Denying Christ by Omission

J.A. Matteson

Too often we consider denial of Christ to be exclusively an act of commission. We think of Peter who, three times, willingly denied that he knew Jesus Christ. Yet, more common, by omission we may also deny our Lord. "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also him before My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 10:33). Christian, silence in the face of unrighteousness is denial of Christ by omission. To remain silent while ungodliness abounds is tacit approval. On Sunday it's easy to join together singing songs of praise to Jesus Christ, declaring his power and lordship. We confidently declare, "Jesus is LORD!" It's easy to preach to the choir. There is no threat proclaiming Christ among those who also profess him. That's what Peter did in the upper room. How easy it was in a safe friendly setting to boldly state allegiance to Christ. But what happened in the garden when the enemies of Christ arrived?
Christian, if fear of persecution is silencing your voice from speaking out against unrighteousness, you are denying Christ by omission. The sin of omission is to not do that which we know we should do. The word of God condemns murder; are you condemning publically the brutality of abortion or has fear of reprisal tempted you into silence? The word of God condemns sexual immorality; are you condemning publically fornication, adultery, and homosexuality or has the fear of reprisal tempted you into silence? Denial of Christ through omission of speaking the truth of the kingdom of God is a plague upon the church in our day. Christian, fear the Lord, not men. For it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom you serve and to whom you will give an account. Be bold, courageous, stand fast in the power of his might, and the grace of God will be upon you to the praise of Jesus Christ.

Copyright (c) 2015 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever."). Isa. 40:8