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Faith Of Our Fathers By
Randolph Gonce Frederick W. Faber wrote a song about the faith of
the early Christians who were martyred by the Roman Emperors. Although Faber
had an unholy connection with Rome and the worship of Mary, the words of his
song call us to consider the faith of the first century Christians who laid
down their lives for Christ. Consider the words of the song published in 1849
titled “Faith of our Fathers.” “Faith of our fathers! Living still In spite of
dungeon, fire, and sword. O how our hearts beat high with joy When-e’er we
hear that glorious word! Our fathers chained in prisons dark, were still in
heart and conscience free; How sweet would be their children’s fate If they,
like them, could die for Thee. Faith of our fathers! We will love both friend
and foe in all our strife, And preach Thee too, as love knows how, By kindly
words and virtuous life: Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to
Thee till death.” Sadly, the faith of
early Christians was soon upset over various issues of human philosophy,
church tradition and proclamations of church councils. Christians in the West
became dominated by the bishop of Rome, and Christians in the East became
dominated by the bishops of Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and other
large churches of the East. Conflict between East and West opened the doors
for Islamic expansion from the seventh century until the thirteenth century.
Then the inquisition brought the horrors of persecution by the apostate Holy
Roman Empire upon Jews and upon Christians of conscience who refused to
submit to the traditions of Rome. The control of religion by the state
enabled the persecutions. State
sanctioned Protestant churches practiced similar atrocities upon those who
refused to submit to their decrees. Christians today who live in nations where religion is controlled by the state may be subject to persecution if they violate the religious decrees of the state connected religion. When we resist the powers of false religion and come under persecution, it is a blessing. No power can suppress true faith in Jesus Christ. Even if we die, we will be blest abundantly. Missionary to Ecuador Jim Elliot wrote the words
which seem prophetic of his death at the hands of tribal people he was trying
to reach with a message about Jesus. He wrote “He is no fool who gives what
he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” There is a blessing in sacrifice for a just cause.
The greatest cause to which anyone can dedicate his or her life is the good
news of salvation in Jesus Christ. Whatever we give of the temporary means
and circumstances of this life can not compare with the blessings promised to
those who love and follow Jesus. As Paul wrote, “The Spirit Himself bears
witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then
heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with
Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory
which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation
eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.” (Rom 8:16-19, NKJV) Faith
of our fathers, holy faith! How sweet would be our fate if we, like them,
could die for Thee! Jesus calls us to die to self and live for Him. Preach
Jesus by kind words and virtuous life. |