Posted on 05/31/2004 9:00:49 AM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
We all know what Peter did: being human, his fear prompted him to lie and "deny" being a follower of Jesus. He then went and begged forgiveness (important step for a human).
Being a true believer, forgiveness was granted and today he sits at Jesus' right hand in heaven.
And wasn't he used greatly after that also, giving testimony at the temple shortly thereafter, and many were converted, like 3,000 or something? So he was not only forgiven, but greatly used? In fact, all throughout the New Testament, isn't it shown how many great men and women (and remember the prostitute in the OT who hid Israel and lied to the enemy) committed great sins and were still greatly used? I thought that was a main theme of the New Testament, Grace and Forgiveness.
It's the proper spelling.
So what's the story, really... ?
If you or I denied Christ before men, I don't think that the result of the special case you cite would apply to us.
I'm chuckling here. Funny!
The reverse is also true.
This guy has just lost his eternal life. He'd better enjoy this one.
What happened to Judge not lest ye be judged or let he who is without sin cast the first stone? I think God expects us to be human.
I thought you could deny Christ three times before the cock crows and still become a Saint! Must have misread the Bible on that one.
lol
If you could loose eternal life, then it wouldnt be eternal would it ?
You say he is going to hell, yet ignore that Peter did the same thing.
What the Jordanian decided to do is very sad.
By golly, spell checker DOES say it's ok!!!
I agree! Thankyou!
I hope that God will give me the strength if i ever have to face that kind of a situation.
If he didn't lie and told the truth of his Christianity, he would be in heaven as a martyr.
I suppose that life on earth here was more appealing at the time. :o(
Here is the first-hand account of how Jesus deals with those who deny Him before men...
14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
19 This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me."
This is the love of God, that He gave Peter three chances to right that which he did wrong - three chances to do what is good and holy. The opposite of denying God is to FEED HIS SHEEP. Are we doing that?
According to this scripture, we are denying God if we do not feed his sheep. The sheep are hungry - some will falter without nourishment. Will we feed them, or will we condemn them for their hunger?
What will the Shepherd say when he returns?
Listen! All those here will be tested. Do not believe for a minute that your fate lies within you. Rather, it lies in the hands of a loving and just God - the very God who shall give us a chance to right the wrongs we ourselves have inflicted upon others and Him. We will be tested; may God have mercy on all of us...
JOHN, CHAPTER 21, NEW TESTAMENT
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