Freedom and Persecution

Today’s reading is Section 13 of the Lausanne Covenant - Freedom and Persecution. Read Section 13 here.

It is the God-appointed duty of every government to secure conditions of peace, justice and liberty in which the Church may obey God, serve the Lord Jesus Christ, and preach the gospel without interference. We therefore pray for the leaders of nations and call upon them to guarantee freedom of thought and conscience, and freedom to practise and propagate religion in accordance with the will of God and as set out in The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also express our deep concern for all who have been unjustly imprisoned, and especially for those who are suffering for their testimony to the Lord Jesus. We promise to pray and work for their freedom. At the same time we refuse to be intimidated by their fate. God helping us, we too will seek to stand against injustice and to remain faithful to the gospel, whatever the cost. We do not forget the warnings of Jesus that persecution is inevitable.

The enemy’s third tactic for hindering the Church’s mission of taking the gospel to the world is persecution.

3. Persecution

The devil also attacks the Church from outside—through physical persecution or through legislation. This calls us to consider the relationship between Church and state, rooted in 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Governments are entrusted by God to secure peace, justice, and liberty so that ‘we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way’ (v2). In such conditions, the Church can serve Christ freely and proclaim the gospel without interference (Acts 4:19; 5:29).

The Church must pray for national leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and act as the conscience of the nation—reminding rulers of their God-ordained role. We appeal both to God on behalf of our leaders, but also to leaders themselves for the freedom of thought and conscience, and the right to practise and share our faith.

We must also remember those who suffer for the sake of Christ, identifying with them ‘as though in prison with them’ (Hebrews 13:3). But sympathy is not enough—we must commit to pray and work for their release (Luke 4:18).

History proves that persecution has never destroyed the Church, nor will it. Though we are weak, God gives courage to speak out against injustice and remain faithful to the gospel—whatever the cost. While we may enjoy freedom now, we must be aware of the possibility of persecution spreading even to currently free nations. Jesus’ warning in John 15:18-21 must be taken to heart.

Reflection:

Will you be a voice for justice, truth, and freedom when others are silenced?

Prayer:

Lord, uphold the persecuted; strengthen their faith, grant them endurance, and keep their witness strong.