Why the Church Outlived Empires: The Power of Holiness and Why It’s Essential for the Postmodern Church
Empires rise and fall, but the Church remains. Discover how the holiness of God’s people, not politics, keeps the Church standing through every age.
Empires Don’t Last — Holiness Does
Throughout history, empires like Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome dominated the world with power, military strength, and influence.
Today? These empires are ruins and relics.
But the Church of Jesus Christ still stands strong, outlasting every empire and system. Why? Because holiness, not politics, is the true power that preserves the Church.
In today’s Postmodern Church, we face new pressures and challenges to conform. Governments attempt to silence the voice of the Church, but the true power of holiness has always and will always endure.
The Roman Lesson: How the Church Survived and Flourished
Rome didn’t fall because Christians stormed the Senate. It collapsed under the weight of internal corruption.
The Church survived because it refused to become like Rome.
In a world filled with lust, greed, and fear, Christians lived counter-culturally. They were pure in a culture of sin, generous in a world of selfishness, and fearless in an empire of intimidation. Rome couldn’t erase them. They became the conscience of the empire.
The Postmodern Church must learn from this: holiness is what sets us apart and gives us strength in any culture.
Holiness Is the True Power of the Church
Holiness isn’t about legalism. It’s about being set apart for God’s purpose. Holiness is what made the early Church unstoppable.
- While emperors were assassinated, the Church discipled quietly.
- While empires burned in political feuds, Christians cared for the sick and buried the dead—even pagans.
- While societies thrived on exploitation, Christians welcomed the marginalized.
Holiness became a living protest. It wasn’t just a private matter—it was the Church’s true power.
The Danger of Compromising Holiness for Influence
Whenever the Church compromises holiness for political access, it loses both.
Influence without holiness becomes corruption disguised as righteousness. The early Church didn’t need political influence to shape society. They influenced the world by living holy lives and preaching Christ crucified.
The Postmodern Church must understand that holiness is our true power. Compromising for cultural or political influence leads to losing both.
Government Restrictions on Christianity: A Modern Threat
In the Postmodern era, governments are using laws to silence the Church and its message of truth. These laws target the public expression of Christianity, aiming to remove any traces of the Gospel from public life. Some examples include:
- No public preaching: Laws that restrict preaching the Gospel in public spaces or limit religious speech.
- No prayers or devotions in public institutions: Schools no longer allow Christian prayers or morning devotions, erasing the opportunity for students to engage in spiritual formation.
- Removal of Christian teachings: Christian religious studies are being removed from school curriculums, leaving students with no exposure to Biblical values and teachings.
- Restrictions on Christian gatherings: Some governments impose fines or restrictions on church gatherings, especially during times of political unrest.
But this isn’t the first time the Church has been targeted. Ancient Christians faced similar suppression, yet they survived and thrived because holiness was their foundation.
How the Early Church Survived and Thrived
The ancient Church faced immense persecution under the hands of powerful empires like Rome, but it survived righteousness in the face of adversity. Here’s how they did it:
- Persecution in the Catacombs: Christians were driven underground, meeting secretly in catacombs to worship and fellowship. They weren’t silenced—they worshipped in hidden places.
- Imprisonment and Martyrdom: Many Christians were thrown into prisons and lion’s dens, yet their faith remained unwavering. They didn’t compromise; they endured with purity.
- The Desert Fathers: Some Christians retreated to the deserts to live in solitude, focusing on holiness and prayer, far from the distractions of a hostile world. Their lives of purity and devotion still influence us today.
Despite political oppression, holiness was the anchor that kept the Church going. They didn’t need political influence; they needed a holy life set apart for God’s use.
Lessons for the Postmodern Church
Here’s how the Postmodern Church can apply the lessons from the early Church:
- Holiness is the Strategy: No campaign, cultural trend, or political alliance can replace the power of a holy life.
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” — 1 Peter 1:15 - Purity Preaches Louder Than Platforms: The world listens more to how we live than what we say. If we live according to God’s Word, the world will take notice.
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 - Empires Fade—Eternity Doesn’t: Our mission must be anchored in eternity, not the temporary systems of this world.
“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” — Mark 1:15 - Don’t Fear Losing Influence: Fear losing your saltiness. Jesus said if salt loses its savor, it’s useless (Matthew 5:13).
Holiness is what makes the Church effective, not political or cultural power.
The Hidden Mystery of Holiness
Holiness frustrates the plans of the wicked because it cannot be manipulated. Governments fear holiness because they cannot control it.
God delights in holiness because it reflects His nature. It is the true power of the Church, whether in the catacombs or in today’s postmodern society.
“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.” — Leviticus 11:44
Reflective Question:
When the political landscape changes in your nation—will your witness still stand? Or have you tied your faith too tightly to the survival of an empire?
Holiness is the power that preserves the Church in any generation, not political influence. The Postmodern Church must live differently, without compromise, and not fear standing apart from the world’s systems.
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