Confession: Good for Life

Monday, March 11, 2019

Romans 10:8-9: But what does it say? "The Word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is the word of faith that we proclaim.) 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.

Confession: Used Two Ways:
Christians use confession in two ways. The first way is, "Confession of sins." We declare to God that we are sinners by nature and that we have sinned against God in "thought, word, and deed." This usage of confession is part of repentance. For example:

Dear God, I have sinned. The focus of my life lately has been on work and its' problems. I have neglected time with my family and more importantly, my time with You. I know that You are the one who gives me life and family and work. I am sorry that I have allowed my life to get out of balance. Please forgive me of this and all other sins of which I may not be aware.

The second way that we use confession is "Confession of faith" or "Confession of belief." The is the form of confession that St. Paul is describing in our passage. We confess that we believe in Jesus. We confess that we believe in the Father who is and who sent Jesus who saves us.

The Benefit of Both Confessions:
And what is really cool is, confession is simple.

"I am a sinner who relies on Jesus and His gift of forgiveness."
"I believe in Jesus and that He is Lord over all and over me."

Confession is that simple. AND confession reaps benefits beyond measure. Confession leads us to a new life with Jesus; BOTH in this lifetime AND the eternal lifetime. 

SO...
What do you think? Do you have a question or two? Let's dive deeper into this passage today.

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