The question of denying one’s faith and the consequences of such an action touches on themes of faithfulness, repentance, and forgiveness. The New Testament provides insight into this issue, particularly through the words of Jesus and the teachings of the apostles.

Jesus spoke about the seriousness of acknowledging Him before others. In Matthew 10:32-33, He stated, “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.” This highlights the importance of professing one’s faith in Jesus Christ.

However, the New Testament also offers hope for forgiveness and restoration. A compelling example is Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, who denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of Jesus’ arrest (Matthew 26:69-75). Despite this failure, after the resurrection, Jesus restored Peter (John 21:15-19), and Peter went on to become a foundational leader in the early church.

The concept of being “damned to hell” is not a straightforward consequence in the teachings of the New Testament for a single act of denial. Rather, the New Testament emphasizes God’s desire for repentance and reconciliation with Him. 1 John 1:9 assures, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Salvation, according to the New Testament, is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), and it encourages believers to persevere in faith while also offering hope for those who have failed but seek God’s forgiveness. The broader biblical message is one of God’s willingness to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him in repentance.