What are the consequences of denying Christ?

Denying Christ is a grievous act incurring significant spiritual consequences. According to Christian doctrine, rejecting or denying Christ can take various forms. A person can verbally deny knowing Christ, as Peter did three times (see Matthew 26:31–35, 70–75). Another type of denial is to make an intentional, informed decision not to accept Jesus Christ’s teachings or claims. For example, some denied the resurrection of Christ (see Acts 23:8; 1 Corinthians 15:12–19; 2 Timothy 2:18). Denial can go as far as rejecting God’s grace and salvation offered through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus as God’s Son and humanity’s Savior (see 1 John 2:22–23). Christ Himself taught, “Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33, NLT). At first glance, this passage seems to imply that those who deny Christ may face the eternal consequence of being denied entry into the kingdom of heaven.

However, let’s consider Matthew 10:26–33 in context. Jesus was preparing His disciples for ministry, urging them to be courageous in their confession of faith and not afraid of persecution from people. He didn’t want them to succumb to faithless fear and deny Christ before other humans. If they did, Jesus would deny them their reward and reign before the Father in heaven. The apostle Paul affirmed, “This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is” (2 Timothy 2:11–13, NLT).

Denying Christ out of weakness and fear of persecution will result in losing out on certain heavenly rewards and positions (see 2 Corinthians 5:10). It will also carry the consequence of hindered or broken fellowship with God. But Peter’s denial was not a rejection of His Lord and Savior. It was a momentary lapse—a slipping back from his commitment to die for Jesus (Matthew 26:33–35). Later, Jesus lovingly restored Peter, gently leading him to reaffirm his love and devotion to Christ (John 21:15–25). While everyone is vulnerable and capable of denying Christ out of weakness and fear, God is faithful to forgive and restore us when we repent (1 John 1:9).

The person who rejects Jesus—who denies that He is the Christ and refuses to acknowledge or accept Him as Sovereign Lord and Savior—will face severe consequences, both now and for all eternity. First, he or she misses out on the spiritual blessings and fulfillment of knowing God intimately and dwelling in His presence (Isaiah 12:3; Psalm 16:11; 23; John 4:14; Ephesians 3:19). Life apart from God is characterized by emptiness and spiritual blindness (1 Corinthians 2:14; 1 Timothy 4:2) and an increasing decline into sin and depravity (Romans 1:18–32; Ephesians 4:17–19).

Jesus said that denying Him would eventually result in divine judgment and condemnation: “There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day” (John 12:48; see also John 3:18–19; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:4; Revelation 20:11–15). Finally, the most severe and devastating consequences of denying Christ and refusing His offer of salvation are eternal death and everlasting separation from God (Matthew 25:30, 41; John 8:24; Revelation 20:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Nonetheless, the Bible promises the hope of eternal life in Jesus. God is loving and patient; He doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). He desires everyone to embrace the truth of the gospel and be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). We only have to turn from denying Christ, believe in Him, and be saved (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9).