The Greek word “martyr” actually means “witness” or “one who gives a testimony.”
Early Christians were very bold witnesses for Christ in fulfillment of his command to be his
witnesses in all the earth (Acts 1:8). In those days every Roman subject was expected to
acknowledge Caesar as god. They were required to say “Caesar is Lord.” Christians, of course
could not say this. Instead, they acknowledged “Jesus is Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:3). For this
reason many early Christians were put to death by a variety of cruel methods, such as
crucifixion, burning at the stake, beheading, and being fed to lions. Historical accounts of these
people refer to them as martyrs.
There have been a great many Christian martyrs down through the centuries. In fact, our
own generation has seen the persecution and death of more Christians than any other age. This is
especially true in fundamentalist Muslim countries, and in the totalitarian communistic regimes
of the former Soviet Union and China.
During the Tribulation there will be many martyrs–perhaps the majority of those
converted to faith in Jesus around the world will be put to death as a threat to the New World
Order established by the Beast. The fifth seal (Revelation 6:9-11) is about these martyrs, who ask
the Lord, “How long…until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”
(Revelation 6:10)
It is also clear that those who trust in Christ and refuse to receive the mark of the beast
will be put to death for treason against the one-world government (Revelation 13:10; 20:4).
Surely the Lord will give them the strength to stand for Christ even if it means suffering in this
extreme way. Believers are not promised deliverance from persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “In
fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
The Concept of the Remnant
From the Old Testament it is clear that the majority of the Jewish people within the
nation were not necessarily believers. Elijah lamented that he was the “only one” left who knew
God after his successful defeat of the priests of Baal at Mt. Carmel. But God responded telling
him that he had, at that time, “more than seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal”
Numbers 19:9-18).
From 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 we get the clear picture regarding Israel that “with most of
them God was not well pleased, for their bodies fell in the wilderness”–referring to the
generation that left Egypt under Moses.
Thus at any point in time “true Israel” means the believing community within the nation.
Sometimes it was substantial, at other times few in number.
Likewise within the professing church of Jesus Christ around the world, not all are true
believers by any means,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did
we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” – Matthew
7:21-23
God gets his work done by a “remnant” in every generation it would seem.
