If Following Jesus Was Illegal, Would You Even Be Charged?
A Hard Look at Lukewarm Faith in a Comfortable Culture
What if Christianity became illegal. Tomorrow. Let’s think about that for a second… and think hard.
If the U.S. Government came out tomorrow and said Christianity is banned, would you still remain faithful? Or would you cave when the rubber hits the road?
That’s a hard question, and it’s one I think all of us (Christians) need to ask ourselves.
We’re so used to the comforts of modern society:
TV.
Clothes.
Running water.
Entertainment.
Food… yes… food. Most of the world is starving.
Yet faithful Christians are literally being slaughtered.
And here’s the part that should stop us cold: if that same persecution came to your home, your church, your community… would you still be faithful like those Nigerians?
Read on.
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The Part We Don’t Like to Admit
American Christianity has gotten used to being safe. Not just “safe,” but respected. Also convenient. Something you can fit between work, ball practice, a cookout, and a Netflix binge. We’ve turned the cross into décor. But the real cross was never décor. The real cross was an execution device.
And that’s why I want to drag an old book back into the room like a thunderstorm rolling in—Foxe’s Book of Martyrs.
This book is not pleasant. It’s not supposed to be. And it isn’t “inspiring” in a cute coffee-mug way. Most assuredly, it is not.
Why? because it tells the truth: Christianity has never been mainly about comfort. It’s been about faithfulness—even when it costs everything.
Foxe Isn’t Trying to Entertain You—He’s Warning You
Foxe records story after story of believers who didn’t get to “avoid suffering.” They didn’t get to quietly keep their faith while blending into the wallpaper. They were hunted, questioned, and mocked. Or, even worse:
Imprisoned.
Burned.
Beheaded.
Torn apart.
And the haunting thing is this: a lot of them could’ve walked free. All they had to do was bend. Just say the right words. Sign the paper. Kiss the ring. Attend the approved version of religion. But Jesus? Let’s just keep him…private.
That temptation is not ancient. It’s current. Because persecution doesn’t usually begin with swords, it begins with pressure.
Some of these words might ring a bell:
Social pressure
Career pressure (even Pastors)
Family pressure.
Just be quiet.
Just don’t say that.
Just stop being so serious
Just go along.
Yeah. That’s enough for a lot. Enough to call in the white flag. It’s pathetic.
The Fire Tests What We’re Actually Made Of
One of the most gut-check parts of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs is how normal so many of these believers were—until the moment came. They weren’t superheroes.
Just simple people. Like: Farmers. Mothers. Preachers. Tradesmen. Young people. Old people.
And when the state demanded they deny Christ, they didn’t treat it like a debate. They stood firm on their decision. No denying Christ. Ever.
Some of them faced the stake with a calm that makes modern Christianity look… honestly, kind of soft. The pain was of course…excruciating. But, they loved Jesus more than life.
And that’s where we need to get honest: most of us don’t fear lions in an arena. We fear awkward conversations, being disliked, losing status, losing comfort, and losing the “normal life.”
Foxe’s martyrs lost everything. Literally.
Suffering Isn’t a Glitch in Christianity—It’s Part of the Deal
This is where a lot of Christians get messed up. We treat suffering like it’s a sign something has gone wrong. But the New Testament treats suffering like it’s proof you’re actually following the right Person.
Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)
A cross. Daily. A cross. Not supposed to be comfortable.
And Foxe is basically one long, bloody reminder that Christians before us understood that. They didn’t try to passively avoid suffering as their main strategy. They embraced obedience—even if suffering came with it.
So Let Me Ask You Again
If Christianity became illegal tomorrow…
Would you still gather with believers?
Would you still pray out loud?
Would you still confess Christ if your job was on the line?
Would you still teach your kids the gospel if it made you a target?
Would you still worship if the cost became real?
Because that’s the question we keep dodging. And if you’re thinking, “I’m not sure,” good. It’s time to re-examine your faith and do something about it.
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Call to Repentance
If you’ve been trying to earn your way into heaven, it’s time to stop striving and start surrendering. Today can be the day everything changes.
The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Don’t wait for a better moment. Turn from your sin, believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and receive the gift of eternal life.
He is calling—respond to Him today.
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I heard a sermon about this years ago. He said if you were charged with being a Christian, would they have enough evidence to convict. Really good stuff right here.
Thanks Tom. Your original point was definitely well taken.