Obeying the Gospel Involves Confession (Romans 10:8-17)
Introduction:
1. These verses reveal some important information concerning the Gospel. a. Vs.16 mentions the fact that all have not obeyed the Gospel -- we learn from 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 that we must obey the Gospel to be saved. b. Before we can obey the Gospel we must be taught the Gospel -- hearing God's Word is emphasized in vs.14b, 17. c. Learning the Gospel leads us to believe -- belief is emphasized in vs.9-11. d. Although repentance is not specifically mentioned in these verses we learn from Acts 17:30 that repentance is involved in obeying the Gospel. 2. In this lesson we are examining passages which teach that "obeying the Gospel involves confession." 3. Let us begin by pointing out that . . .
Discussion:
I. "CONFESSION" IS A KEY COMPONENT OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION
A. Some important details relating to confession are revealed in Romans 10:9-10. 1. The means of confession is "with the mouth." a. This implies that a statement is made. b. The statement made with the mouth reveals what is believed in the heart. 2. The content of confession is "the Lord Jesus." a. The person making the confession must believe in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. b. This is important because Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power" by His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). 3. The purpose of confession is "unto salvation." a. Confession is an essential part of the plan of salvation. b. The plan of salvation does not only consist of believing and confessing Christ, repentance and baptism are also required (Acts 2:38). B. The conversion of the eunuch illustrates how confession relates to salvation (Acts 8:35-38). C. These passages clearly teach that "confession" is a part of the Lord's plan of salvation; however, . . .
II. "CONFESSIONS" ARE ALSO REQUIRED OF CHRISTIANS [Those who have been saved]
A. Those who have been saved must continue to confess Christ. 1. We must confess Christ before men so He will confess us before the Father (Matthew 10:32-33). 2. Hindrances to confessing Christ include: a. fear (John 9:18-23) b. love for the praise of men (John 12:42-43). 3. According to 1 John 4:15, confessing Jesus as God's Son shows that God dwells in us and that we dwell in God. B. Those who have been saved must confess their sins. 1. Some important principles are revealed in Proverbs 28:13. a. Those who cover up or conceal their sins will not prosper in God's sight. b. Those who confess and forsake their sins will receive mercy. 2. "Healing" is associated with confessing faults to others (James 5:16a). 3. "Forgiveness" is associated with confessing sins to God (1 John 1:8-10).
Conclusion:
1. Do you believe that Jesus is God's Son? 2. Will you allow that belief to move you to repent? 3. Are you willing to confess your belief? 4. Upon your confession, will you submit to baptism to receive the Lord's forgiveness?