Do Not Be Ashamed: Standing Firm in Faith

It’s easy to feel ashamed or hesitant about our faith. Yet, the message is clear: we must not be ashamed of the gospel or of Jesus Christ. This truth echoes throughout scripture and history, calling believers to stand firm even in the face of opposition.

The words of Jesus ring out across time: “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory” (Luke 9:26). These are challenging words, reminding us of the eternal consequences of denying our faith. Similarly, in Matthew 10:32-33, Jesus promises to acknowledge before the Father those who acknowledge Him before others, while warning He will deny those who deny Him.

These teachings might seem harsh, but they underscore the importance of unwavering faith. Consider the disciples’ response when many were leaving Jesus due to His hard teachings. When asked if they too would leave, Peter’s response is profound: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). This declaration of faith in the face of difficulty is a powerful example for us today.

However, even the strongest can falter. Peter, who made this bold statement, later denied Jesus three times on the night of His arrest. The pain of this denial was acute – the Bible tells us Peter “wept bitterly” after realizing what he had done. Yet, this is not the end of Peter’s story. After His resurrection, Jesus specifically sought out Peter, offering forgiveness and restoration. Three times Jesus asked, “Do you love me?”, matching Peter’s three denials with three affirmations of love and commissioning him to “feed my sheep.”

This story of failure and restoration is a comfort to all who have stumbled in their faith. It reminds us that even when we fail, Jesus offers forgiveness and a renewed purpose. Peter went on to become a pillar of the early church, preaching boldly and eventually giving his life for the gospel.

The call to stand firm in faith is not just a New Testament concept. Throughout history, believers have faced the challenge of holding fast to their convictions in the face of persecution. One poignant example comes from the Boxer Rebellion in China (1899-1901). A group of about 100 Christians in a mission school were given a stark choice: deny their faith by trampling on a cross, or face execution. While the first seven chose to save their lives, the eighth – a young woman – fell to her knees in prayer before choosing to walk past the cross to face the firing squad. Her courage inspired the remaining 96 people to follow suit, choosing faithfulness to Christ over their own lives.

This level of commitment may seem extreme, but it highlights a crucial truth: there are things more precious than our earthly lives or reputations. The gospel message, while offensive to some, offers hope and life that transcends our temporal existence.

But what makes the gospel offensive in today’s world? Several aspects challenge modern sensibilities:

1. The perceived foolishness of belief in God in an age of science and reason.
2. The exclusivity of Christ as the only way to salvation.
3. The assertion of human sinfulness and need for redemption.
4. The call to holiness and biblical morality.
5. The absolute truth claims of Scripture.

These challenges can make us hesitant to share our faith. However, it’s important to remember that faith and reason are not mutually exclusive. There are compelling arguments for the existence of God, including:

The question of why anything exists at all (as posed by philosopher Gottfried Leibniz).

1. The fine-tuning of the universe that allows for life.
2. The principle that anything with a beginning must have a cause.
3. The existence of beauty, meaning, and objective morality.

These points, among others, suggest that belief in God is not only reasonable but perhaps more logical than its alternatives.

As believers, we are called to “guard the good deposit” entrusted to us (2 Timothy 1:14). This deposit includes our faith, the truth we know, and the gifts and calling God has placed on our lives. Guarding this deposit means not compromising our values or diluting our beliefs, even when facing opposition or ridicule.

For those who have stumbled, who have been ashamed or compromised their faith, there is hope. The gospel offers restoration and renewal. Just as Jesus reinstated Peter, He offers forgiveness and a renewed purpose to all who turn back to Him.

In conclusion, the call to “not be ashamed” of our faith is as relevant today as it was when first written. It challenges us to stand firm, to be bold in our convictions, and to trust in the power and love of Christ. Whether facing intellectual challenges, social pressure, or even persecution, we are reminded that our faith is not in vain. The risen Savior, who has conquered death and offers eternal life, is worthy of our unwavering allegiance.