No. 349 - Surrendering Through Confession

Responding to God's Gift of Salvation

Surrendering Through Confession

Romans 10:9-10

"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Starting Prayer 

Dear Lord, as I meditate on the power of confessing Jesus as Lord, help me to understand its importance and guide me to live out this truth daily. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Background 

Romans 10 is part of Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome, where he discusses the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. In this chapter, Paul emphasises that salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus and confess Him as Lord. Verses 9 and 10 specifically highlight the necessity of both believing in the heart and confessing with the mouth unto salvation. This confession is an outward expression of an inward faith, showing a complete surrender to Christ.

Be Encouraged 

Confession is more than just words; it is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. In the early church, confessing Jesus as Lord often came with great risks, including persecution and even death. Today, while the physical risks may not be as severe in some places, the spiritual significance remains the same. When we confess Jesus as Lord, we are acknowledging His authority over our lives and pledging our allegiance to Him. This confession is not just a one-time act but a continuous commitment to live according to His teachings.

In our daily lives, confession of faith can take many forms. It could be standing up for Christian values in a workplace, sharing the gospel with a friend, or simply living in a way that reflects Christ’s love and truth. The world may try to silence us, but our confession must be bold and unwavering. As Jesus said in Matthew 10:32, "Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven." Our confession opens the door to a deeper relationship with God and assures us of His presence and support.

Application 

Confession is a crucial step in our journey of faith. It not only shows our belief in Jesus but also strengthens our relationship with Him. In 1 Timothy 6:12-13, Paul reminds us of the "good confession" that Timothy made before many witnesses. Just like Timothy, we are called to openly declare our faith in Christ, even in the face of challenges. Let us be courageous in confessing Jesus as Lord, knowing that it brings us closer to the salvation He offers.

Invitation 

If you do not have the habit of confessing Jesus as Lord and Saviour yet, now is the time to make that decision. Visit any nearby church of Christ, where you can learn more about how to obey the gospel and surrender your life to Jesus. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you can receive the gift of salvation. The Lord will add you to His church, where you can continue to grow in your faith and follow His commandments (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). Don’t wait—take the step today to confess Jesus as your Lord and start living for Him. Share this message with others, so they too can experience the joy of salvation.

Concluding Prayer 

Lord, I thank You for the truth that confession of faith brings salvation. Help me to be bold in declaring Jesus as my Lord every day. Thank You for the assurance that You are with me as I live out this confession. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana

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