From 249-262, for 13 long years, the Roman Empire experienced a plague that consumed an estimated 5,000 lives per day. In the western region of the Roman Empire, a Christian pastor named Cyprian encouraged his congregation through a treatise titled: The Mortality. In it, he helps those facing the fear of plague by reminding them of the hope God has brought into the world through Christ - a hope that conquerors the grave removing the sting of death. Because of Christ, we have certainty as we face what seems like uncertain days. Because of Christ, we have the assurance of eternity that he has both brought near and is bringing near to the world. The worst of circumstances cannot thwart the purpose of his plan. God intends to bring the world to Christ. Trials and difficulty only serve to secure the hope of those who are in Christ.
I want to bring a few highlights from Cyprian's Treatise to you. Be encouraged by these hope-filled words.
Cyprian begins by assuring believers of their steadfast hope in Christ and warns them to respond well in these times so that they might be "found worthy of God and of Christ.” He says, "
Although in a very many of you, dearly beloved brethren, there is a steadfast mind and a firm faith, and a devoted spirit that is not disturbed at the frequency of this present mortality, but, like a strong and stable rock, rather shatters the turbulent insets of this world and the raging waves of time, while it is not itself shattered, and is not overcome butt tried by these temptations; … the slothfulness of a luxurious disposition must be restrained, and he who has begun to be already a man of God and of Christ, must be found worthy of God and of Christ. (Cyprian, Treatise VII.1, ANF, 469)
Cyprian then reminds us that Jesus warned us of difficult days that would come. Cyprian says,
For he who wars for God, dearest brethren, ought to acknowledge himself as one who, placed in the heavenly camp, already hopes for divine things, so that we may have no trembling at the storms and whirlwinds of the world, and no disturbance, since the Lord had foretold that these would come. With the exhortation of His fore-seeing word, instructing, and teaching, and preparing, and strengthening the people of His Church for all endurance of things to come, He predicted and said that wars, and famines, and earthquakes, and pestilences would arise in each place; and lest an unexpected and new dread of mischiefs should shake us, He previously warned us that adversity would increase more and more in the last times. Behold, the very things occur which were spoken; and since those occur which were foretold before, whatever things were promised will also follow; as the Lord Himself promises, saying, But when you see all these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is at hand. Luke 21:31 The kingdom of God, beloved brethren, is beginning to be at hand; the reward of life, and the rejoicing of eternal salvation, and the perpetual gladness and possession lately lost of paradise, are now coming, with the passing away of the world; already heavenly things are taking the place of earthly, and great things of small, and eternal things of things that fade away. What room is there here for anxiety and solicitude? Who, in the midst of these things, is trembling and sad, except he who is without hope and faith? For it is for him to fear death who is not willing to go to Christ. It is for him to be unwilling to go to Christ who does not believe that he is about to reign with Christ. (VII.2. ANF, 469)
In other words, “The fear and faith of God ought to make you prepared for everything.” (VII.12, ANF, 472)
Present trials only serve to further prove our faith in God. Cyprian says,
This, in short, is the difference between us and others who know not God, that in misfortune they complain and murmur, while adversity does not call us away from the truth but strengthens us by its suffering.” (13, 472) This situation is, “profitable as a proof of faith” and, we who hope in God “are not to lie prostrate with those who have no hope in God; but rather to rejoice, and to embrace the benefit of the occasion; that in thus bravely showing forth our faith, and by suffering endured, going forward to Christ by the narrow way that Christ trod, we may receive the reward of his life and faith according to his own judgment! (VII.14, ANF, 472)
Unlike unbelievers, believers have no fear of death.
Assuredly he may fear to die, who, not being regenerated of water and the Spirit, is delivered over to the fires of Gehenna; he may fear to die who is not enrolled in the cross and passion of Christ; he may fear to die, who from this death shall pass over to a second death; he may fear to die, whom on his departure from this world eternal flame shall torment with never-ending punishments; he may fear to die who has this advantage in a lengthened delay, that in the meanwhile his groanings and his anguish are being postponed. (VII.14, ANF, 472)
Exposing the often conflict of our souls, Cyprian exhorts, "
Why, then, do we pray and ask that the kingdom of heaven may come, if the captivity of earth delights us? Why with frequently repeated prayers do we entreat and beg that the day of His kingdom may hasten, if our greater desires and stronger wishes are to obey the devil here, rather than to reign with Christ? (VII.18, ANF, 473)
“If we believe in Christ, let us have faith in His words and promises; and since we shall not die eternally, let us come with a glad security unto Christ, with whom we are both to conqueror and reign forever.” (21, 474)
In contrast to a world that is passing away, Cyprian encourages us to prepare for the whole will of God. He says, “Rather, beloved brethren, with a sound mind, with a firm faith, with a robust virtue, let us prepare for the whole will of God.” Here is how we prepare: “Laying aside the fear of death, let us think on the immortality that follows.” (VII.24, ANF, 475)
“What a pleasure is there in the heavenly kingdom, without fear of death; and how lofty and perpetual happiness with eternity of living!” (VII.26, ANF, 475)
May the last words in Cyprian’s Treatise be true of us during these days:
“May God behold this our eager desire; may the Lord look upon this purpose of our mind and faith, He who will give the larger rewards of His glory to show those whose desires in respect of Himself were greater! (VII.26, ANF, 475)