Reflection of the Chinese Church

Recently, in conversations with some American Christian friends, I realized that many of them only have a vague idea about the lack of freedom in China—for example, that people cannot use Google or access foreign news. But when we told them that in China, if Christians read or study the Bible in public, they may be considered as engaging in “illegal evangelism” and could be taken away by the police, they were utterly shocked. Furthermore, a large number of Christians are imprisoned under charges such as “fraud,” “illegal business operations,” or “subversion of state power.” I believe this is a huge information gap. I feel a responsibility to let more people know what is happening in China, to expose the truth, and to awaken those deceived by lies—so that they may pray for justice and righteousness to come soon upon that beautiful land.

 I. The Historical Background of the Chinese Church

After the Communist Party came to power in 1949, the Chinese church entered a new situation. The Three-Self Patriotic Movement and the so-called “Sinicization of Christianity” gradually took shape. Many believers who insisted on Christ as the only Head chose to walk the way of the cross through house churches.

 At the same time, I also believe that a portion of the Three-Self churches in China still carry responsibility and a sense of calling. Some believers there press forward under persecution, bearing the mission of church revival. Of course, this excludes the false Christs and false pastors who acknowledge the CCP as their head.

In China, “freedom of religion” is conditional. The Three-Self churches are approved and registered by the Communist Party, functioning almost like corporations under the Party’s control. Pastors must be examined and approved by the CCP. They are first tested on Party policies and religious regulations, and only with CCP approval can they serve as pastors in the Three-Self church.

 Since then, the central struggle and dilemma for the Chinese church has always been: Will we follow the Party, or follow the Lord? In other words, will your theology determine your political view, or will your political view determine your theology?

If the regime becomes the supreme ruler of daily life—able to determine life, death, and human behavior—then it changes your relationship with God. But if you acknowledge there is a sovereign God who rules over all things and the souls of men, then your relationship with the regime will also be reshaped. For a Christian, this is literally a matter of life and death.

 

II. The Conflict Between the Regime and the Church

China entered a highly centralized totalitarian system. The CCP, as a thoroughly atheistic regime, seeks not only to control people’s bodies but also their souls. Such a situation is exceedingly rare in the 2,000-year history of the church and brings immense pressure on Christians.

 As early as 1948–1949, just before the CCP took over the cities, church leaders and missionaries had already held emergency meetings. Some were optimistic, but others—such as missionary Marcus Cheng (Bi Fanyu) of Shanghai International Church—clearly pointed out that communism is inherently atheistic and dictatorial. They unanimously agreed: even if persecution comes, the church must never stop gathering. Rather, it should return to the model of the early church—meeting in homes, in the open fields, or in caves—holding fast to Christ as the Head.

 

III. Recent Persecution of the Church by the CCP

 Zhejiang Cross Demolition Campaign (2014–2016): Over 1,200 church crosses were forcibly removed.

Demolition of Sanjiang Church in Hangzhou (2014–2015): Even legal Three-Self churches were torn down.

Bible Confiscations and Ban on Minors (2018): Bibles removed from sale, minors forbidden to enter churches.

Crackdown on Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu (2018): Pastor Wang Yi sentenced to 9 years; more than 100 believers arrested.

“Sinicization of Religion” Campaign (2016–present): Churches forced to hang national flags; the Bible altered.

Closure of Pingshan Church in Shenzhen (2019): Attacked under the accusation of “illegal gathering.”

Worship Halted During COVID-19 (2020–2022): Religious venues closed for long periods; online gatherings tightly controlled.

Cross Demolitions in Anhui, Jiangxi, and Fujian (2020–2021): Even small rural churches were not spared.

 

IV. Christians and Rights Defenders Imprisoned

 

Pastor Wang Xiaoguang: Leader of Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen, Shanxi. Sentenced to 9 years and 7 months. His wife Yang Rongli sentenced to 15 years.

 

Pastor Wang Yi: Senior pastor of Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu. Convicted of “inciting to subvert state power” and “illegal business operations,” sentenced to 9 years.

 

Lawyer Gao Zhisheng: A renowned Christian human rights lawyer. For years he defended the marginalized, but was repeatedly kidnapped and tortured. Missing since 2017.

 

These are only the tip of the iceberg. Currently, there are more than 4,000 political and conscience prisoners in China, including a large number of pastors, elders, preachers, and ordinary believers arrested for their faith in Christ.

 

V. Conclusion and Testimony

 

If a country still has political prisoners, then no matter how materially prosperous it appears, it remains dark and backward. The Chinese constitution claims to guarantee the people’s freedoms and rights, but in reality these articles are nothing more than empty slogans.

 

I once felt proud of China’s high-speed rail and skyscrapers, but now I see the lies and oppression hidden behind the prosperity. My heart is filled with pain and indignation. This has only strengthened my resolve to speak out for truth and justice, to help more people see the facts, and to awaken those who have been deceived by lies.

 

The CCP regime is essentially dark, and it fears the light of truth. As John 1:5 says: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Darkness cannot forever conceal the true light! We are called to be light and salt—to witness courageously and never compromise with darkness.

 

The regime of the CCP will inevitably collapse, because it is built on lies and violence, not on truth and justice. Righteousness will surely be revealed, and truth will surely triumph. May we rely on the Lord Jesus to be strong and courageous until the day when the darkness is completely scattered by the true Light.

 

Finally, let us pray for all our brothers and sisters, rights defenders, and lawyers in China who are bound for their faith and pursuit of justice.

 

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, full of mercy and righteousness,

Today we come together before Your throne of grace, crying out for all brothers and sisters, rights defenders, and lawyers in China who suffer for their faith and pursuit of justice.

 

Lord, You know their situation:

Some are behind bars, some beaten and tortured, some have been missing for many years while their families long for their safe return.

They suffer not because of wrongdoing, but because they uphold conscience, proclaim truth, defend the weak, and bear witness to Christ.

 

Lord, may You personally comfort their hearts. In their loneliness and suffering, grant them heavenly peace and strength.

As the Psalm says: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) May You be their light in darkness and their refuge in trouble.

 

Lord, we also pray for their persecutors. Have mercy on these rulers, granting them repentance, that they may understand that earthly power is limited, and only Your Kingdom endures forever.

As Daniel says: “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21) May all unjust regimes be torn down, and may Your righteousness roll on like a mighty river across China.

Lord, please watch over their families, providing daily bread and heavenly comfort, so that they do not lose hope.

May they continue to witness Christ’s glory in hardship, so that many others may turn to You because of their faith.

Father, we firmly believe: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

May Your true light shine upon the land of China, may Your gospel flourish, may Your church be free, and may Your Kingdom come.

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ we pray,

Amen.