose such and be a companion of those who fear the Lord and profess His truth. If you are cast out by those who persecute you, are compelled to join them, are robbed of your possessions due to refusal to do so, are cast into prisons, are treated as criminals -- yes, are threatened with the sword, the gallows, and torture, or even put to death -- then pause for a moment and reflect upon the fact that the Lord calls you to martyrdom. It is one and the same thing whether persecution takes place by those from within or from without by the antichrist. Your confession is the same, your faithfulness is the same, and your reward is the same. Do not be disturbed if men cause you to suffer under an evil name, for that is an old practice. The Lord Jesus was also persecuted and killed due to an evil reputation, for they said, "We do not stone thee for any good work, but for such and such a reason." The old pretenses are: "You are disobedient to your government, you are resisting her, you are instigating rebellion, you are causing schism in the church, and you are promoting soul-damning errors and heresies, seeking to promote them. Enough of this fuss; away with him." I repeat, do not be troubled concerning them, but remain steadfast in cleaving to the truth, as well as in bearing witness to it in words, conduct, and suffering.
If persecutions proceed from the antichrist, you are permitted to flee as far as you can in order that you may be spared for better circumstances. However, do not flee where you feel you can best get through the world, but whereto the godly flee, where there is a church, or wherever there is a possibility to institute one. Do not esteem worldly possessions that highly that you would bring yourself into danger for them.
One may flee the persecutions of the antichrist; however, you may not do so if persecutions arise within the church, where the antichrist already has been eliminated and cast out -- who now does nothing else but quarrel with fire and sword. One may not flee persecutions arising within the church, but must stay in order to bear witness against the persecutors -- and if necessary, to seal the truth with his death. New persecutions require new martyrs. If, however, we cannot escape the hands of the antichrist by way of fleeing, we must know that God calls us to bear witness to His cause and to remain steadfast. When speaking of fleeing, we do not understand this to refer to ministers and elders. The exception is when their congregations, in fleeing, call them to accompany them and they thus remain with their congregations. Otherwise, they must remain with their congregations as long as they remain in those localities and are in a condition for them to do service there, even if it means the sealing of the truth with their death before their eyes. In order to arm yourself against persecutions -- whatever their nature may be -- do the following:
(1) Read frequently the Word of God. Do so not only for the strengthening of your faith, but also to be confirmed more and more in the truth, and thus to be more qualified to fight and suffer for it. It is the sword of the spiritual soldier.
(2) Frequently read books about martyrs -- be they either old or new ones -- for then you will get a lively impression of their spirit and valor, as lively as if you were present. This will enliven the heart and give a desire for martyrdom, and if your turn comes, these well-known examples will be in your memory to strengthen you. You will also observe the mistakes they have made, providing you with good beacons of warning.
(3) Have much fellowship with the godly, speak together about giving witness both in times of peace and of persecution, and encourage each other.
(4) Pray frequently that the Lord may give you a bold spirit, knowing that if the Lord would withdraw His hand, you would not be able to stand, but that even a little fear would cause you to recant. Know your weakness and distrust yourself, however much you may currently be convinced of the truth. Cleave to the Lord so that you may be faithful in the hour of temptation.
(5) Frequently exercise faith in Christ in order to be assured of being a partaker of Him, and to learn by experience how good it is to be near to the Lord, so that faith may be all the stronger -- also then when the feeling disappears and faith is assaulted from all sides.
(6) Be very diligent in sanctification, so that you may lead a blameless life and have a conscience void of offense before God and man, for "the righteous are bold as a lion" (Proverbs 28:1).