I understand your point as well. However, did he not deny Him "when it counted" so to speak? Just questions.
When it counted? He lied to devils of hell to thwart their objective to spread murder and mayhem.
No one in their right mind will fault him to lie to these perverts. This guy now can live a life confessing Christ to his family, friends, and neighbors, or he can choose not to. That is what he will be judged on, for goodness sakes. To not see this is mind-boggling, imho.