I recently finished Tortured for Christ, Richard Wurmbrand’s testimony of faith under fire in the Soviet Union.  

As a pastor, Wurmbrand refused to bend to the atheist forces of communism. Through unspeakable torture, solitary confinement, and cruel brainwashing Richard Wurmbrand demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to Christ and the gospel. Upon his miraculous release from prison, after 14 years, Wurmbrand founded the Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry that still ministers to the persecuted church today.

His story is the story of the brave men and women of the Underground Church who willingly suffered for the sake of Christ. If you read it, I think you’ll find Tortured for Christ both inspiring and profoundly convicting. 

The Relevance of Tortured for Christ Today

In a time when it’s “easy” to be an American Christian, Wurmbrand’s story stands as out as an example. Yet his story also reminds us of the sacrifices that committed Christians in America must make today, and hardship we will likely face in the years ahead. 

Born in Romania, Richard Wurmbrand was a self-described atheist. That is until he met Christ. When the Nazis overran Romania, in 1941, he experienced some persecution. But it was mild compared to what began under the Soviets three years later. 

After 14 years of imprisonment, Wurmbrand was released and traveled to the West to raise awareness for the persecuted church. 

Today, we’ll draw four lessons from this timeless work. 

1. Persecution Clarifies Life Purpose

When the Soviets took over Romania, many of the church leaders compromised, rather than pay the price. Just as many of the church leaders in Nazi Germany had caved to Hitler, so Romanians made Joseph Stalin the head of the Church, declaring that Christianity and Communism were the same. 

Richard Wurmbrand describes a state-run meeting he and his wife attended with the Romanian church leaders and Soviet officials. 

“One after another, bishops and pastors arose and declared that Communism and Christianity are fundamentally the same and could coexist. One minister after another said words of praise toward communism and assured the new government of the loyalty of the Church.” 

“My wife and I were present at this congress. Sabina told me, ‘Richard, stand up and wash away this shame from the face of Christ! They are spitting in His face.’ I said to her, ‘If I do so, you lose your husband.’ She replied, ‘I don’t wish to have a coward as a husband.'”

Wurmbrand spoke up, proclaiming that his loyalty lay, first to Christ, and then to the state. For that, he paid the price. 

A purpose consumed his life–to preach the gospel and build the church. For that purpose, Wurmbrand willingly suffered.

2. Persecution Repels False Converts

In America, it’s easy to be a Christan (although being a committed Christian is becoming harder).

Yet in Romania, no one became a Christian before first counting the cost. They took Christ’s admonition seriously, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). 

Over half of Americans profess Christ, yet how genuine is their faith? If real persecution came, how many would still identify as a “Christian?” Just consider how many popular “Christian” authors, leaders, and musicians have refused to uphold a biblical position on homosexuality. 

Unlike today’s “seeker-sensitive” churches and marketing campaigns, Wurmbrand’s message (the biblical message) didn’t focus on Christianity’s benefits. He didn’t say, “Accept Christ to have a better marriage,” “Christ will give you peace,” or “God has a wonderful plan for your life.” 

Instead, Wurmbrand preached, “Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!” Wurmbrand focused on God’s love, judgment, eternity, and salvation. Those who became “born again” did so with the knowledge that it might cost them their very lives. 

3. The Gospel Impacts All of Life

Wurmbrand knew that he couldn’t preach the gospel without also denouncing communism. “Some tell me, ‘Preach the pure gospel!’ This reminds me that the Communist secret police also told me to preach Christ, but not to mention communism. Is it really so, that those who are for what is called ‘a pure gospel’ are inspired by the same spirit as those of the Communist secret police?”

Like John the Baptist, who rebuked Herod, Wurmbrand understood that the message of Christ impacts all areas of life, including government. 

4. Persecution Creates Better Christians  

As Peter wrote, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:7).

Through beatings, torture, and solitary confinement, Wurmbrand learned to rely on Christ. Through Christ’s power, he hated communism while loving and forgiving his tormentors, the Communists. 

Notable Quotes

• “Persecution has always produced a better Christian–a witnessing Christian, a soul-winning Christian.”
• “I have found truly joyful Christians only in the Bible, in the underground church, and in prison.”
• They [the Communists] knew that if a man believed in Christ, he would never be a mindless, willing subject. They knew they could imprison the physical body, but they couldn’t imprison a man’s spirit–his faith in God.
• “A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is willing to die for.”
• “I have never met a single lukewarm Russian Christian.”
• “Persecution is not, nor ever will be, foreign to the Church on this earth.”

Questions for Today

The persecuted church demonstrates a level of commitment seemingly lacking in America. The book demands a verdict, a level of honest coming to grips with the uncomfortable truth. 

• Do we in America even understand what it means to suffer for Christ?
• Do we empathize, aid, and prayer for the persecuted church? Can we feel their pain?
• How are we preparing for persecution today?

Non-believers are watching to see how committed we actually are.

• Are we willing to social standing and face ridicule for the cause of Christ?
• What are we willing to die for? Are we ready to die to self every day?
• Will we stand up for the truth, even when doing so carries consequences?
• Are we consumed with the gospel and the message of Christ? 
• How highly do we value God’s Word?

Wurmbrand stands as one of many examples testifying that ordinary individuals can conquer through the power of Christ. If you’ve not read it already, I highly encourage you to get this book. I think it will remind you what it truly means to live for Christ. 

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake.” –Philippians 1:29

Question: What can suffering for Christ look like in America?