Martyrdom and the furtherance of God’s plan

Abstract

This work deals with how God’s plan is furthered through the martyrdom event. It examines the significance of martyrdom for all participants and observers (or later learners) of the event – namely, for the martyr himself or herself, for the persecutor, for God, for Satan, and for both believing and unbelieving observers. It can be demonstrated that in every case martyrdom advances God’s plan by either bringing Him glory, or by enhancing people’s relationship with Him.