I discovered the true meaning of a martyr in the story of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand an atheist Jew, finding true peace in Christ and his incredible journey first in communist Romania, bringing the Gospel message to as many Russian communists as possible, his imprisonment, torture and finally his release/exile to the United States. This history of the Underground Church reflects the continuing struggle in many parts of the world today.
Many today believe that a martyr is simply someone who dies for his faith. Unfortunately, by this definition we have lost the true significance and depth of martyrdom. St. Augustine once stated, “The cause, not the suffering, makes a genuine martyr.” In his play Murder in the Cathedral, T.S. Eliot describes a martyr as one “who has become an instrument of God, who has lost his will in the will of God, not lost it but found it, for he has found freedom in submission to God. The martyr no longer desires anything for himself, not even the glory of martyrdom.” According to the original Greek, “martyr” means “witness”. The writer of Hebrews stated that “we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [martyrs]” Hebrews 12:1, and Jesus instructs us in Acts 1:8, “You shall be witnesses [martyrs] to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” — Tom White, USA Director, The Voice of the Martyrs
Although Rev. Wurmbrand writes simply and to the point, this book is not easily read without it piercing your soul to the quick. It challenged my comfortableness in taking for granted my accessibility to God’s word and ability to worship Him, openly and without fear. I believe this book will kindle a fire in your heart to keep that freedom here in America and to be a part of helping those around the world seeking after God’s truth…to find it.
“Tortured for Christ is still as important today as it was 30 years ago in calling attention to the plight of persecuted Christians in the modern age.” — Frank R Wolf, U.S. Congressman
Until I read this book I didn’t understand fully what it meant to be a martyr “witness” for Christ. That is not to say “that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect…I know only in part”–but this book opened my eyes to what true “witnessing” is.
 |
Tortured for Christ |
| by Richard Wurmbrand | |
| Year Written: 1967 | |
| Living Sacrifice Book Company | |
| ISBN – 882643266 |
Comments