John Lawrence had everything to live for; he was in love and engaged to be married. He had been a Christian minister for eighteen years and got great satisfaction from his daily work in the local parish. As far as he could see, the future looked bright ahead - with many years of happiness amongst the people he loved.
Yet his greatest joy was to know that his sins were forgiven; that he had been reconciled to Almighty God through the shed Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary. He loved to share this Gospel message with the poor and needy people who made up his congregation, and showed a special concern for the young children. All too soon they would be able to repay this kindness, in his hour of need.
Though little is known about John Lawrence, his faith and his testimony are not forgotten. No matter what his situation and circumstances were really like, there was soon to be a dramatic change in his life - when Mary Tudor became Queen. She was a staunch Roman Catholic and expected everyone else to follow her beliefs; woe betide those who refused! A few people had the courage to do so, and John Lawrence stood with them. He would not worship the Virgin Mary, he would worship God alone; nor would he celebrate the daily mass, but thanked God for the unique sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary, 1500 years before. For shunning this false religion, he had to face the blind hatred of both 'church' and state. Despite the risk he was taking, he was ready to give up everything and bear any punishment, for his love of the Lord.
John Lawrence was arrested with two others and held in Newgate prison, in London. On the 8th of February 1555 they were questioned by Bishop Bonner who demanded to know why they refused to celebrate the mass in defiance of their queen. Lawrence steadfastly refuted the false doctrine of the mass, maintaining his own convictions in accordance with the Scriptures. Bonner made no threats but suggested they reconsider their position. Refreshed by sleep and prayer, Lawrence was brought before Bonner early next morning. Ordered to deny Christ and embrace Roman Catholicism, he could only answer that his conscience would not let him. Bonner had the greatest contempt for Lawrence, as an ordained minister, and singled him out for personal attention. He received a simple reply; the mass was a deceitful misrepresentation of Christ's finished work at Calvary, and all who took part were idolaters. The bishop's tone quickly changed when his patience ran out; he began to threaten violence, but his captives stood firm. That very afternoon, his final attempts to make Lawrence change his position proved fruitless. Bonner saw that both his 'fair flatterings' and 'cruel threatenings' were useless, and all three were sentenced to death.
Thus condemned, John Lawrence and his two faithful companions were handed over to the Sheriffs of London and again imprisoned at Newgate. There they remained to await their death, full of the joy of the Lord and with God's peace in their hearts. Like others before them they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for their Lord.
On the 29th of March, John Lawrence was brought to Colchester. No one knows whether he was able to say a last farewell to his fiancee, or to other believers, but they would have heard of his plight. No doubt they constantly prayed for him to remain steadfast, as they prepared to face possible persecution, themselves. All of them realised that it was far better to die for Christ than to try and live without Him.
John Lawrence was carried to his execution on a wooden chair; after 48 days in prison, wearing heavy irons, he could neither walk nor stand. The gathering crowds watched as he was tied to the stake, still seated on the chair, and the fire lit. Whilst the flames consumed him, his heart was comforted by the little children who ran forward, crying - 'The Lord strengthen Thy servant and keep Thy promise.' With such encouragement, he parted this life to be with his Lord.
The Church of Rome was soon to lose these ruthless secular powers, but through the years it has become a much more subtle opponent of God's Truth. Many new doctrines have been added that even John Lawrence was not required to believe! Yet others now can freely preach the true Gospel message:
'So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.' Hebrews 9:28
John Lawrence had everything to live for, but found something far better to die for. Do you know that inner peace and assurance of trusting for Salvation in Christ Jesus alone?