Scriptural history in God’s Holy Word describes an early evangelical mission in which Christ sends twelve disciples into Israel to preach. In this mission, Jesus specifically excludes Gentiles—the message is exclusively for “the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” He places strict limits on where they may go, how they must behave, and even instructs them to “shake the dust off their feet” as a testimony against any household that refuses to receive them. He warns them of persecution, instructs them to depend wholly on the Holy Spirit when confronting authorities, and He urges them to persist. Jesus tells them: “Therefore don’t be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed… What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light… Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will… You are of more value than many sparrows. Everyone therefore who confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:26–33, WEB)

Taken by itself, this passage has led many people into fear. It seems, on the surface, to say that any moment of weakness—a single denial of Christ—could place a soul beyond redemption. But is that what Jesus means? Or is something deeper being shown?

A Modern Example of Fear and Denial

In 2015, a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, gave rise to testimony that the murderer asked if any students were Christians, and shot those who said “yes.” Some stood and were killed. Others, also believers, remained silent to preserve their lives. Did their silence constitute “denying Christ before men?” And if so, does Jesus’ statement mean they are now denied before the Father forever? Traditionalists answer “yes.” But the Gospel reveals a God whose mercy is far larger than our fears. Jesus’ words about confession and denial speak to the moment, not to an eternal, irreconcilable fate. A temporary denial is a sin—but not an unforgivable one. If it were, then we must condemn the two greatest leaders of the early Church: Peter and Paul.

Peter’s Denial and Christ’s Mercy

Jesus foretold Peter’s denial: “The rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times.” (Luke 22:34) Peter’s denials were not minor lapses. They were public, repeated rejections of his Lord—after walking with Jesus for years, after witnessing miracles, after declaring loyalty. Yet Jesus restored him, forgave him, and entrusted him with feeding His sheep. Peter’s denial did not define his fate. Grace did.

Paul’s Hatred and Christ’s Mercy

Paul persecuted Christians violently. He arrested them, abused them, and supported their executions. He denied Christ in word and action—and yet Jesus appeared to him, saved him, forgave him, and made him an Apostle. If Paul—“chief among sinners”—is forgiven, then none are beyond mercy.

Judas Iscariot and the Mystery of Mercy

Judas is the most misunderstood figure in Scripture. Many assume he is eternally damned, but several details deserve sober reflection. Satan entered Judas only at the end. Scripture notes that for the first three years of ministry, Judas walked with Christ as a trusted disciple and treasurer. It was at the Passover that “Satan entered into him” (Luke 22:3). Even Job was afflicted by Satan with God’s permission. God remains sovereign over every event. Secondly, Jesus shared the Lord’s Supper with Judas. Judas was present at the table when Jesus instituted the New Covenant. Jesus handed him bread and wine—symbols of His body and blood “poured out for many for the remission of sins.” There is no biblical reason to believe Judas was excluded. Third, Jesus calls Judas “Friend.” When Judas arrives in the garden to betray Him, Jesus says: “Friend, why are you here?” (Matthew 26:50) This is not sarcasm nor condemnation. It is mercy. Lastly, Judas repented. Scripture says Judas “felt remorse,” returned the silver, confessed, “I have sinned in betraying innocent blood,” and could not bear the weight of his guilt. His suicide was a tragic act of despair, not defiance. Though tradition condemns him, the Gospel never states that Judas is eternally lost. The blood of Christ atones for the sin of the world. Judas is not exempt from “the world.”

Denial Is Sin, Not Damnation

Every believer denies Christ in many ways: in thoughts, in words, in our failures to love, in our hypocritical moments, in our silence, in our pride. To deny Him is sin—but He died for sin. To fail Him is tragic—but He restores the fallen. If Christ only accepted perfect disciples, then none would stand beside Him. But His mercy is impartial. His grace is relentless.

Impartial Grace: The Heart of the Gospel

Paul writes: “For God has shut up all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.” (Romans 11:32) All are shut up under sin. All will receive mercy. This is the Gospel. This is impartial grace. This is hope. Every denial, every failure, every betrayal—whether by Peter, Paul, Judas, or any one of us—falls under the same blood, shed for the sin of the world.

Conclusion

Impartial grace is the good news that Christ’s mercy is not conditioned on perfect obedience, flawless courage, or unwavering confession. It is the good news that no denial is so great, no sin so heavy, and no failure so deep that His reconciling love cannot reach it. His mission is restoration, not ruin. His aim is reconciliation, not retribution. His grace is truly impartial—embracing the Peters, the Pauls, the Judases, and every trembling heart that has ever faltered.