I was asked today by Jeff Goins to comment on his latest blog post. I will share my opinion tomorrow, but for now I want to share with you Jeff’s original blog, because it is very good in and of itself.
Can you deny Christ as a Christian and still go to heaven?
That was an interesting question I heard the other day. The person
who asked it was referring to Matthew 10:33 and what God does with
Christians in persecuted countries who are tortured and deny Christ. It
was a bit of a hypothetical (and maybe slightly impractical) query, but
nonetheless, I wanted to throw the question out there, get your
thoughts and then share my own.
who asked it was referring to Matthew 10:33 and what God does with
Christians in persecuted countries who are tortured and deny Christ. It
was a bit of a hypothetical (and maybe slightly impractical) query, but
nonetheless, I wanted to throw the question out there, get your
thoughts and then share my own.
Matthew 10:33 says, “But whoever disowns me before men, I will
disown him before my Father in heaven.” This is Jesus talking to his
disciples about the trials they will have to go through. He is asking
them if they will stand the tests and persevere, but this can be bit
difficult for the person who thinks that once we are in Christ, we are
secure, and nothing can snatch us away from that relationship.
disown him before my Father in heaven.” This is Jesus talking to his
disciples about the trials they will have to go through. He is asking
them if they will stand the tests and persevere, but this can be bit
difficult for the person who thinks that once we are in Christ, we are
secure, and nothing can snatch us away from that relationship.
If you dissect the question, it can be a bit of a difficult one.
On one hand, the
grace of God is more powerful than going through a laundry list of good
deeds to get into heaven. While I don’t believe Christians should deny
Christ, is it possible for believers to act in ways contrary to their
new nature and still be saved?
On one hand, the
grace of God is more powerful than going through a laundry list of good
deeds to get into heaven. While I don’t believe Christians should deny
Christ, is it possible for believers to act in ways contrary to their
new nature and still be saved?
Moreover, is this even a logically-sound question, or is it like
asking, “Can God create a rock so heavy that even he can’t lift it?” So
while this may seem like a good
question, perhaps, just as good of a question is, “Can a Christian deny
Christ?”
asking, “Can God create a rock so heavy that even he can’t lift it?” So
while this may seem like a good
question, perhaps, just as good of a question is, “Can a Christian deny
Christ?”
Do believers go around claiming they don’t believe in Jesus? Would that cost them their salvation if they did deny him, or would it be proof that they never did truly believe?
And then again, maybe a firm conviction in what you believe is
part of the process of sanctification. It might be something that is
learned as a believer in Christ becomes more like Jesus. I don’t know.
part of the process of sanctification. It might be something that is
learned as a believer in Christ becomes more like Jesus. I don’t know.
What do you think? Can a Christian deny Jesus and still go to heaven?
