The Hated Saint

Jesus Christ is hated without a cause (Jn 14:25). It is the world that hates Him and also God the Father (Jn 14:23). Why are men haters of God (Rom 1:30)?

The world is at enmity with God (Rom 5:10). The reason is that God exposes people for being evil (Gen 6:5). Men love darkness (Jn 3:19), and they dwell in the domain of darkness (Col 1:13). When evil is exposed (Eph 5:11), it is light in the darkness (Eccl 2:13). The wicked twist the relationship between the two, substituting darkness for light and light for darkness (Is 5:20).

Because Jesus chose a people for himself out of the world (Jn 15:16), the world hates His chosen ones, too (Jn 15:19). Christians are to remember, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you (Jn 15:18).” Even those closer to the elect should hear and tremble, “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My name’s sake have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified that we may see your joy.’ But they will be put to shame (Is 66:5).”

The persecution of Christians may be as mild as being kicked out of a church, or as severe as being killed for the sake of Christ’s name (Jn 15:21). All the while, the twisted persecutors are themselves convinced they are serving God in their service of persecution (Jn 16:2). God has made the wicked for the day of evil (Lk 16:4), so they are not entirely wrong about their service, as vessels of wrath prepared for destruction (Rom 9:22).

The catalyst in this conflict are the provocative words generated by both sides. The devil is a liar (Jn 8:44), and so are his children (1 Jn 3:10; Rom 3:4). In contrast, God is true (Rom 3:4), and so is His Word (Ps 119:160; Jn 17:17). Just as Jesus spoke the truth — Himself being the incarnate Word of truth (Jn 1:1, 14) — so Christians employ the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph 6:17). Believers speak the truth in love so to be wise as serpents but harmless as doves (Mt 10:16; Eph 4:15).

In order to wield the Sword, the saint must remember the Word (Jn 15:20; 16:4). Remembering the Word of God girds the soldier with truth and protects him with faith (Eph 6:10–20). In times of persecution, these remembrances keep the overcomer from stumbling (Jn 16:1; 1 Jn 2:13). Christ is leading us in His triumph (2 Cor 2:14) and the world does not comprehend it (Jn 1:5).

The Word of God, remembered again and again, is brought to remembrance by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11; Jas 4:5), sent to us by the Father and Son (Jn 14:26; 15:26). The Spirit testifies about Jesus (Jn 15:26), which helps the Christian to be a witness (Acts 1:8). The Christian witness of the truth to others has a dual effect.

When a believer bears witness of Jesus, it has an emboldening effect on other saints, who hear the familiar words of the family of God, all of whom love the Word of the Father, with all of His wonderful promises that give the children of God a hope and a future (Jer 29:11). The beloved are spurred along to further love and good works (Heb 10:24).

The unelect, unregenerate, unbeliever considers the Gospel of God to be foolishness (1 Cor 1:18). He mocks Christianity like Goliath did the armies of Israel (1 Sam 17). He scorns sound doctrine, even twisting God’s Word for his own profit (Ezek 34). The worst of the wicked are not the public despisers of the faith; rather, it is the false preachers and teachers who ravage the church with liberalism, the prosperity gospel, and Arminian teachings.

The Spirit of truth helps the adopted child of God to know the Word of truth that sets him free from psychology, philosophy, and other doctrines of demons (1 Tim 4:1). It is the Spirit who convicts the world of sin (Jn 15:22; 16:8), including those of the world who have infiltrated the church. These do not know God the Father, nor do they have any excuse for their sin (Jn 15:22).

The Word of truth confronts the world and sinners who attempt to suppress the truth (Rom 1:18). It is the Word of God’s judgment and wrath against sinners that spurs their desire to further their rebellion (Rom 1:18–32). God’s Word incites the wrath of men. The outlet for their kindled hatred is the church, God’s holy nation of royal priests (1 Pet 2:9).

The church suffers with her Lord, joining in His afflictions, as the body of Christ (Col 1:24). This is granted to believers (Phil 1:29), and it is often used by God, as loving discipline for His own sons (Heb 12:4–11). God’s people are to count it all joy, when they suffer for the sake of Christ’s name (Jas 1:2–4). They remember that God is working all things including persecutions, for good, for those who love Him, and who are called according to His eternal purposes (Rom 8:28; Eph 3:11).

The test of faith is the litmus test of love. Friend, do you believe and cherish the Bible, the Word of truth? The Apostle Paul suffered for the sake of the elect (2 Tim 2:10), because he preached a message of sovereign grace. God sits in the heavens and does as He pleases (Ps 115:3; 135:6). He sends His Word to men, which exposes the vanity of their desperately sick hearts (Jer 17:9) and speculations from their futile minds (Eph 4:17). He also saves His elect people from their sins. Do you agree?

Christian, I know you believe God’s assessment of the total depravity of humanity (Rom 3:10–12). You have heard the Word of truth, and you have believed, by His grace (Gal 3:22; Eph 2:8–9). God loved you, first, and you turned from your wicked ways to love Him in return (1 Jn 4:19). Love never fails (1 Cor 13:8), and it covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet 4:8). Thank God for the forgiveness of sins and the renewed heart and mind that are ready to serve Him (Mal 3:18; Rom 12:2).

Those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12), but do not be afraid, little flock (Lk 12:32), for the Lord is with you always, even to the end of the age (Mt 28:20). He will repay those who persecute you, for the battle belongs to Him (1 Sam 17:47)…and so do you (1 Cor 3:23).

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

November 9, 2022