One of the questions that has been lingering in my mind as I’ve watched revival spread across the country is this: If Charlie had known ahead of time that his death would bring thousands—and maybe even millions—closer to Christ, would he have chosen martyrdom?
I believe he would have. Like the prophet Isaiah who cried out, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8), Charlie would have said, “Yes, Lord. Use me.” His whole life was already being poured out while he was living to bring the lost into a saving knowledge of Christ.
And yet, I also believe it was merciful that he didn’t know. Our humanity often falters at the thought of such a costly obedience. But God sees beyond our weakness and knows the true posture of our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). Some early Christian martyrs knew the cost as they were facing death and chose to stand firm, echoing the words of Job: Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.
God’s Appointed Days
Pastor Jack Hibbs reminded us in his sermon the Sunday after Charlie was murdered that God appointed Charlie’s 31 years. Psalm 139:16 tells us, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” God appointed Charlie for this very moment. He prepared Charlie, and now He will sustain Erika and hold her fast, who suffers a grief far deeper as she remains in a world still marred by sin and evil.
It is the paradox of the Christian life that even in tragedy and in the face of such monumental evil, we cling to the promise: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
We believe this promise and act in faith amid the paradox because we know God is both good and sovereign. He is good—never the author of evil, always working for the redemption of His people (James 1:17). And He is sovereign—ruling over history, over life and death, over nations and kings (Daniel 4:35, Job 42:2). That means even when evil strikes, it cannot overturn His purposes. His goodness assures us of His love, and His sovereignty assures us of His power.
Evil Does Not Prevail
Evil exists, but it does not prevail. The worst outcome by human reckoning—being murdered—still cannot overcome the victory we have in Christ. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus told us to expect to be reviled and persecuted, but that we will overcome because of Him.
Those outside of Christ cannot fathom this truth. It runs counter to our natural instincts of anger, wrath, and vengeance, and also a desire for a comfortable life. But Jesus told His disciples plainly: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Charlie lived that love, not only for his Lord but also for people he had never even met.
Justice and Hope
Charlie did not choose his death. Here is where we see both the grace of the gospel and the order of God’s design and delegated authority. Erika, in her grief, has spoken words of forgiveness toward the man who killed her husband—living out Christ’s command to forgive those who wrong us (Matthew 6:14, Luke 23:34). That forgiveness is real, and it is powerful. It is freedom for those who obey.
But forgiveness does not negate the need for justice. Scripture is clear that God has entrusted the governing authorities with the sword to restrain evil and punish wrongdoers: “For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4). The state bears responsibility to punish murder, even as the church and individual believers extend forgiveness. This paradox—grace for the sinner and justice for the crime—reflects both the mercy and holiness of God.
So even beyond justice, Charlie’s testimony reminds us that he lived in daily surrender. He embodied Paul’s words: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). And even if he had known what was ahead, I believe he would not have wavered.
The Question for Us
The greater question then is this: Would we choose Christ, even unto death?
The honest answer from our flesh is no. We don’t naturally strive to sacrifice, but we are called to daily. Jesus said plainly, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). We are not all called to be martyrs, but we are called to lay down our lives in a temporal but very real sense—to turn from our selfish desires, to pursue Christ, and to live for eternal things.
When we stand before the Lord one day—and we all will—what will matter? Nothing temporal: no wealth, no status, no possessions, no comfort, no opinions of others. The only thing that will matter is whether we have chosen Christ and lived for Him. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).
The Bible describes three judgments: the judgment of nations (Matthew 25:31–32), the judgment of salvation, and the judgment of sacrifice and service. The latter two are for individuals. Every person will stand before the throne of God, and the Book of Life will be opened to see whether our name is written in it as one who received the finished work of Christ and declared Him Lord (Revelation 20:12, 15). Then, for those who are saved—the Christians—we will be judged according to our deeds (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgement is after salvation. We are not saved because of our works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3;5), but Christians will be judged according to what we did with our talents (2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Romans 14:10-12).
What did we do with our lives? Did we live for ourselves, or did we live for Christ? That is the eternity-focused question. The real challenge is not only whether we would die for Christ, but whether we will live for Him each day.
This is why I am convinced Charlie would have chosen Christ even unto death because he was already choosing Christ in life. He had already sacrificed his life for the sake of the gospel and for God’s order for marriage and family. You can’t live selfishly when you live for God, family, and country before self.
In Christ, the Spirit empowers us to say, “He is my all in all”(Colossians 3:11). It is easy to accept salvation. It is harder to live differently. So, how will we live differently? Will we love more boldly, forgive more freely, speak the gospel more urgently, choose marriage and family, defend our values and country? Will we lay down our lives not just in the final moment, but in the daily choices of service and sacrifice?
That is the invitation Christ lays before us all. Choose Him, then live for Him.