The whole idea of martyrdom in respect to those who die in Christ has set up a false gospel . We know the first witness (martyr) Abel .The word does not mean dead . But again simply witness. all witnesses die of old age. . we can seek the living witnesses as it is written.. And put on to keep on the armor of God.
Many sects define martyr as those that died as a special reward. . We all receive the same reward eternal life in new incorruptible bodies.
When a believer dies it does not change the meaning of the word "witness." . All in Adam (flesh and blood) die. . a witness that they had no salvation. .
There is no law that states ; if they would not renounce their beliefs they will die. That was simply a oral tradition of men .. . venerate puffed up those who die.
The word "witness" as a martyr like many words can be used as a blessing of God . . . or a curse, earthly of the devil,
God's doctrines inspired from above coming down like rain or . . . . . earthy inspired after the wisdom or god of this world . . .they must be rightly divided. .
Below the father of lies used it as a way of cursing the true witness, the word of God. . . as false martyr (Saul the false apostle. ) murdering the true unseen witness the Holy Spirit working in the true martyrs. .
Acts 7:58 And cast
him out of the city, and stoned
him: and the
witnesses laid down
their clothes at a
young man's feet, whose name was
Saul.
Therefore establishing Saul as a approval martyr. (witnness) or today called patron saints.(3500 and rising) as to their teaching on martyrdom.
Hebrews 11:4 By
faith Abel offered unto
God a more excellent sacrifice than
Cain, by which
he obtained
witness (martyr) that
he was
righteous, God testifying of
his gifts: and by
it he being
dead yet
speaketh.