The word ‘Martyr’ in Greek really means witness. I was reading from the book Extreme Devotion published by the Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) and I felt that in one of the first pages of the book, in fact one of the very first pages which reads “This books is dedicated to …” the definition of a martyr is well said.
those who chose death over denial …
who chose faith over fear …
and chose to be a witness rather than walk away.
For all those of whom the world was not worthy (Hebrews 11:38).
Summarizing, a martyr is one whose choice far exceeds anything the world can afford to give.
To be a martyr (witness) for Jesus Christ is a matter of choice!
Choose you this day, whom ye will serve but as for ME and MY HOUSE, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15)
Hebrews 11:35 (KJV)
35 … and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, …
Mano Paul
I would concur with you on your humble opinion and stand corrected. I should have said – each one of us, who are followers of Christ Jesus are to live our lives as if we are martyrs, meaning that we die to sin, to self AND to physical death in the hands of man if that is God’s will for us (easier said than done) . And yes, you are correct – the base character of every Christian should be the attitude that this world is not our home, it is just a passing through and we are not to conform to its patterns (Romans 12:2) or be its friends (attached) for in doing so we end up becoming enemies of God. (James 4:4). Jesus Himself said that we (his disciples) are in the world, but we are not of it (John 17:14-16) and He prayed for our protection from evil, while we are in it ephemerally.
Remo
I think that when Paul makes a mention of this in Phil 1:21 he is making a mention of not just dying to self but also to physical death…. IMHO I think that the non-attachment and non-compromising attitude (basic to being a martyr) needs to be the base character of every Christian….
Mano Paul
Well I see from the Scripture that the answer is two fold.
First, there is an elect that are chosen to be martyr (physically slain) and that count is yet to be fulfilled. (Revelation 6:9-11)
Second, each one of us, who are followers of Christ Jesus are to live our lives as if we are martyrs, meaning that we die to sin and to self (easier said than done). For to us to live should be Christ and to die real gain (Philippians 1:21)
Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV)
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.
Remo
Good one…. The question then is – Is the attitude of being a martyr to be had by a select few or is it the basic attitude that all Christians are to be living with?