What if I hid the fact that I’m a Christian?
Question:
Good day, Minister,
I am a fellow member of the church of Christ. I’m hoping you can provide me with some insight:
If I said that I wouldn’t disclose that I was a Christian and also encouraged my mom not to disclose that she is a Christian as well, and others heard it, would this constitute denying Christ before men? I said those statements out of pride to appear wise to the others and receive favors. Will I be forgiven, or am I eternally doomed and will indeed be denied by Jesus on that Day? Please don’t try to spare my feelings/conscience. I want the unadulterated truth.
Thank you.
Answer:
If I understand correctly, you don't tell people you are a Christian because you want to be accepted by worldly people. You have the notion that Christians are seen as ignorant (or at least not as smart as worldly people). And you are advocating that other people do the same. All of this is because you desire some sort of worldly gain. Yes, this is what Jesus was talking about when he said, "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32-33).
Since you are leaving people with the wrong impression about who you are, it is a form of lying. How do you let your light shine when you hide it away? "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). And your motivation for this is greed. Clearly, what you are doing is wrong.
Sins do not have to be permanent. You can turn away from them and be forgiven. See "Are You Unforgivable?" However, the choice is yours. If you prefer worldly things to eternal life, I know you are making the wrong choice, but I can't make you change.
Question:
Good Evening, Bro. Hamilton,
Respectfully, sir, and I do not intend to offend you nor quarrel, dear brother. Still, I certainly don’t want to assert that I want to be accepted by worldly people, for I know that we are called not to be conformed to the world and not love it nor the things of it (paraphrasing), but called out of it. While I don’t want to come off as the publican, I actively try to practice those commandments. I don’t want to assert that Christians are seen as ignorant or not as smart as worldly people, too, for, to me, it would be defamatory concerning Christians (and I am one). I thank you for your insight, advice, and encouragement, Bro. Hamilton. I don’t prefer worldly things to eternal life. Absolutely nothing in this world is worth condemnation. For what profit a man to gain the world but lose his own soul (paraphrasing). Again, I don’t want to come off as the publican, but I’ve done things that attest to that, but I did fall. However, I’ve asked our Father for forgiveness, and I will change, exercise repentance, and move forward. I am confessing that Jesus is the Christ. Both Lord and Savior. The Son of the living God.
God bless you, dear brother, and my brethren at La Vista church of Christ.
Answer:
Excellent! I know I came across harsh, but you asked for the unvarnished truth. I wanted you to see how your description of your actions is at odds with what you should be standing for. Hiding who you are has greater ramifications than most people stop and consider.
Response:
Bro. Hamilton,
It’s okay, dear brother; don’t worry! I appreciate you, and I agree that it does come with greater ramifications that we all should consider. We should certainly avoid hiding the fact that we’re Christians and never deny Him in all circumstances. Regardless, we should always confess Him and stand and make or take one for the Lord and His Word.
