I saw this anecdote on Jared Wilson’s blog the other day about John Chrysostom, an early church father. It beautifully illustrates the comprehensive victory we share in as those who belong to Christ, as well as the unconquerable nature of someone who has been significantly discipled in the way of Jesus. Enjoy!
In A.D. 404 John Chrysostom was brought in before the Roman emperor. The emperor threatened him with banishment if he remained a Christian.
Chrysostom responded, “You cannot banish me, for this world is my Father’s house.”
“But I will kill you,” said the emperor.
“No, you cannot, for my life is hid with Christ in God,” said Chrysostom.
“I will take away your treasures.”
“No, you cannot, for my treasure is in heaven and my heart is there.”
“But I will drive you away from your friends and you will have no one left.”
“No, you cannot, for I have a friend in heaven from whom you cannot separate me. I defy you, for there is nothing you can do to harm me.”
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Awesome stuff. I imagine this exchange with the emperor getting increasingly flustered with each statement, until after the last one, he just goes, "Agghhh!! Would you STOP that?!"