A betrayal vs. a denial

Again, sorry for the late post...

Actually, I think they're are two betrayals. Judas betrays Jesus in secret for selfish reasons, 30 pieces of silver. Peter betrays Jesus in the open with a loud outcry, denying his relationship with Him. Jesus knows about both and addressed each one Each person was convicted in their own way but only one was restored to Christ What made the difference? I'm not so sure. Both Judas and Peter sinned against Jesus. In fact, every person on earth has and will sin, betray and deny Jesus in one way or another. But what makes a Christian follow Christ forever and what makes another fall away forever? Jesus foretold both of their misdeeds and both of these men did exactly what Jesus said they would do. However, only one was restored to Christ. Have we all not confessed our love for Christ? Have we all not known Him for however many years- some of us more than the time Judas spent with Him? And, have we all not betrayed and denied Jesus just as Judas and Peter had done? Who will remain and who will fall away? What will make the difference in the end? A love that can be refined? Faith that can be strengthened? Perhaps. Perhaps like Peter, if you know Jesus as Christ and love Him though imperfectly, His grace will be sufficient even through your greatest sin.