Isn't there a passage somewhere that deals with a human who deigns to fully understand and know the actions and designs of the God?
Good post.
What of the Christians who "practice in catacombs", as mentioned earlier, to spare their lives and the future of their very faith? What of the Christians and Jews who worshipped in secret in Hitler's Germany? What of the Chinese Christians of today who must "deny" God to their leaders and their countrymen on a daily basis to go on living? What of all persecuted believers in the Christian God throughout history?
Are all of these people doomed to the fires of Hell? Would God have a Christian, who is unarmed and facing certain demise, go rushing headlong into death in His name, with no hope of victory? Or would he bless this "denial" by his follower, this deception of the enemy, so that he may live to praise His name and fight for Him another day?
I confessed my faith in God before men on the day of my confirmation, and many times before and since. If God would condemn me to hell for deceiving an enemy that would slaughter me for my beliefs, rather than lift me up and strenghten my resolve to join in the fight against that enemy, then His will be done. I would choose the path that allows me to worship and fight another day.
I believe this man who denied his Christian faith to a maniac with a rifle will be forgiven. He has denied God with empty words in time of siege and war. He has not denied God in his heart and soul. There is a world of difference.