While this may be true of the New Testament, this is not true of the Old Testament. While there were a few exceptions to the rule like Abel, the general theme of the Old Testament is that if you obeyed God, your life would generally be protected. For was Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and Job murdered for their faith? Surely not. How about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? Did God not protect them because of their faith? Or did they burn up in the furnace of fire? Did not God protect the Israelites from Pharoah with the miracle that took place at the Red Sea? Why did these same Israelites perish in the wilderness? Was it because of their obedience or disobedience?
As for the New Testament:
Again, I am fully aware that New Testament believers thru out history have been primarily martyred for their faith.
But again, I believe there are exceptions to the rule on this one, too. For rumor has it that the apostle John could not be killed.
Here is a quote from an article:
"We know little about John’s later life and death from the Bible. The most insightful bit of information comes from John 21 when the risen Christ was talking to
Peter about Peter’s death. After Jesus told Peter that he would not live long Peter asked about John’s death. Jesus replied that if John lived until Christ’s return, that was not Peter’s concern. This was not a promise that John would live until the Lord returned, but it does seem to indicate that the Lord knew John would live a long time (John 21:19-23).
Tradition holds that John was sentenced to death in a boiling vat of oil. Yet he emerged unharmed from the experience. Again tradition tells us that John lived into old age dying sometime after AD 98. He is thought to have died in Ephesus."
Also, while rumor has it that Paul was martyred for his faith, was not Paul protected from the bite of a snake? Do you think it was Paul's natural immune system or God that protected Paul? The point I am getting at is that God can protect His people when it suits His plan or purposes. In other words, I would consider it an honor to be persecuted and to die for my faith. Yet, I also would consider it even more of an honor to be protected from harm like other great men of God thru out history, too. Whatever God decides to do, let all praise, glory, honor and power be unto Him. Yes, I realize all who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Yes, I realize most true believers die today for their faith. But if God wants to protect one of His people instead of having them die, then that is also a reality that you have to accept, too. You believe God is not capable of protecting His people today. I disagree. The 144,000 is a great example. Those who are Raptured or taken up into the air alive will also be protected by God. So no. I don't believe you. God is all powerful and can protect His people today according to their faith (and if it serves God's will and plan).
Article for Source Quote:
http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/john-the-apostle-bible-biography-facts-and-death/