Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, child of God. It’s another beautiful day the Lord has given us. I welcome you to join me as we learn the Word of God together—the pure and cleansing water for our souls.
We all know that the Bible lays down a clear and simple principle for receiving salvation, which is: “believe” and “confess.”
Romans 10:9-10 says:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (NIV)
However, the sad reality today is that this simplicity has been misinterpreted, even abused, to the extent that it has lost its true meaning in the lives of many believers.
We are often taught—or assume—that if someone believes that Jesus rose from the dead and verbally confesses Him as Lord, that’s all it takes to be considered saved, to become a child of God, and to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
And that’s why today, we frequently hear confessions like:
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A drunkard says, “I am saved.”
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A habitual liar says, “I am saved.”
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A fornicator or an idol worshiper claims, “I am saved.”
Why? Because at some point, they believed and confessed Jesus, perhaps even repeated a “sinner’s prayer.” But does this align with what the Bible truly teaches?
What Does It Really Mean to Believe and Confess Jesus?
Even demons believe, and they tremble:
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
— James 2:19 (NIV)
In fact, they even confessed that Jesus is the Son of God:
“Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Messiah.”
— Luke 4:41 (NIV)
So clearly, mere belief and confession without transformation is not enough.
What Did Confessing Christ Mean to the Early Church?
Let’s look at John 9, where Jesus healed a man born blind. His parents were interrogated:
“His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had already decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue.”
— John 9:22 (NIV)
Back then, to confess that Jesus was the Christ came with a heavy price. Being expelled from the synagogue meant total social exclusion—rejected by the religious community, family, society, and denied participation in social and religious life. You were considered an outcast, as bad as a pagan.
That’s why many rulers believed in Jesus but did not confess Him openly:
“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”
— John 12:42-43 (NIV)
Later, after Jesus’ resurrection, the consequences for confessing Christ grew even more severe: imprisonment, persecution, and death. To confess Jesus then was a bold, life-risking decision, an open declaration of allegiance to Christ with full knowledge of the potential suffering that would follow.
That’s the kind of costly confession Paul referred to in Romans 10:9-10. It wasn’t a light statement made during an emotional altar call—it was a lifelong commitment that often led to suffering and even martyrdom.
Confession as a Daily Lifestyle
Paul says:
“…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
— Romans 10:10
Notice the phrase “unto salvation”—this implies a continuous, active confession, not just a one-time statement. It’s a daily lifestyle that reflects Christ in words, actions, and choices.
To truly confess Jesus today means to:
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Turn away from worldly lifestyles (Romans 12:2).
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Forsake sinful habits and ungodly friendships (2 Corinthians 6:14-17).
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Dress modestly, live righteously, and pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
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Walk in obedience, humility, and sacrifice (Luke 9:23).
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
— Luke 9:23 (NIV)
So if someone says, “I have confessed Jesus,” but their life is still immersed in sin and worldly desires, that confession is empty.
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him…”
— Titus 1:16 (NIV)
True Confession Invites the Grace of God
The good news is that when we sincerely turn to Christ—not just in word, but in deed—He responds with grace.
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
— James 4:8 (NKJV)
Jesus doesn’t require you to be perfect at the start. What He desires is a genuine heart, a true willingness to follow Him. That’s where His grace comes in:
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions…”
— Titus 2:11-12 (NIV)
Grace doesn’t just cover sin; it empowers transformation.
When you begin to confess Christ with your life—daily decisions, speech, character—that is when the Holy Spirit begins to seal you:
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
— Ephesians 4:30 (NIV)
Take Action Today
So today, if in the past you confessed Christ with mere words but your life didn’t reflect it, don’t lose hope. You can start anew—this time with sincerity, with action, and with full commitment.
Confess Christ with your life—not just your lips.
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Be blessed and may Christ richly dwell in you.