Denying Christ before men?

[EmuBird]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been struggling recently after a conversation with a relative of mine who is an unbeliever. The particular conversation was around the subject of different religions and texts and whether they contradict each other. He belongs to a group that reads from the Bible, koran, and other religious texts from Judaism. I asked how they can do that while reconciling their differences, to which he responded that they are seeking “spiritual truths” and that they teach the same general things. By this, I believe he’s referring to the obvious fact that in terms of outward behaviors, the general principles of God’s moral law can be seen in many religious texts, though obviously cannot please God, as they are not done in faith. We were about to exit the car and he seemed disinterested, so I said something along the lines of “in a sense, thats true”, and while I wanted to pursue the issue further, part of me truly didn’t want to for fear of confrontation and a desire to avoid conflict.

Is this a denial of Christ before men (Matthew 10:33)? I’m deeply ashamed that I did not clarify my stance on scripture’s supremacy. While I’ve never denied my faith in or view of Christ, the Gospel, or anything like that, I feel like I greatly fell short here and am fearful that I will be “denied before the angels in Heaven.” Some words of advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ReformedChristian]

No, it's a good starting point he knows God exist as he realizes the law is written on his heart. The problem is he suppress it.

 

[MarrowMan]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been struggling recently after a conversation with a relative of mine who is an unbeliever. The particular conversation was around the subject of different religions and texts and whether they contradict each other. He belongs to a group that reads from the Bible, koran, and other religious texts from Judaism. I asked how they can do that while reconciling their differences, to which he responded that they are seeking “spiritual truths” and that they teach the same general things. By this, I believe he’s referring to the obvious fact that in terms of outward behaviors, the general principles of God’s moral law can be seen in many religious texts, though obviously cannot please God, as they are not done in faith. We were about to exit the car and he seemed disinterested, so I said something along the lines of “in a sense, thats true”, and while I wanted to pursue the issue further, part of me truly didn’t want to for fear of confrontation and a desire to avoid conflict.

Is this a denial of Christ before men (Matthew 10:33)? I’m deeply ashamed that I did not clarify my stance on scripture’s supremacy. While I’ve never denied my faith in or view of Christ, the Gospel, or anything like that, I feel like I greatly fell short here and am fearful that I will be “denied before the angels in Heaven.” Some words of advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.

You would do well to consider the nature of Peter’s failure, which was far greater than yours, yet still he is found among the faithful. Denying Christ is not just a failure to mention Him, or to mention Him weakly, in evangelistic contexts. It is literally to deny who He is and what He has done. Do you need to grow in confidence and strength in proclamation? Absolutely. Have you denied Christ? Absolutely not.

 

[Andres]

I come away from pretty much every evangelistic encounter or discussion thinking of how I could've handled it better or second-guessing what I did or didn't say. Hindsight is always 20/20, right? With that said, take these encouragements - you said something. A conversation was started and Lord willing, as this is a relative, you will have another opportunity to speak to them. Perhaps you could start off your next conversation with something like, "Hey I was thinking about our conversation last time and wanted to ask about....".
If you are convicted of sin for being fearful of man in that moment, repent and know the Lord is merciful to the contrite in Spirit. Ask God's help for future opportunities to discuss with your relative and trust the Lord will indeed help. Pray for your relative as even if you gave perfect objections to all your relative's comments, only the Spirit has the power to change a man's heart. Lastly, prepare for a future conversation - think about what you want to say so you'll be prepared next time.

 

[Jerusalem Blade]

Hello Jacob,

If you have occasion to speak to your relative again soon, bring the topic up again and further qualify your earlier remarks. As Andres and others said we often look back and find our witness was wanting. I also have been scared / ashamed at times, asked the Lord for forgiveness, and went back and made a clearer witness.

Sometimes the interactions happen so quickly we don't have time to speak well, or we feel a check within to hold off for the moment. It's hard to tell what that was. If you feel you could have done better ask the Lord for forgiveness and look to continue the conversation. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). You're beloved of your Saviour (cf Romans 8:1 KJV), clean in His sight.