Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8400 The tasks of the believer  »  8407 confession, of Jesus Christ

A public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging both his divinity and his lordship. Without such, salvation is impossible.

Confession of faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation

Romans 10:9-10 See also Matthew 10:32-33 pp Luke 12:8-9; Mark 8:38; 2 Timothy 2:12; 1 John 4:15; John 2:23

Confessing Jesus Christ as Lord is only possible by the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 12:3

Results of confessing faith in Jesus Christ

Baptism

Acts 2:38-41 See also Acts 18:8; Acts 22:16

A change in lifestyle

Matthew 7:21-23; 2 Timothy 2:19 See also Luke 19:8-9; 1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 13:15; 1 John 1:6; John 2:4

Persecution

John 9:22 See also John 12:42-43; 2 Timothy 3:12

Demons confessed Jesus Christ's divinity

Luke 4:41 See also Matthew 8:28-29 pp Mark 5:7 pp Luke 8:28

Ultimately all will confess Jesus Christ's lordship

Philippians 2:9-11

Notable confessions of faith in Jesus Christ

John 1:49 See also Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:16 pp Mark 8:29 pp Luke 9:20; John 6:69; John 11:27; John 20:28

The refusal to confess Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:32-33 pp Luke 12:8-9 See also 2 Timothy 2:12

See also

2224  Christ, the Lord
2545  Christ, opposition to
3230  Holy Spirit & regeneration
6231  rejection of God
6510  salvation
6624  confession of sin
7756  preaching, content
8495  witnessing
8712  denial of Christ
8794  persecution