GPP 98: Persecution On Earth

GPP 98: Persecution On Earth

O! You that are inclined to accept Christ,
Enthroning Him as the Lord of your life,
Are you willing to pay the mortal price—
The world’s hatred, persecution, and strife?
They killed the prophets, and Jesus Himself;
Rejecting God, men refuse to believe;
Content not only to seek pow’r and pelf*,
To stamp God out, they desire to achieve!
You’re apt to suffer in your earthly days,
If you stand firm as a child of the Lord;
Small cost indeed, compared to Jesus’ praise
And eternal life; great is your reward!
Hearts are hardened, after once rejecting—
They harbor hatred, self-pride protecting!

*pelf = money

Promise Made: Matthew 5:10-12 (Jesus speaks)—
“ ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’ “ (NIV)

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)