How many modern Christians who have been taught for decades would stay faithful if persecution meant giving up their lives?
No specific number is given. The implied answer is that many modern professing Christians, even after decades of instruction, might not stay faithful if persecution meant giving up their lives. The result would likely be fewer than expected and would surprise many who consider their own congregations.
Les teaches from the contrast between new believers and modern Christianity. Those newly saved out of paganism died for their faith rather than go back into it, though he says it would seem awful easy to do. Paul's converts not only in Galatia but in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, and Rome immediately came under persecution. By contrast, he asks how many professing Christians today, even after being taught and tutored for 25, 30, or 40 years, would stay with it if persecution put their life on the line. He tells listeners to look over their congregation next Sunday and ask how many would go with us if a heavy hand of persecution fell and they had to literally give up their life for their faith, concluding, “I think we'd be kind of surprised.” He also notes Paul did not really encourage marriage because it is easier to die for your faith if single than if you have a loved one to worry about.