How Do We Confess?

How Do We Confess - To Whom Do We Confess - What Do We Confess

For an answer, we had better consult the Word of God.

The title of this article may seem like an absurd question, but there are some preachers who teach that the confession of our faith in Jesus Christ is something that we do with our actions, rather than with our words. They contend that confession is not really one of the steps in the gospel plan of salvation, since it is something that we are supposed to do throughout our lives on Earth. Once again, we had better consult the Word of God on this subject.

Christian’s lives are a confession of their faith.

Of a truth, the Bible teaches that the lives we live on Earth must reflect our faith in Christ for all to see (Philippians 1:21). That is what the apostle Paul was talking about, when he wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). Indeed, the very lives that Christians live are a confession of their faith.

Our obedience requires a verbal confession of faith prior to becoming a Christian.

But, that does not mean that the Lord does not require a verbal confession of our faith, as a part of our obedience of the gospel plan of salvation. Romans 10:10 is the key passage on this issue: “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation“. Clearly, there is a need for everyone to make a verbal confession of their faith in Jesus Christ, prior to becoming a Christian.

A verbal confession of our faith is essential.

I am persuaded that a verbal confession of one’s faith in Christ was especially important in the early church. In the ancient Roman world, being a Christian was against the law, and the verbal profession of one’s faith could be dangerous. Only those who were truly committed to following the way of Christ would be willing to confess Him out loud, in front of witnesses. It was an act of supreme bravery and total commitment. Today, we may not face the same dangers as our ancient brethren, but the confession of our faith is still essential to our salvation.

“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” – Romans 10:10