John 12:42–43 (ESV)

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

The authorities? The authorities are afraid of the Pharisees? If they’re such cowards, how did they get to be in positions of authority? What exactly do they have authority over anyway, if not even their own actions? Who has authority over them?

Notice that John answers the last question. These “authorities” are governed by their desire to be popular. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

This leads to a tough and blunt question. If someone believes in Jesus, but is cowed into total silence by peer pressure, is that person saved?

The answer is a flat, “No.” This is key to what it means to confess Christ.

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. — Romans 10:9 (ESV)

The teaching is absolutely clear; you must make a public confession of faith. Every church requires it.

This is why.

But in America, getting up in front of a church full of believers and making a public confession of faith carries no risk and no cost. You can still keep your faith a secret in public. So, is that okay?

The answer isn’t as simple as whether a public confession is needed at all. However, given that there is virtually no cost in our society to being known as a Christian, why hide it?

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. — Romans 1:16 (ESV)

Are we ashamed of the gospel? Are there forces in our society that pressure us to be ashamed of it?

Maybe, and most definitely yes. The cancel culture is perfectly opposed to the gospel.

In modern America, peer pressure is the enemy’s best weapon. We’re protected against physical persecution (for the moment), but emotional persecution has reached a fever pitch. Frankly, it’s a brilliant strategy.

But it’s not new. Paul wrote about it in Romans 1:16 because it was an important issue at that time.

The glory that comes from man is devoid of any real glory.

These Monday—Friday DEEPs are written by Mike Slay. The Saturday DEEPs are written by Matt Richardson. To subscribe to all the DEEPs click here:

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The weekly study guides, which include the Monday–Friday devotionals plus related questions for discussion or meditation, are available for download here:

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV stands for the English Standard Version. © Copyright 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NIV stands for The Holy Bible, New International Version®. © Copyright 1973 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. KJV stands for the King James Version.