The above phrase is an expression used to describe a secret from one’s past that, if discovered, would have a negative impact on that person. It might cause them shame, a loss of credibility, or even legal trouble. During a contentious political campaign season, it is not uncommon to hear reports and allegations about the secret past of the candidates as their opponents are looking for anything – even these “skeletons in the closet” – to discredit them.
When Jesus was on the earth teaching, many opposed Him – particularly the leaders of the people. The leaders were concerned that if Jesus continued to “go on like this, all men will believe in Him” (John 11:48). This was not what they wanted. It would be very convenient for them if they could find some “skeleton in the closet” in Jesus’ life. Then, they could discredit Him and turn people away from Him. Unfortunately for them, they could not do this. They could only produce false witnesses with inconsistent testimony (Mark 14:56).
Very little is said about Jesus’ life before He began His public ministry. But one notable comment is made by Peter about Jesus’ life: “Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22). No matter how diligent Jesus’ opponents were, they would not find any shameful secrets from His past because there were none. He would “always do the things that are pleasing to [the Father]” (John 8:29). Though not every event in Jesus’ life has been recorded, we know He lived a life of sinless perfection.
Each of us has “skeletons in the closet” in our own lives. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and have done things that, if others knew about them, would cause us to be ashamed. Yet even if others never discover these secret sins, God knows. “There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). One day, “God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus” (Romans 2:16).
However, there is forgiveness available to us through Christ (Ephesians 1:7). Even our secret sins, when we are forgiven, God “will remember [them] no more” (Hebrews 8:12). If you have sins that you want God to forgive, whether they are secret or not, you can receive forgiveness. How? You must do what Peter said: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). If you sin again after that point, you do not need to be baptized again. You can simply “repent…and pray the Lord that… [you] may be forgiven” (Acts 8:22).
No matter how shameful our past might be, God is willing to forgive us if we will come to Him in faithful obedience.
