In terms of faith trials, believers should in broad terms, view “persecution” and “discipleship” as synonyms. This is because of the role persecution plays in defining and shaping a believer’s faith in Christ and his life as a person. Jesus calls his disciples to “remember” that, “If they persecuted [him], they will persecute you as well”. (John 15:21).
It is therefore an unavoidable truth that: “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”; and that “disciples must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”. (2 Timothy 3:12; Acts 14:22). In fact, the believers were forewarned that they would suffer tribulation as a necessity for discipleship and that “no man should be moved by these afflictions”. (1 Thessalonians 3:3).
Thus, faith trials by persecutions and afflictions is the test that all true believers and followers of Christ must endure to achieve the certificate or testimony that sanctifies your faith and refines your being in godly living.
3. THE NATURE OF BELIEVERS’ FAITH TRIALS
