One of the most popular stories in the Bible is about Peter’s denial of Jesus Christ. According to many theologians, Christian scholars, preachers, etc., Christians, today also deny Jesus Christ like Peter did, knowingly or unknowingly. So, how do we deny Jesus as Peter did?
According to Theologians, one of the ways Christians deny Jesus Christ is through verbal denial, just like Peter did, as Matthew 26:69-75 suggests. Jesus Christ mentioned being denied as Matthew 10:33 implies, and as Theologians and Christian Scholars imply, this included but was not limited to literal denial. Another way we deny Jesus as Peter did is by professing Christianity but failing to live up to its ways, as Theologians imply. This is also suggested in 1st Timothy 5:8, Titus 1:16, Jude 4, and Matthew 7:21-23, which we will discuss in a few.
What does it mean to deny Jesus today? What are some of the paths that may lead to denying Jesus? What are some of the ways that we deny Jesus as Peter did? If you’ve been wondering and pondering such questions, this post is for you. So, to learn the answers to these questions, stick around to the end of the article.
What does it mean to deny Jesus today?
To deny Jesus Christ today, according to Theologians, would be to have a spirit contrary to that of Christ, as Matthew 10:33 suggests. Also, as Preachers suggest, foolish talking and evil speaking are other ways Christians deny Jesus today. Additionally, as Titus 1:16 implies, being disobedient, abominable, unkind, and untruthful are other ways we deny Jesus Christ today. By conforming to the world’s ways, dwelling in darkness, having uncourteous behavior, and justifying oneself, one is denying Jesus Christ as Theologians imply. As the Bible suggests, living in any way that declares Christ is not in your life is a form of denying Jesus Christ.
Failing to witness to others about Jesus Christ also means denying Jesus Christ, as Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, he will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven,” suggests. As Theologians suggest, this is the most common way Christians deny Jesus today, when they fail to witness Jesus for the fear of being judged and ridiculed by others, especially non-believers. Also, acting contrary to Christ’s teachings means denying Christ to get the approval of others.
According to Matthew 26:73-75, “73 And after a while came unto him they stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately, the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the Word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly,” Peter denied Christ because he feared for his life if he was found connected to Him. As the Scripture suggests, if Peter acknowledged his relationship with Christ, he would be killed. Although Christians today do not face such extreme consequences or temptations similar to Peter’s, they still deny their relationship with Christ for fear of being judged and not fitting in.
Paths that may lead to denying Jesus
Fear, insecurities, pain, and disappointments
Some paths that may lead to denying Jesus today include fear, insecurities, pain, and disappointments. Falling victim to these paths can tempt someone to deny Christ, just as Peter did. As Matthew 26:66 imply, Peter feared that he would be killed if he admitted knowing Jesus Christ and therefore denied Him. Similarly, some Christians may fear being judged for following Christ, sometimes denying Him. Although it might not be literal, it may be subtle, like not witnessing the goodness of Christ to others. Additionally, Theologians suggest that believers are prone to denying Jesus Christ in moments of disappointment. Denying Christ in such situations can not only be verbal, but it can also be through thoughts or actions that express doubt of Christ’s goodness.
Compromising one’s Christ-like morals and values
As Daniel 3:16-18 suggest, with the story of Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego, compromising one’s Christ-like morals and values can also be a path that leads to denying Jesus Christ. Today, when Christians decide to turn away from the teachings of Christ and conform to the World’s ways, they deny Jesus Christ. However, as the Bible suggests, Christ is always ready to forgive those who deny Him willingly or unwillingly.
Disregarding God’s Word
Another path that may lead one to deny Jesus would be disregarding the Word since Christ is the Word, as John 1:1 speculates. Refusing to acknowledge the power of the Word in one’s life and rejecting faith is another path that leads one to deny Christ.
Not living up to Christian values.
Lastly, when our actions do not line up with what we preach as Christians, is getting on a path that leads one to deny Jesus Christ, as in Titus 1:1 and Matthew 23:3. Also, Matthew 23:27, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean,” implies the same. Christ strongly condemned this life of hypocrisy.
5 ways that we deny Jesus as Peter did
Verbal denial
As mentioned earlier, we sometimes deny Jesus verbally as Peter did for fear of being judged or ridiculed. As Luke 22:61-62 imply, Jesus is still forgiving and compassionate to us even when we deny Him, just like He was to Peter. Christians today can verbally deny Christ knowingly or unknowingly, for instance, by failing to witness Him to others, as Theologians suggest.
Being hypocritical
Another way we deny Christ is by professing Christianity but failing to live up to its values. Jesus condemned this strongly, calling it hypocrisy, as Matthew 23:27 suggests. This is common today as it was during Jesus’ time, and He strongly rebuked such a life. Claiming to be Christ’s follower but not living according to His will is denying Him.
Denying the Holy Spirit
Also, denying the Holy Spirit in our lives is denying Jesus Christ, as 2nd Timothy 3:5 implies, because according to John 14:23, Christ comes into one’s life through the Holy Spirit. Rejecting and failing to acknowledge the Holy Spirit is another common way we deny Christ today, sometimes without even realizing it.
Rejecting faith
Additionally, those who reject the Word or faith deny Jesus as Revelation 2:1-2, John 12:48, and 2nd Peter 2:1-2 suggest. These verses also imply that whoever rejects the Word rejects Christ and proclaims that He is not their Lord, thus denying Him.
Being disobedient to the Word
Lastly, to be disobedient to God’s Word is another way we deny Jesus, as Titus 1:16 speculates. Failing to follow Christ’s laws in our lives and straying away from His will is denying Him.
REFERENCES
To Deny Christ – What Does It Mean?
What Does It Mean to Deny Christ?
Q&A – What Ways Do We Deny Jesus Before Others In Matthew 10:33?
Like Peter, We Too Deny Jesus Of His Cross
What Was The Reason Behind Peter’s Denial Of Jesus
Four Risky Paths To Denying Jesus
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
