to be saved, christians must confess christ (romans 10:8-17)
Introduction:
1. These verses address several subjects concerning salvation that relate to everyone, including Jews and Gentiles: a. preaching, hearing, and obeying the Gospel b. believing that God raised Jesus from the dead c. confessing the Lord Jesus d. calling on the name of the Lord [see Acts 22:16]. 2. While all of these subjects are important, today we have been studying passages that teach how "confessing Christ is a requirement for salvation." 3. This morning: "non-Christians must confess Christ to be saved." 4. This evening: "to be saved, Christians must confess Christ." 5. The first point we need to make for Christians is that . . . Discussion: I. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SAVED MUST CONTINUE TO CONFESS CHRIST
A. We must confess Christ before men so He will confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32-33). B. Hindrances to confessing Christ include: 1. fear (John 9:18-23) 2. love for the praise of men (John 12:42-43). C. Peter illustrates why we need to give careful attention to these principles. 1. Peter confidently confessed the Lord (Matthew 16:13-17). 2. Peter stated that he would never deny the Lord (Matthew 26:31-35). 3. When Jesus was being tried, Peter denied Him (Matthew 26:69-75). D. God's will for confessing His Son is revealed in Philippians 2:9-11. E. According to 1 John 4:15, confessing Jesus as God's Son shows that God dwells in us and that we dwell in God. F. In addition to confessing the Lord, . . . II. THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN SAVED MUST CONFESS THEIR SINS
A. Some important principles are revealed in Proverbs 28:13. 1. Those who cover up or conceal their sins will not prosper in God's sight. 2. Those who confess and forsake their sins will receive mercy. B. "Healing" is associated with confessing faults to others (James 5:16a). C. "Forgiveness" is associated with confessing sins to God (1 John 1:8-10). Conclusion:
1. Confession is an essential component of the plan of salvation (Acts 8:36-38). 2. We have seen that confession is also an essential component of the Christian life. 3. May God help us to comply with His will!
