It seems that most things concerning COVID-19 have become divisive. The trend seems to be worsening as new measures are introduced, then mandated, then enforced in an effort to stop this latest respiratory virus around the globe.

The latest controversy surrounds mandatory vaccinations or vaccine passports. Division continues to rage within the broader church along (mostly) the same lines as last winter’s  restrictions on the gathering of the church. One of those topics of controversy is whether there is a valid religious objection to taking the COVID vaccine. One pastor, writing for the Gospel Coalition Canada has stated, “It is not at all clear on what religious basis a person would be considered exempt from taking this vaccine. There may be a good number of health exemptions and a variety of other valid hesitations, but none of them is identifiably theological in nature.” He also quotes another author which argues that it may in fact be harmful to frame this as a issue of religious liberty.

Is it true that there is no valid religious objection to taking this latest treatment for COVID-19? I want to consider at least four areas where some Christians may disagree with taking the vaccine on theological grounds.

1) Informed Consent to Medical Procedures

Just a short time ago (pre-March, 2020), it would be hard to imagine arguments that would propose a mandatory medical procedure to keep your job, travel, or access areas of society or the economy. We’ve gone from two weeks to flatten the curve to two jabs to keep your job and relatively few are objecting. However, the idea of consenting to medical procedures has a long history in our country and is protected by law. What you may not realize is that this idea of consent is rooted in a Christian worldview. That is, it has religious underpinnings.

The law of God protects personal autonomy by forbidding murder, rape, kidnapping, assault, bearing false witness, and so forth. The law of God also protects personal property by forbidding theft, coveting, moving land markers, and things like these. However, in our day, when the government has grown to take control or regulate every area of our lives, they will also believe they can control what goes on or in our body. This is clearly an anti-Christian idea that should be resisted whether or not you choose to take this latest treatment for COVID-19. Bodily autonomy and consenting to what goes on or in your body is a Christian (i.e., religious) idea that is simply not afforded in other nations without the light of God’s revelation. One way to love our neighbor is to oppose passports or discrimination based on this issue.

2) The Sanctity of Life for the Unborn

Abortion is framed today as an issue of women’s rights. The same bodily autonomy that I’ve argued for above is used to argue for the right to kill a child in the womb if it is not wanted by the mother. It should be clear that these issues are similar but not the same. The Scriptures give no right to a mother to take her child’s life if the child is unwanted. Rather, that’s called murder. This is a plain and simple issue.

Abortion continues to be acceptable in our society along with the sale of the body parts of murdered babies. Many Christians have a difficult time using products that were derived from or tested with fetal cell lines from aborted babies. It is no secret that the latest COVID-19 vaccines were either derived from or tested with fetal cell lines from aborted children. Some have no issue with this since the cells used today are derived from but not physically from an aborted child—and it is said to save lives today. However, some Christians have a religious objection—a moral objection—to taking this COVID-19 vaccine because they do think abortion is a great evil and this would, in some way, be giving approval to it.

3) The Body as a Temple

The Scriptures are clear that we are made in God’s image and are to treat our bodies with dignity and respect as God’s image bearers. We’re also told that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit. We were bought with a price, and we should glorify God in our bodies (1 Cor 6:19–20). That is, we are stewards of our bodies to the glory of God.

Some Christians, as they weigh the risk of COVID-19 to the risk of taking the vaccine, decide that being a good steward of their body prevents them from taking the vaccine. Maybe they’ve already had COVID and have a natural immunity. Maybe they are young and in little danger of serious consequences from the disease. Maybe they have other health complications that pose a higher risk of harm if they get the vaccine. In these cases, their assessment of risk and possible harm has a religious underpinning as their bodies belong to God and they act as stewards over their body.

Why would taking this vaccine be an issue of bodily stewardship?

• According to statistics provided by AHS, 1440 have had an adverse event following immunization. Most of those events include allergic reaction, severe diarrhea and/or vomiting, or rash. But there has also been anaphylaxis, Bell’s Palsy, anesthesia or paraesthesia lasting more than 24 hours, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or thrombocytopenia. These are more serious side effects that have affected 164 Albertans. There are also 150 cases of an “Adverse Event of Special Interest” which are other (sometimes serious) side effects not reported in Alberta.
• There have been reports of blood clots which even caused one vaccine to be pulled in many parts of the world but is still approved in Canada (with the side effect listed).
• For those who’ve already had the disease, natural immunity has been shown to be better and longer lasting than immunity via vaccines.
• The long term side effects are unknown. Treatments in the past have been adopted before long term effects have been made aware. See DES, and thalidomide as examples of great tragedies in our recent past.
• This vaccine is a new technology and has received emergency approval, but has not gone through the same procedures and testing as other vaccines available today. In addition, vaccine manufacturers are free from any liability in regard to the shots.

Arguments can be marshaled on either side (risk vs. reward) and it’s important for Christians to understand their stewardship over their body and health that God has given to them. In this regard, some may choose to forgo taking the vaccine (or be hesitant) as a stewardship to God to best care for their body and for others around them. Others may choose to take the vaccine for the same reason, as a stewardship to God.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

4) The Conscience

No one can point to a single text in Scripture and say, “Vaccines are sinful,” or, “Vaccines are necessary.” That is, this kind of medical treatment is neither prohibited or commanded. As such, it falls into the area of conscience where we can have differences of opinion and yet unity in love and understanding for one another. Romans 14 contains an extended discussion on this topic. What is clear is that kings (or pastors) are not lords over the conscience of others. Rather it is the Lord Jesus who judges the hearts and intentions of men, and he is the Lord of the conscience. No government, school, or employer should seek to rule the conscience. Yet, we are living in times where people are being coerced to go against conscience. This is a religious issue, one informed by biblical revelation, and a foundation for a healthy society.

As our Premier once said, “One does not need to be a Christian or a person of faith to recognize that trampling on the rights of conscience can open a path to the abuse of power. We Canadians have been blessed to have been spared those consequences because our tradition of the limited State recognizes that the rights of conscience must be respected. Indeed, the first liberty listed in our Charter is found in section 2(a), freedom of conscience and religion, which is an echo of Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion…’”

While one does not need to be a Christian to recognize the importance of conscience, it is a thoroughly Christian idea, a religious idea, that is ignored to the peril of our society.

Conclusion

At this point, I trust it is clear that there are valid religious reasons for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine. I’m not arguing that it is sinful to get the vaccine but there are legitimate grounds for which some may object. Each should be convinced in their own mind. We should not divide the world or the church into the vaccinated and unvaccinated.

May God give you grace as you wrestle through this issue and seek to love him and your neighbor.

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26–28).

I’ve created a letter requesting a religious exemption from mandatory medical procedures. This letter can be used for school or employment if they are requiring you to take the vaccine against your conscience and beliefs. The letter is based on a statement produced by the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches and modified with their permission. You can print this out and I (or Alex) would be happy to sign.

To read more about religious accommodation in Alberta you can read from the Alberta Human Rights Commission here. It is important to recognize that informed consent for any medical treatment is due to our Christian heritage which is quickly eroding. We need to stand together, whether vaccinated or not. As Jacob Reaume recently said, a government who thinks they have rights over the body of Christ is also a government who thinks they have rights over your body (Jacob’s talk is linked below).

Over the past week, I’ve received numerous requests for help and prayer on mandatory vaccines. Alberta Health Services is requiring all their staff to be vaccinated by the middle of October. Employees of the federal government (and federally regulated businesses) have a similar requirement. Several provinces have recently announced that vaccination will be required to access a number of services. While details have yet to be released, it was announced that anyone traveling by plane or train is also required to be fully vaccinated.

How are churches responding? It is too early to see how most churches will handle this issue. Even in places with vaccine passports, they are not mandatory for attending church (yet). From what I’ve seen so far, there has been continued adoption of the government mandates. For example, conservative Christian schools like Heritage College and Seminary and Toronto Baptist Seminary are requiring their staff and students to be fully vaccinated (weekly testing is currently available as an alternative). If trends continue, those opposed to government measures—including vaccine passports—will remain in the minority.

What should our response be?

1. Stick to your convictions. If you are convinced that you should not take the vaccine, then don’t take it. To do what you believe to be wrong is sinful (Romans 14:23)—even if the “deed” itself is not sinful. In a society that has made much of “consent” it is amazing that we have thrown informed consent out the window and replaced it with a coercive consent. When you encounter a sleazy salesman, you’re hesitant to complete the sale. When you encounter coercion and threats of lost employment, you’re rightly hesitant to immediately comply. So we must guard against coercion and get informed before giving consent. This will take courage, but courage is contagious so encourage one another and stand together.

2. Don’t hope in politicians or judges. Psalm 146 says, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry.” It is not the princes of this earth that bring salvation and justice. Rather, it is the Lord God who gives justice to the oppressed and feeds the hungry, it is he who brings deliverance. Our tendency when faced with political problems is to look for political solutions. That works about as well as spending hours searching for an app to help us use our phones less. We must remember that God is our refuge and strength and very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He is our hope. Certainly God uses politicians and judges to accomplish his purposes, but do not sit back waiting for a politician or judge to make things all right. We must act righteously, look to our God and trust in him.

3. Remember that resisting unrighteous laws is righteous. We are called to seek justice, stand against prejudice, and war against discrimination (Lev 19:15; Ex 23:2–3; Deut 16:19; 2 Chron 19:7; Prov 28:21). When a law discriminates (which vaccine passports certainly do) and enshrines prejudice (which firing someone for not receiving an experimental medical treatment to treat a disease that poses no risk to them certainly is) it should be resisted. Just recently, Grace Community Church was vindicated for remaining open in defiance to government mandates since those laws were declared unjust. The church, through its defiance to government mandates, won a great victory for justice. They were not lawbreakers, rather they upheld the law. So too, we should resist laws that are unjust for righteousness’ sake. Be prepared, this will bring both persecution and blessing (Matt 5:10).

4. God will take care of you. This is not meant to be some sentimental platitude. Our Lord Jesus calls us to put off anxiety and fear about what we will eat or wear (the essentials of life) because God will take care of us (Matt 6:25). Of course, the “us” here, are those who seek first his kingdom and his righteousness (Matt 6:33). So let us get our priorities straight, seeking God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness (what is just according to his law), and take heart, God will care for you. It may not be in your current home or your current occupation, but God loves his own and will care for you. Let’s not only count the cost for obedience to God, but trust in the reward of obedience as we put loyalty to him first.

5. To the teaching and to the testimony! In Isaiah 8 a trap and snare is set for Israel. The people turn to necromancers and mediums (and we can turn to our modern day equivalents which abound online). But what does God instruct? To the teaching and to the testimony (Isaiah 8:20)! Let us use this season to dig into God’s word, to be in prayer, to learn to sing the psalms, to focus on holiness and obedience to God, and to cast away idols. Don’t waste your trial. This is a time of sanctification if we turn to God’s truth and depend on him through prayer.

6. Consider your options. Don’t be hasty in making a decision—and especially for only pragmatic reasons. Seek counsel, know your options, be prepared. Our friends at the Liberty Coalition Canada are working on this issue. I’ve also had a few requests to author or sign a religious exemption (or conscientious objection). It remains to be seen whether this will be accepted but I’m willing to pursue it. There are a few out there that I plan to adapt for our own context. Stay tuned.

Regardless of the outcome, remember that our God is sovereign. He is in control. His love is limitless. His ways are above our ways. His righteousness is our delight. His salvation is sweet. He will hold you fast. Obey him and be faithful regardless of the outcome.

“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose’” (Isaiah 46:9–10).

—Tim Stephens

Yesterday’s announcement of mandatory vaccinations for federal government employees is shocking. Another “conspiracy theory” has come true. The government also announced that vaccines will be made mandatory for air travelers and passengers on interprovincial trains and cruise ships. Business and places of learning are following suit. What is the reasoning? About 5.7 million Canadians who qualify to get their first dose are not getting it. The government fears that the predicted fourth wave anticipated this fall will overwhelm the healthcare system and so action must be taken now to save lives and keep the economy open.

You can read about this yourself on CBC and Global News.

Last August, I wrote why mandatory face masks were unbiblical (here and here). I also examined Romans 13 and 14 on the important role of conscience (here, here, and here). I also explained how sphere sovereignty helps us navigate these issues (here). The same arguments apply to mandatory vaccines. In summary, to make a medical treatment mandatory violates conscience, violates God’s design for people made in his image, and exposes our government as increasingly tyrannical.

There has already been some great things written on the subject that you can read from Jacob Reaume, Aaron Rock, and Founders Ministries.

There is still much to be said that I want to address, but for now I want to anticipate what we may be hearing again. Last year we heard over and over again from Christian leaders the need to follow the government mandates surrounding COVID (like masks, restrictions on gatherings, travel, etc) because this is what it means to love our neighbor, obey Romans 13, and be a good witness for Jesus. I’m not sure if we’ll hear the same refrain again or not, but let’s look at those categories in light of mandatory vaccinations.

Love For Neighbor (Matthew 22:39)

If you love your neighbor, you will oppose mandatory vaccines! You will oppose mandatory vaccines to qualify for jobs or to keep a job. You will oppose mandatory vaccines for travel, for commerce, or to access any service. Why? When we love our neighbor we respect what belongs to them.

God has given us commands not to steal or covet our neighbor’s wife or possessions. Why? Because those things belong to him. They are a stewardship given by God. Personal property, children, or means of income are not to be violated, destroyed, or taken. To uphold justice is to uphold a person’s lawful right to their property and possessions. In an increasingly unbiblical society that rejects this notion, we should advocate that our neighbors have, and to continue to have, what is theirs. And even more important than protecting property is protecting life, safety, health, and choices surround such matters.

Mandatory vaccines will hurt our neighbors. They will prevent travel, prevent continuing a career, or prevent informed medical choice as our neighbors are coerced into compliance. Mandatory vaccines will hurt our neighbors since this will further divide families, communities, and our country. This will create a two class society, a social credit score, further censorship of doctors or scientists, and further challenges to conscientious objectors. Does not loving our neighbor demand we stand against such harms brought against them?

Obeying Romans 13

If you believe Romans 13, you will oppose mandatory vaccines. This may seem counter-intuitive since we’ve repeatedly heard Romans 13 used to justify obeying our authorities—even as they restrict and regulate the corporate worship of Christ’s bride. If you believe Romans 13, you will see that our governing authorities have gone beyond the mandate of public justice that we see in verse 4, “For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” The government is using the power of the sword—intended to punish the wrongdoer—to punish those who do not agree with being injected with a medical treatment that has received emergency approval for a disease with very little risk for most people.

If we honor our authorities, honor their role under God, and honor our democratic system in which the government rules by the permission of the people, we will tell them plainly that they have crossed the line once again.

Did the prophets not love God, the king of Israel, and the people by warning the king of his folly? Were the prophets schismatics or rebellious traitors as they called the king to his rightful duty? Did John the Baptist not do what was loving for Herod by caring enough for his soul to call out his sin? Will the church stand united to love our governing authorities by telling them they have gone beyond their mandate and are taking the place of God by seeking to bind the conscience of the people? Will we pray, stand, and call them to repentance, not only for their unjust laws, but for their sin before God to whom they will give an account? Who will be the conscience of the nation, and the voice of truth if not for the church?

A Good Witness (Luke 21:12–13)

We’ve seen over the past eighteen months that a good witness is not synonymous with a good reputation. It has often been assumed that if the world appreciates you, you have been a good witness for Jesus. After all, if they like you they may like Jesus too. We must surely reject such notions of witness or testimony.

In Luke 21:13, after being persecuted and handed over to the courts for acting in loyalty to Jesus and his word, it says, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” It is the contrast of God’s righteousness to the world’s evil that brings opportunity to bear witness.

If you desire to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel, you will oppose mandatory vaccines. You will oppose it because it is contrary to God’s design and boundaries he has established for human governments. By so doing, you will endure the hatred of the world. “This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:13). We will confess that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings. We will explain how he is the only lord of the conscience and that he has given authority to the family and individuals in this regard that do not belong to the state. We will explain that we will render to Caesar what is Caesar’s but our bodies belong to the Lord.

By defending the right of the business owner, the medical choices of a family, or the travel of individuals, we bear witness that it is God who is sovereign, not the governments of men. We bear witness that we have freedom because there is a higher law that holds everyone to account. And through this, we will bear witness to the supremacy of Christ, the beauty of the gospel, and the truthfulness of his word.

Conclusion

May God grant us unity as the body of Christ to stand for truth, love our neighbor, respectfully direct the government to its duty, and bear witness of the greatness of Christ in this cultural moment.

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:1–3).

Tim Stephens

The following is a collection of articles, sermons, and interviews that tell our story as we sought to faithfully navigate COVID-19 and its surrounding issues.

Tim Stephens

March, 2020

Knowing very little concerning COVID-19, we decided to cancel our services and for me to address our church via livestream.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-update/

May, 2020

I wrote an essay to prepare us to open our church and set the course for our continued obedience to Christ.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/The-Re-Gathering-of-the-Church.pdf

August, 2020

Two articles addressing masks and why we won’t force people to wear them.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/face-masks-are-not-mandatory-at-fairview/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/masks-revisited/

October, 2020

Why lockdowns are unbiblical & why civil disobedience is acceptable as a citizen of heaven and a citizen of Canada.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/the-injustice-of-lockdowns/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/dual-citizens-constitution-and-covid/

November, 2020

A sermon discussing when to fight or when to back down.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/a-time-for-war-and-a-time-for-peace/

December, 2020

New restrictions make gathering impossible.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/latest-restrictions-december-10/

January, 2021

How receiving fines added a new dimension to our faithfulness to Christ.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/gathering-restrictions-and-fines/

February, 2021

I explain how sphere sovereignty helps us navigate issues of church and state and answer the charge of being “political.” I preached sermons on what is truly loving and how the world constantly rages against Christ.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sphere-sovereignty-the-role-of-family-church-and-state/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/the-law-of-love/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/politics-and-the-church/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/press-release-february-21/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/the-great-rebellion/

March, 2021

An in-depth look at Romans 13 & 14 along with a Q&A from a reporter. I preached on the foundation of freedom in society.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/covid-19-a-romans-13-or-14-issue-part-1/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/covid-19-a-romans-13-issue/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/covid-19-a-romans-14-issue/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/questions-and-answers/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/the-foundation-of-freedom/

May, 2021

A response to increasing restrictions and answering common objections and a video clip summarizing the reasons why we gather.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/response-to-updated-restrictions/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/the-reason-why-we-gather/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/more-than-a-gathering/

June, 2021

My letters from prison.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/tims-letter-to-the-church-june-20/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/letter-june23/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/tims-letter-to-the-church-june-27/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/ashamed-of-the-lords-prisoner/
http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/the-painful-joy-of-prison/

July, 2021

My sermon on obedience to Christ after being released from jail.

http://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/sermons/sheep-among-wolves-seeing-christ-as-worthy-above-all/

Introduction

This is now my 17^th day in prison. I’m in prison because I’m unwilling to compromise my convictions before God and allow the state to dictate the manner of worship and fellowship in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Imprisonment is a painful experience. You are away from all of your loved ones and much of life that brings pleasure and purpose. There are physical, mental and spiritual challenges to be faced each day.

Yet, my experience in prison has been a painful joy. Yes, those can go together. Like when Paul writes that he is “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”. He also says, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10). It’s not an acknowledgment that there are highs and lows in our journey through life. There are highs in the lows, joy in the pain.

It is not as if Paul and Christians love pain for its own sake. And it is not that experiences are never truly painful. In fact, Paul describes his pain and suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29. He recounts lashings, hunger, thirst, cold, imprisonment, beatings, shipwreck, stonings, sleepless nights, and on top of this the daily burden of the churches and the pain of those who have abandoned the faith. Paul knew pain and sorrow.

So how can he rejoice in pain? How can he say, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake” (Colossians 1:24)?

Reasons for Joy in Suffering

Let me direct you to nine reasons to have joy in the midst of pain. I write these for my sake, as well as for all who are experiencing hardship for the Name.

1. The Gospel Advances Through Suffering

The gospel advances victoriously in the same manner in which Christ won our victory – through suffering and sacrifice. Paul rejoices in Colossians 1:24-29 that through his suffering the gospel has come to the Gentiles. In Philippians 2:17-18 he rejoices – while in prison – that his life has been poured out like a drink offering to God, resulting in their faith. The gospel is advancing through my imprisonment for Christ as well. I’ve heard multiple reports of people coming to true faith in Christ as a result of my hardships, and in that I greatly rejoice!

2. We Become Like Jesus in our Suffering

In Romans 8:28-30, it tells us that all things – whether painful or pleasurable – work together to make disciples of Christ look more and more like Jesus. Every disciple wants to be like his master, so it brings us joy to know that God is doing that in our present circumstances. 1 Peter 2:21 reminds us that as we suffer unjustly, we follow in Jesus’ steps and are called to entrust ourselves to God as he did, which brings us joy when we desist from reviling, threatening, and bitterness and follow the example of Christ and become like him in suffering.

3. Jesus is Seen in Our Suffering

When we suffer as Jesus did, become like him, follow his example, others will see the life of Jesus through us. Paul said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:10-11: “always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”  What a joy to consider that the life of Jesus may be seen through our dying bodies, bringing life and light to a dying and dark world.

4. We Please God as We Patiently Suffer

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 2:19 that God is pleased when we suffer unjustly for righteousness’ sake: “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.” There is soul-satisfying joy for a lover of God to know that their patient endurance in the pain of unjust treatment pleases their heavenly father.

5. Our Faith is Tried and Purified

1 Peter 1:7 says, “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” What a contrast to the shallow soil in Jesus’ parable that appeared to support a fruitful life but trials and persecutions exposed a shallow, rootless faith. What a joy to be tested through trials and be purified revealing a precious God-wrought faith that cannot be moved. (see also James 1:2-4 and Romans 5:3-4)

6. Our Perseverance in Suffering Inspires the Faithful

Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith” lists example after example of those who paid the price to remain faithful to God and his promises. Why include a whole chapter on this? Hebrews 12:1 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Other Christians suffering hardship for Christ’s sake that remain steadfast under trial stir us up to follow their example. What a joy to know that we can encourage others in this way.

7. God Uses Suffering to Uproot Sin and Produce Righteous Fruit

The bible reminds us that pain in our lives is God’s tool to prune and nurture a harvest of righteousness. Hebrews 12:11 says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” There is joy in painful experiences knowing God is working to make us more holy.

8. The Honor of Suffering for the One Who Suffered for Us

Peter and the apostles boldly said that they “must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). They had to pay the price for those words and put their money where their mouth is. They were arrested, flogged, and released on condition to stop preaching in Jesus’ name (Acts 5:40). How did they respond? “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41)  Since Christ has suffered for us, what a joy to suffer for him and the fame of his glorious name.

9. The Reminder and Reward of Future Glory

In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 we’re reminded that our “light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory.” Our present temporary troubles make us long for a glorious future that will last forever. Also in Luke 6:22-23, Jesus reminds us of the heavenly reward that awaits those who suffer for him: “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”

Count it all joy to stand with the prophets of old who were also persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Every follower of Christ longs deeply to hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:21)

Conclusion

I can say that prison is a painful experience, especially when I am here unjustly. But in and through this pain there is such joy because not only do I see these nine reasons for joy in suffering in the Scriptures, I see it in my life and in other lives impacted by my imprisonment.

So in my sufferings and imprisonment I greatly rejoice and so should you. “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.” (Philippians 2:17-18)

Introduction

Equipped with the bible, and in a cell 23 hours a day, you can read a lot of Scripture. Of interest, of course, are Paul’s letters written from prison. In fact, the Bible has much to say about imprisonment in both old and new testaments – something that stands out as I read it in my present circumstances.

One portion I want to draw to your attention is when Paul speaks about the shame of imprisonment in his second letter to Timothy. It’s no secret that Christians are divided as to how we should navigate such times. Pastors, like my self and others, are thought by some to bring great reproach and shame upon the church and our Lord. Others are not so sure what to think and so avoid speaking openly about it. I believe a similar reaction occurred when Paul was imprisoned by Roman authorities in his time.

Paul’s Letter to Timothy

After introduction and opening remarks, we come to the first command from Paul to Timothy in this, his second letter. “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner,” (2 Timothy 1:8).

Paul has to encourage and exhort Timothy not to shrink back from declaring the gospel, nor think Paul’s imprisonment a stain or embarrassment. Why? Because Paul is in prison for Christ and his teaching. In the verses that follow, explaining the gospel, Paul says, “which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed,“ (2 Timothy 1:12).

So Paul regards his imprisonment is for Christ, and is himself not ashamed of his position in Christ.

Now why would Timothy be tempted to be ashamed of Paul? Why would Paul stress that he is not ashamed of his imprisonment. After all, hasn’t imprisonment for Christ been seen as glorious in church history? Why the shame?

Chains of Shame

The letter continues and Paul says “You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.  May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:15-16)

This passage is instructive. Onesiphorus and his family were not ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment and continued to visit and encourage him, whereas others, including two men that Paul would have thought to stand by his side deserted him – presumably because they were ashamed of his imprisonment, unlike Onesiphorus.

So why would many be ashamed of Paul and leave him over his imprisonment? I would argue that the reason for the shame, and therefore a distancing with Paul, was because he had drawn the ire of the wider culture, but especially the authorities whom the culture respected.

In Acts 17, as Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica and caused no little disturbance the charges against them were clear: “they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” (Acts 17:7)

Here it is. The Christian profession, “Jesus is Lord,” will be problematic to a government that professes itself to be lord. Greeks, like Phygelus and Hermogenes, would have been raised in a culture where you honored and obeyed Caesar and they would have witnessed the consequences faced by political enemies. They could handle Jewish opposition to the faith, but here they are unable to handle their own culture’s shame. So they could embrace Jesus as Lord. They could handle Jesus as Savior. But when that made them enemies of the state – well, that was a line too far.

To be an enemy of the state would mean the loss of all comforts and privileges. Homes, lands, occupation, family, status, all gone. All of these came under the grip of the state and could all be lost.

Why else would we be ashamed of speaking truth? We are afraid of what we may lose. We may lose reputation; we may lose respect. We may lose friends. We may lose a promotion or employment.

Some things never change. Today, people are ashamed of those imprisoned for the lordship of Christ over his church because they are afraid to lose credibility, respect, and influence in the eyes of our culture and state.

When the government reflects the culture’s values – and ours certainly does – to be an enemy of the state will bring reproach. And bearing reproach and losing credibility and respect is something only a few – like faithful Onesiphorus – are prepared to do.

Conclusion

So let us not be ashamed of those imprisoned for Christ and his truth. Let’s be ready to suffer for Christ and his bride that he purchased with his own blood.

Grace and peace to my beloved brothers and sisters at Fairview Baptist Church. I bring you greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who loves us and gave his life for us. He is the great sovereign king who is building his church for our good and his glory.

My heart is full of joy as I hear of your steadfastness and love for the Lord Jesus. God is sanctifying you and the gospel is going forth from you. For this reason, I rejoice and thank God daily for you. I have received many letters from you and they have nourished my soul and magnified Christ in my heart. And your prayers for my joy amidst suffering have been answered by a merciful God. I rejoice that Christ is shown to be worthy and magnified above all earthly joys and comforts in my affliction. I rejoice that the gospel is reaching the ears of fellow prisoners – sinners so broken by sin, so needy for Christ. I rejoice that many have grown bold to make the name of Christ known. I rejoice that many have seen and heard of your love for my family and one another. The prisoners here have never heard or experienced such love that we have for each other – it draws them to see the loveliness of Christ. I rejoice that the testing of your faith has made known the value of Christ, the beauty of his church, and has increased to the glory of God. I rejoice that through this time of sifting in the church, you have passed the test.

I hope to join you soon. But in my absence continue to abound in prayer, thanksgiving, courage, and strive for holiness. Let us be purged from sinful desires that ensnare, and may God give us hearts that long to be like Christ as we live in this world of sin.

Treasure Christ today, brothers and sisters. He is a mighty savior. He is our shepherd and guide. He commissioned Moses through the burning bush. He was the rock in the wilderness that gave them living water. He was the one with Joshua during the conquest. He defeated the Assyrian army in Hezekiah’s day. He was with Daniel in Babylon. He came, died, and rose, making his salvation and glory known, and at his ascension promised that he would always be with us. Christ is with you today. Christ is with me. Our bread from heaven, our living water, Christ is our treasure and joy. We lack nothing and are more than conquerors in him. May he receive the worship due his name in your holy assembly.

Greet one another with holy affection. Welcome also my brother and fellow laborer, Jacob, and his wife.

Christ is worthy.

Pastor Tim.

Mr. Premier and MLAs,

I write this from my jail cell in the Calgary Remand Centre. The past week I’ve missed my wedding anniversary and Fathers’ Day. My children will remember this Fathers’ Day as a time when they wept over the phone as I did my best to stay composed before other inmates while expressing my love for my children.

Your government has wrongfully put me on the horns of a dilemma. Either I forsake my convictions before God, or I’m imprisoned for some unknown time, taken from my family and the church community I’m entrusted to serve. If I choose the former then I deny God, thus I’m left facing the consequences of the latter. My conscience is captive to the Word of God and shall not be moved.

I realize that you think it’s best to adapt or change religious practices to work within the confines of your overbearing rules, but to adapt or change what I believe God calls me to do is to deny what God has called me to do.

For example, I’m commanded by Jesus, who died to make me his own, to practice hospitality. In fact, as a pastor, this must be a defining mark of my life. Hospitality is the practice of welcoming guests into your home. A practice forbidden by your government for 6 months. When forced to choose between obeying God and obeying men, the choice is clear.

I’ve shared publicly, and on many occasions how our theological convictions, mined from never-changing Scripture, come into conflict with your ever-changing “laws.” AHS continues to make public statements that they tried “working” with us, which is shorthand for them seeking unbending compliance through greater threats of punishment. Not once has anyone in your government shown any interest in actually working with us.

You have said that we have access to our independent judiciary for such discussions. However, our courts continue to refrain from weighing in on the constitutionality of your health orders. AHS lawyers continue to argue that more time is needed to produce the evidence that your office says it is using to make these restrictions. The courts have not proved to be a timely option for us. Your government can get a court order within the week. We are waiting on a hearing set for the end of September that began with lawyers in December of last year. The dates have been pushed back numerous times.

Mr. Premier and elected MLAs, I’m pleading with you to uphold our highest laws to which you are held to account. Temporary public health orders do not supersede our Alberta Bill of Rights, nor our Candian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. I know that I am in the minority, but these laws are designed to protect the minority.

Mr. Premier, I know these restrictions will be lifted soon. I ask that you refrain from using imprisonment ever again to seek compliance to health orders. My imprisonment may be applauded by the left, but it has made Alberta the world-wide embarrassment of conservative governments.

As restrictions are lifted, return responsibility to the people of Alberta and return it for good. May this not be a pattern for your government in the future.

Thank you,

Tim Stephens

Pastor of Fairview Baptist Church

To my brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters at Fairview Baptist Church,

I love you with all my heart and long to be with you again in face-to-face fellowship.

I pray for you all each day, asking God to strengthen your faith, grow your love for each other, and to make you steadfast and immovable in your calling to put Christ above all. I thank God for you as it’s been reported to me that you’ve shown such love to my family during my imprisonment. I thank God that your love and your courage is going forth as a testimony, to the glory of Christ, and the beauty of his church.

I also thank God for your prayers for me. I am weak, but the Lord has strengthened me, and his grace is sustaining me through each and every day. I know that through your prayers and God’s lavish grace, that this time of suffering will build up his body, bring glory to himself, and sustain us in a place of joy.

When Paul was in prison, he wanted his books and parchments. I do gladly report that I do have a bible and notepad that I can keep in my cell. God’s word has been a refreshing spring to my soul as I’m reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness. The notepad allows me to record my thoughts and treasures from God’s word that make themselves known through times of suffering.

Over the past 16 months I have sought to shepherd the flock that God has entrusted to me. We’ve had to consider the Lordship of Christ and its implications. We’ve had to consider the role of the church and state. We had to work through issues of conscience and examine texts like Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2. And we had to do this in the face of opposition.

I have now been imprisoned for those very truths that I’ve learned from God’s word. I can no longer shepherd the flock as I once did, at least for a season. However, these truths are not mine, and neither are you. The Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus – he has taught us these truths and he has equipped us all for such a time as this. Christ IS building his church. He watches over you. He keeps you and strengthens you. Christ is your shepherd, and you are his body. Christ will also be a husband to my wife and a father to my children. My family is his family, and he will bountifully provide. In my absence, he will be glorified and will care for his own.

So, as you turn to him now in worship, praise him for his steadfast love and care. Praise him for his great salvation. Praise him that he is always with us and that nothing can separate us from his love. Praise him as creator. Praise him as king. Praise him for he is worthy.

Grace and peace. I love you and miss you.

Tim Stephens