Willing to die for faith in Christ
Scripture reference
Acts 20:22–24 (ASV)
22And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: 23save that the Holy Spirit testifieth unto me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But I hold not my life of any account as dear unto myself, so that I may accomplish my course, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Stories
Dr. Josef Tson was warned about to returning to Romania to preach the gospel but he was not one to be deterred, “look, Jesus Christ was killed,” was his reply. And when the persecution he was warned about began to play out, his resolve remained firm; he was willing to die!
Found after his death, the diary of Allan Gardiner, pioneer missionary to Tierra del Fuego, expressed his complete confidence in God. He wrote of no bitterness but a total resignation to the will of God for his life—be it death or life—and a burning desire for the gospel to reach the people there.
When a Russian Army Captain threatened a minister with death, the minister stood his ground insisting that "Our Lord is really and truly the Son of God". The Captain was moved by the minister's willingness to die for the cross of Christ, he declared with tears "Now I too can die for Christ. You have shown me how.”
When Tante Signe answered God's call to go become a missionary in China, she fully expected and was willing to die for her Lord if need be. And though she did not die on the mission field, hers was an exemplary life of sacrifice!
Having received help and grace to overcome the hatred and bitterness that characterized their marriage as unbelievers, Dina and Mohammad, now Christians, are committed to Christ above all else. For the couple, death holds no power; infact they expect to be martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ.