Confessing Christ

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus?and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Romans 10:9-10

Confession is to be of Jesus as Lord or deity. It is not a vague belief in God, but "confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord" (Rom. 10:9, NASB), for "no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 12:3). When others looked only on the outward appearance of Christ, Peter with discernment from God said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16:16). Upon this confession, Christ said, "I will build my church" (v. 18). With this must be the desire to turn from our sin (repent) and believe in our heart that Christ suffered for our sins and "God hath raised him from the dead" (Rom. 10:9).

"Confess me before men" (Matt. 10:32), said Jesus. This has to be openly, not in secret. As soon as someone has received Christ he should be encouraged to tell another Christian what he has done. A little over a week ago I had the joy of leading a man to Christ in his home. Immediately I asked him to tell his wife what he had done. We went into the kitchen and very clearly he said, "Honey, I just accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I'm saved." They embraced and wept for joy. Now this couple is in a church and he was just going through the motions until he was confronted with his sin and shown that repentance is the first step in salvation. Next and very effective and meaningful is for the new Christian to confess Christ publicly in church. In many evangelical churches such an invitation is given.

The effect this has on the Christian himself is often remarkable. Because of his obedience to do it, he is often deeply moved and blessed emotionally. At this point is when many receive the emotional experience they have sought. The sight of a weeping, yet rejoicing, new Christian can melt a whole congregation. Many are reminded of the day when they were saved. Very vividly it shows God is still saving people. Often it encourages others to make the same decision. Nothing will start fires of revival quicker than seeing people saved and confessing Christ.

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth . . ." (Rom. 10:9). "Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:11) is God's ultimate demand. Men have put Christ to open shame with their tongues; now God says with the same tongues they shall openly confess Him. Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise!