M’ARTYR, noun [Gr. a witness.] One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel. Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

To be a martyr signifies only to witness the truth of Christ.

1. One who suffers death in defense of any cause. We say, a man dies a martyr to his political principles or to the cause of liberty.

M’ARTYR, verb transitive To put to death for adhering to what one believes to be the truth; to sacrifice one on account of his faith or profession.

1. To murder; to destroy.

By this definition, Charlie Kirk is a martyr.

• They made him a martyr when they murdered him for his beliefs.
• His beliefs, as stated by himself thousands of times, publicly on the internet (and in person for thousands, as well), were founded and grounded in the biblical Christian faith.

He could also be called a political martyr, but we all know it wasn’t really about politics… it was about Jesus. While he was a powerful voice in politics, it was not his views on non-Christian topics that they hated him for. He was a preacher more than he was a politician. He was bringing revival to young adults because he knew lasting change only comes through Jesus. 

• He was known for speaking the Gospel Truth, first and foremost.
• He spoke the truth on major so-called political issues from a biblical perspective.

The truth is:

• Abortion is not only a political issue; it is a moral one.
• Marriage is not only a political issue; it is a moral one.
• The truth about male/female biology is not only a scientific issue, but also a moral one.
• Racism is not a political issue; it is a moral one.
• Sin is not a political issue; it is a moral one.

When he entered the college campuses, where young adults are told to live in depravity without any guilt or shame, and he spoke the truth … the demons were angered.

When men are told the truth about their wretchedness, they are faced with reality. They will either be broken by their sin, repent (agree with God’s Word, have sorrow over their sin), believe that Jesus loved them and died for them in their place so that they can be at peace with God, receive His Holy Spirit, and walk in new life, seeking to know Him more … or, they reject Him, making themselves and their fleshly pleasures a god, and become even more separated from God by their sin, aligning themselves with the devil.

“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Corinthians 7: 10 

Yes, Charlie discussed and stood for American, Conservative, and Patriotic values. Yes, he had strong views about government, was very knowledgeable about the Constitution, and cared deeply about the state of the Nation. But, those were secondary to his Faith, his love for lost souls, his desire to share the greatest freedom and liberty found only in Jesus Christ. He actively practiced and defended the First Amendment so that he could share the Gospel.

And that’s why they murdered him, making him a martyr.

Not a prophet, not an apostle, not an angel, not a god/savior, not a king, not someone to worship – but a martyr in every sense of the word (and a Preacher of the Gospel). I do not believe he was a prophet or apostle, based on the following definitions.

Prophet definition. PROPH’ET, noun [Latin propheta.]

1. One that foretells future events; a predictor; a foreteller.

2. In Scripture, a person illuminated, inspired, or instructed by God to announce future events, as Moses, Elijah, David, Isaiah, etc.

3. An interpreter; one who explains or communicates sentiments. Exodus 7:1.

4. One who pretends to foretell; an imposter; as a false prophet Acts 13:6.

Apostle definition. APOS’TLE, noun [Latin apostalus; Gr. to send away, to send.]

A person deputed to execute some important business, but appropriately, a disciple of Christ was commissioned to preach the gospel. Twelve persons were selected by Christ for this purpose, and Judas, one of the number, proving an apostate, his place was supplied by Matthias. Acts 1:2.

1 Timothy 6:

¹¹ But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹² Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

¹⁷ Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

¹⁸ That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

¹⁹ Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

If you disagree, I challenge you to spend some time watching him speak – in full. Do not watch brief clips; watch entire conversations that he had. 

Matthew 16: 25-27 KJV

²⁵ For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

²⁶ For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

²⁷ For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Charlie surrendered his life to Christ and the will of God, both spiritually and practically. He was not perfect, but he is an amazing example of biblical manhood that I hope inspires men (and, of course, women) for generations to come to dedicate themselves to the Lord.

Mark 1:15 … repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Personal Thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s Martyrdom

I told my sons, you do not have to “do” exactly what Charlie did to make a difference (be a speaker, debate, build an online platform, go to colleges, etc.). He had his gifts, you have yours. But whatever you do should come from the same “why” that he had (a life surrendered to Jesus, seeking God’s will with sincerity, walking in integrity, living unashamed for Him, loving souls, etc.).

Romans 1:16  ^“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

I felt a deep sense of personal grief when Charlie died. I know so many people did/do. I have experienced a fair share of grief (my mom and two of my children are in heaven). I was shocked by the depth of grief a “stranger’s” death brought me. I believe it is because he is a brother-in-Christ, our spirits testify with his, and he was martyred for all of us to see. The weight of his death is overwhelming, and we grieve with his family. But I believe God is using his life and death for His glory.

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

Just watch the memorial for Charlie. I was brought to tears and had goosebumps during the worship. I was deeply encouraged during the speaking where Jesus Christ was declared as LORD again and again. 

I was reminded that God is good, Jesus is faithful, and we are not alone! God is Sovereign, Christ is King, we are redeemed – by His grace and work! 

Charlie was doing what God called him to do. He was doing what I personally had prayed for – being a strong, truly godly, role model for (my) boys! May we keep our eyes on eternity while living our lives for God. Let us be strong and courageous.

“Thy will be done.”

In memory of Charles James Kirk, 10.14.93 – 9.10.25. 

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15