When Words Lead to Death
Executed for Expression
The assassination of Charlie Kirk is an event of generational significance. There are many reasons why this is true. Just one of those reasons has to do with a shocking reality we must allow to sink deep into our minds.
Charlie Kirk’s public expression of truth led to his public execution.
Kirk’s wife is now a widow, and his children are fatherless because a ruthless man decided he would rather kill him than listen. Kirk’s alleged assassin believed the outspoken conservative was spreading hate. In the days since Kirk’s death, social media has been full of similar accusations that Kirk’s speech was evil, hateful, and dangerous.
Growing numbers of people are killing or threatening to kill other conservative voices. An attempt was made to kill President Trump not once but twice from those who disagreed with him. Transgender activists have now made multiple attacks on children at schools that embrace the biblical teaching on sexuality.
Sixth Commandment violations are not the exclusive property of liberals. Murder lies deep in the heart of every human being (Matthew 5:21-22). But there is also no denying that liberal voices warning of the so-called danger in conservative speech are the only ones assassinating people right now.
Suppressing the Truth
The reason for this is as ancient as sin. The Bible says every sinner suppresses the truth (Romans 1:18). Sinners are unable to embrace the truth they hate and so suppress it. Sinners can suppress the truth by stopping up their ears or by urging others to stop up theirs. The contemporary trend is to stop the mouths of those who share inconvenient truth. Charlie Kirk’s assassin was so obsessed with silencing him that he put a bullet through his throat.
This response is wicked, sad, and disgusting. It is also not new. Jesus is the best example of a preacher of truth that enemies were determined to silence with murder. After listening to his preaching, Jesus’s enemies did not decide to play nice. The Apostle Matthew says, “The chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas and plotted together in order to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him” (Matthew 26:3-4).
What was true in the ministry of Jesus is true today. When truth is hated, your words can get you killed.
Three different groups must respond to this reality.
For Those Who Deny the Truth
The first group that must respond are those who deny the truth. You must know that we live in a world where truth exists and is perfectly revealed in the Bible. It pleases God to proclaim his perfect message through imperfect messengers. That means we will always need to listen carefully, but the truth is obvious to anyone who wants to hear it. You must repent of your hatred of the truth (Luke 13:5). You must run to Jesus and trust in him to pay for your sins through his death on the cross. Your sinful desire to silence that message is further evidence of your need for it.
For Those Who Are Ashamed of the Truth
Some people really believe the truth but are worried about sharing it. They get nervous when other people tell the truth—especially when they do it in ways judged to be too provocative or confrontational. There is room for disagreement about how to communicate the truth with the most wisdom and love. But when the Prince of Peace calls his opponents a “brood of vipers,” none of us should get too cocky about our preference for tender tones (Matthew 12:34). Anyone who believes the truth but has silenced, scolded, or shamed bold proclaimers of it because of disagreements over style has given aid and comfort to the Enemy. Those of you who are shy about truth or nervous about differences in tone simply must begin to value substance over style.
For Those Who Preach the Truth
Others of you are preachers of the truth, or you want to be. Well, now is the time to recommit yourself to the greatest task in human history. Now is the time for you to be a proclaimer of the truth. It is time to herald the truth of God as powerfully as you can. You must preach the Word.
Preach it in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:1-4). Preach it when people want to hear and when they don’t. Preach it winsomely, lovingly, and persuasively (Proverbs 16:21). Preach it boldly, clearly, and with conviction (Acts 28:31). Preach it so loudly and clearly that your enemies will want to silence you, and the Devil will wish you were dead. Preach knowing that sometimes he will get his wish.
So we must also preach knowing that when your life is over, Jesus will say of you, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Preach knowing your enemies can never really silence one of God’s faithful witnesses because, in Christ, you can still speak when you’re dead (Hebrews 11:4).
We must keep preaching the truth because, though we are living in days when the truth is hated and death is abounding, there is a better, bigger, and higher principle at work. It comes from Jesus himself who says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live” (John 5:25).
Jesus speaks of a day when true words won’t only lead to death, but to eternal life.
That day is here. Sometimes, preachers must give their lives. But it is the only way to spread everlasting life. So, let’s preach as “dying men to dying men” knowing that Jesus himself will draw new life out of these dark days.
First Baptist Church is partnering with Turning Point USA to host a simulcast of the memorial service for Charlie Kirk on September 21st at 2pm EST. We are inviting all of Jacksonville to attend. There will be a live “Ask Anything” Q&A following the service with Dr. Heath Lambert. Please join us for this important moment and bring your questions.
