As part of Jesus' comforting His disciples (past and present) just before His death, He takes the opportunity to warn them that persecution will surely be the lot of those who follow Him. Under even the best of times, God's people are not immune to persecution. On the positive side, persecution for the sake of righteousness is clear evidence that God's people have the Spirit of Christ. Conversely, lack of persecution could indicate that one has compromised with the world's evil standards. Just as the people in the world intensely hated Jesus Christ, they will also hate intensely those whom the Father has called and drawn to Christ, who keep both the words and works of Christ. In the Beatitudes, Christ promises great rewards to those who suffer persecution for His sake. Both Peter and Paul forewarn that fiery trials and persecutions will be the standard fare of Christ's followers. Sadly, as Jesus warned God's people, the most grievous trials will come from religious people who think they are doing God's work by murdering them. Persecution and even martyrdom demonstrate loyalty to God, providing a powerful witness to those not yet called. Just as their ancient forbears, God's people must stand by the doctrines proclaimed in the Scriptures and faithfully guard the truth.