PHOENIX, Ariz. — On September 21, thousands gathered in Phoenix — and millions more watched around the world — to honor the life and faith of Charlie Kirk. What unfolded was less a funeral than a sweeping declaration of the Christian Gospel.
For many believers, the event marked one of the most consequential public calls to Christ in recent memory. Yet, critics who remained silent or spoke against it have drawn sharp rebuke. The message: if you claim to be Christian but could not join in gratitude, it may be time to “check your soul.”
A Global Witness
The scale of the memorial was extraordinary. More than 100,000 attendees joined in worship songs filled with Scripture, while hundreds of millions tuned in worldwide. From Saudi Arabia to San Francisco, Myanmar to Memphis, voices lifted in testimony about Christ’s atonement and resurrection.
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Speaker after speaker pointed to the biblical promise from Romans 10: that all who “confess with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God has raised him from the dead will be saved.”
For those who scoffed at the service, many Christians asked: what is wrong with you?
Messages from Leaders
The service drew notable leaders from across government and ministry, each testifying to faith in Christ.
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Pastor Rob McCoy preached that Jesus is the “savior of the world” and that his death was “sufficient for all the world’s sins, but only efficient for those who receive him as savior.”
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Vice President J.D. Vance spoke of the “truth of Scripture” and an “unshakable belief in the Gospel.”
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that all people were created by God, but sin separated humanity from the Creator. He reminded listeners that Jesus “rose unlike any mortal man” to secure salvation for all who confess their sins.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proclaimed, “Only Christ is king.” He urged the audience to put Christ first, declaring, “There is a God, and as Charlie would say, it is not us. We’re sinners saved only by grace.”
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Apologist Frank Turek clarified that salvation is not earned by sacrifice, but by accepting the sacrifice of Christ himself. He contrasted justice with grace: “We either get justice, or we get grace. The only way to get grace is through Christ.”
Together, their testimonies painted a vivid picture of a government and a community united in proclaiming Jesus as Lord.
Core Themes
Throughout the service, key themes echoed again and again:
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The exaltation of marriage, family, and children as sacred institutions.
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Romans 13 cited as the model of good government.
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Spiritual warfare declared against the forces of evil.
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Promises of perseverance for Christ and his church, no matter the cost.
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Calls to repentance, forgiveness, and accountability.
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Continuous declarations of Jesus as Lord and God.
Perhaps most striking was Erika Kirk’s public forgiveness of her husband’s killer — a moment that embodied the heart of the Gospel message preached that day.
Contrast With the World
For many viewers, the service highlighted a stark contrast: between those who riot in the streets and those who bow in worship before Christ. The memorial was framed not only as a tribute to Charlie Kirk’s life but also as a spiritual marker for a nation and a world watching.
“My goodness,” one speaker exclaimed, “the nations of the world just heard from the secretary of defense, the secretary of state, and the vice president of the United States that Jesus is the only way, the truth, and the life.”
A Call to Christians
The criticism — or silence — from some progressive Christians has been met with sharp disapproval. The message from the memorial’s supporters was blunt:
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If politics or dislike of Trump prevented you from acknowledging the Gospel proclaimed, you should repent.
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If you remained silent because of cynicism or fear of association, your silence “screams” louder than words.
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If you believe yourself above others while refusing to give thanks for what millions witnessed, you may need to pray, “It is me, Lord. I’m the one who needs to repent.”
The warning echoed a famous line: “Not to speak is to speak. Silence in the face of evil is evil itself.”
Conclusion: Beyond Politics
The service for Charlie Kirk was more than a memorial — it was a global pulpit. Worship filled the stadium, the Bible was quoted repeatedly, and Christ was exalted above all. Leaders of government and faith alike joined together to declare the Gospel to an international audience.
For believers, the challenge remains: set politics aside and rejoice that the message of Christ was proclaimed on such a stage. For critics, the admonition is clear — instead of mocking or remaining silent, it may be time to check the condition of your soul.
