“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
Tertullian wrote these famous words in his work, Apologeticus (“The Apology”), in 197 AD, a work defending Christianity to Roman provincial governors.
These words are a potent reminder that Christianity flourishes under pressure and persecution.
In its context, Tertullian wrote Apologeticus during the reign of Roman Emperor Septimius Severus who reigned from 193-211 A.D. His reign marked a period of heavy persecution against Christianity including an edict signed in 202 A.D. that forbade people from converting to either Christianity or Judaism.
Tertullian understood that Christianity was not hindered by martyrdom; on the contrary, Christianity spread and was emboldened.
Wherever the gospel goes, it grows. (Colossians 1:6)
Why?
Because Christianity is the only faith that contains a Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3).
For every other religion in the world, I can take you to the founder’s grave.
I can show you the grave of Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism (Smith Family Cemetery in Nauvoo, IL).
I can take you to the burial place of Muhammad, founder of Islam (Prophet’s Mosque, Medina).
I can also take you to the pyramid-shaped monument marking the grave of Charles Taze Russell, founder of the Jehovah Witnesses (Rosemont United Cemetery in Pittsburgh, PA).
But neither I nor anyone else can take you to the tomb Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We serve a Risen, Ruling, and Reigning Savior. (Luke 24:6; Hebrews 1:3; Matthew 28:18)
Charlie Kirk was firm in his stance and proclamation of the Gospel. He was bold in the assertion that Jesus is Risen– that Christianity is the only true faith because of the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ.
When asked why he believed that Christianity is the only true faith, Charlie responded,
“Because the Resurrection is the most documented, followed, and proven fact of history… the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is by far the most compelling event in human history…”.
Despite what anti-Christian media heads and bloggers are saying, Charlie Kirk is a martyr for the Christian faith.
It was his Christian faith and his belief in the Gospel that spurned him on in his fight against abortion, transgender ideology, and so much more.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
The after-effects of his death are palpable by everyone– widely becoming known as “the Charlie Effect.”
Through His sovereign plan, the Lord is using this tragic death for His glory and eternal purposes.
All across social media, countless testimonies are pouring in proving that God’s eternal plan of redemption has not been hindered.
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)
People are confessing,
“Not going to lie… with everything going on, I’m feeling the pull to go to church and give my life to Jesus.”
“I’m going to church this Sunday. I have not gone in years. I believe in God, but I’ve never been a very religious person. But after what happened today to Charlie Kirk and watching all the videos of how he teaches the joy of Jesus in your life. I want that.”
Christian, God does not waste anything, especially the life of one of His faithful saints.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Now is the time for us as believers– like Charlie Kirk– to stand firm in God’s Word, to boldly speak the truth, and to rest in the sovereign power of our Risen Savior.
