Confession and Its
Connection to Salvation
Introduction:
Eph.
2:8-9 – without God’s grace we have no hope. No one can live perfectly. Everyone
is dependent on the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God. Rom. 3:23-25a –
we are totally dependent upon God for salvation. Salvation is God’s free gift
to mankind. Because of God’s grace we have the hope and opportunity for eternal
life. Without it, we would be worthless and lost in sin. Grace makes it possible for us to be made
righteous. Not saved by grace only. Not saved by faith only. How are we made
righteous?
I. When we realize our lost condition…
A. Scripture
calls upon us to respond to God’s terms of grace. Acts 2:14-37
B.
We believed in Jesus. That He is the Son of God and able to
save us.
1.
We repented. Made a commitment to change our attitude toward and turn away from sin.
C.
Romans 10:9a – we confessed Jesus as Lord.
1.
Acknowledged Him as our Savior…the Son of God.
2.
10:9b – belief in God as raising Him from the dead.
3.
10:9c – these things working together produce salvation.
4.
10:10a – our hearts produce belief (an understanding
& acceptance of faith)
a)
This belief leads to righteousness.
5.
10:10b – confession is where the mouth verbally puts
forth what the heart knows to be true. This results in salvation.
D.
Teaching here on confession does not nullify other
conditions of salvation.
E.
Romans 10:12-13 – There is no one who does not have
an opportunity to be saved.
II. Commitment
is involved in confession.
A.
Honest confession involves a commitment to be true to
Jesus. 1 Tim. 6:12-14
1.
Confession to Christ is not merely an intellectual
acknowledgement that Jesus is Lord – but a commitment to accept His
lordship.
a)
Col. 2:6; 1 Pet. 3:15. No longer about us – but all about Jesus. Mt. 16:24-26
B.
This confession & commitment are made publicly.
C.
Rev. 2:13 – Antipas…my witness…my faithful one.
D.
The New Testament speaks of being obedient to our
confession. 2 Cor. 9:13
1.
Heb. 4:14; 10:23 – we must hold fast our confession.
Conclusion:
A.
God calls upon us to be saved. To trust in Him. To fully
commit.
B.
Have you given yourself to the Lord?
C.
Mt. 7:24-27 – it is foolish to believe truth &
not make any commitment to it.