 6420 Adelphi Road |
(301)927-7277 |
|
Hyattsville, MD 20782 |
Fax (301)277-4230 |
|
6420 Adelphi Road |
(301)927-7277 |
|
Hyattsville, MD 20782 |
Fax (301)277-4230 |
WHO AM I?
"When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, 'Who do people say the Son of Man is?' They answered, 'Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.' 'But what about you?' he asked. 'Who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!' " Matthew 16: 13-16.
WHAT IS CONFESSION?
Confession is an open, bold, and courageous statement, affirming our faith and acknowledging the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of the true and living God, and that He died for our sins __”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. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified , and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” Romans 10: 9-10.
Confession carries with it several distinct meanings: one is related to the offering of praise and thanksgiving; the second related to admitting sin and guilt to God. The third is related to making a promise or agreeing to something.
All of these meanings make sense when we, as believers about to put on Christ in baptism, are asked to confess Christ. At this point we are giving praise and thanksgiving to God for His mercy, by allowing us to be saved from sin and death by the blood of Jesus. We also, at this time, admit our past sins and bare our soul to God. And third, we promise to accept Christ as the Son of the Living God.
Confession alone cannot place you into that special, saved relationship with the Lord Jesus. __”Not every one who says to me, ’Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7: 21
. You must do God’s will, not just profess to love Him or call Him “Lord.” Verses 22 and 23 continue that even doing mighty works in God’s name makes God angry if His will is not done. He declares He never knew you, and calls you an evildoer! Strong language—it is important to know God’s will and do it.
MAKE THE "GOOD CONFESSION"
By your acknowledging Christ to men, Jesus will acknowledge you to His Father (Matthew 10: 32) and to His angels. (Luke 12: 8) Remember that the Lord delights in forgiving repentant sinners. __”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1: 9.
So, __”Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6: 12.
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