“If you are scourged or beheaded as a criminal, do you believe you will still ascend to heaven?” asked Rusticus, the city official.
“I believe that if I endure these things I shall have what Jesus promised me,” Justin said. “For I know his gift of life stays with all who remain in him, even until the end of the world.”
“Do you think then that you will receive some reward there?”
“I do not think it; I know it. I am certain of it.”
Rusticus sat back with impatience. “You must agree to offer a
sacrifice to the gods.”
Justin stood unmoved. “No right-thinking person slanders communion
with God by going to the godless.”
Rusticus had had enough. “Unless you obey,
you will be mercilessly executed.”
“I know if I die for his testimony that I need not fear. I count
dying for such a reason to be our salvation and confidence before
Christ.” Justin answered.
The others who stood with Justin said,
“Do what you will,
for we are Christians and do not sacrifice to idols.”
Rusticus pronounced the sentence on the Christians who refused his demands. “These people, who have refused to sacrifice to the gods and do not obey the dictates of the emperor, shall be scourged and beheaded according to the law.”
When Justin said to his executioners,
“You may kill us,
but you cannot do us any real harm,” were they the words of a madman?
Was he confused as he contemplated the certainty of his own death? No,
he was certain of only one thing: Jesus Christ’s gift of eternal life.
As he contemplated the end of his earthly existence,
Justin could almost see the beauty of his heavenly home. Are you more
frightened of losing your life on earth than you are certain about your
eternal life in heaven? Death is not a time for doubts. Settle the issue
while you are still alive and well. Receive God’s gift of eternal life
through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.