There is no middle ground when it comes to the gospel. We either declare allegiance to the Lord Jesus or we end up denying or disowning him.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 "But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.Acts 3:13-15 (NASB)
One of the core meanings of the Greek word “pistis,” which is translated “faith” in our English Bible, is allegiance. (For a well-reasoned argument in support of this, read my summary of Salvation by Allegiance Alone by Matthew Bates.) Faith responds to the gospel message by repenting from a self-directed lifestyle and turning in trust and obedience to Jesus, who is the risen Savior and Lord.
Those who are indifferent or hostile to the gospel, in effect turn their backs on the Lord of Life. They will be disowned by him at the Last Judgment.
"Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 "But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33 (NASB)
When we share the gospel, we can help people understand the gravity of their decision. One day we will all stand before Christ at the Last Judgment.
The only way to survive that coming event is to declare allegiance to him now. Then he will confess us before his Father in heaven.
Prayer
Jesus, forgive me for ignoring your claims on my life. I repent for trying to live without reference to you. I now bow my knee to you as my Lord and King. I choose to publicly confess you before men from now on. Holy Spirit, I ask you to empower me to be a fearless witness for Jesus. Amen.
