05 The Confession
The Confession THE CONFESSION.
C. R. Nichol—The confession is the subject for discussion. It is important for us, in these investigations, to look directly to the phase of our subjects that we desire to consider, that on which we are desiring information. We desire to consider in this case whether the confession of faith in Christ, or that Christ is Lord, is essential, as a condition for the salvation of the alien sinner. We desire to know whether the New Testament teaches that sinners should always confess Christ with the mouth, or in in some formal way before baptism. If a man is baptized with-out making the confession, are his sins pardoned? Is it an essential condition to be viewed in the same light as repentance, faith or baptism? Is it of equal importance with these? These are the questions that must be answered in this discussion. To these we must address ourselves in this investigation. I am hopeful that those who speak will not ramble around, but take up and consider a satisfactory answer to these questions.
It is contended that the confession of faith is not required in the great commission. Faith, repentance and baptism are all expressed by our Saviour as conditions of pardon. However, it is certainly safe to say that the confession is necessarily implied in the commission. The apostles were required to baptize believers. They were not authorized to baptize any except believers. The most natural, and in fact, about the only way for them to know whether men were believers, was to hear them say so. That this was their course is evident from their conduct. Take the case of Philip, in the baptism of the eunuch. When this man demanded baptism, Philip did not proceed to baptize him without any further information or question. He plainly stated to him that he could be baptized if he believed in the Christ. The reply of the eunuch was a confession of his faith in Christ.
Finally, we note in Romans 8:9, that the confession with the mouth, of Jesus as Lord, is the word of faith preached by the apostles. The word of faith is the gospel of Christ. Then, in preaching the gospel of Christ, these apostles preached that men should confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus, or Jesus as their Lord. Since this was the practice of the apostles, we conclude that it would be a safe practice for us.
U. G. Wilkinson—Some contend that as an ’ ordinance of the gospel, the confession is of as much importance as faith, repentance and baptism. That it occupies an equal place with them immediately following’ repentance. A few demand that it be made formal, and that, too, in the exact words in which the eunuch made it.
I understand the confession to be the incidental of faith, a part of faith, the acknowledgement with the mouth of what the heart believes (Romans 10:10). If it is formal, then what form shall we demand? The eunuch made it as an alien (Acts 8:37), and with no great amount of instruction, as is certainly apparent. Peter made it (Matthew 16:16) in another form, and was approved by our Lord. The Lord himself made it in answer to a question, as it is now commonly made (see Matthew 26:63-64; Mark 14:61-62; also 1 Timothy 6:12-13). This will show to any, but a hopeless hobbyist, that the form in which it is made is immaterial.
If not formal, then what place does it occupy in the gospel order? I do not regard this as material, except that it should follow faith and precede baptism, and be made in a solemn and reverential manner. Also following repentance, as it is one of its fruits, as well as an essential incidental of faith. But to contend that it occupies an equal position with the three great primary ordinances of faith, repentance and baptism, is hardly warranted by the Scriptures. In the first place, it is not in the commission, that is expressed, as recorded (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47). Second, it is not mentioned in any cases of conversion, except the eunuch, and then it occurs a^ incidental to satisfy the evangelist as to his faith, and that in a passage of. somewhat doubtful genuineness. And while it certainly shows that, as a practice, it was in use in that day among the churches, and should as certainly be retained still by the churches, yet it teaches that any kind of informal confession is sufficient, so that Christ be the one confessed (Romans 10:9), and it be made in a reverential and solemn manner.
Three changes are essential to Scriptural conversion. First, a change of heart or mind; second, a change of life; third, a change of state, condition or relationship. The first change is produced by faith (Acts 15:9; Romans 10:10). The second by repentance (Romans 2:2-9, 2 Corinthians 7:10; Acts 17:30-31). The third by baptism (Mark 16:16Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16 ; Romans 6:3-4 ; Galatians 3:26-27 ; 1 Corinthians 10:1-2; 1 Corinthians 12:13 ; John 3:5 ; Titus 3:5, etc). There is no change for confession to make, it being, as stated, incidental of faith and a fruit of repentance. The expression, “With the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10), does not imply that it shall be formal. The apostle here certainly means that when we are believing the word, it is in our hearts, and when we are confessing it or speaking it, it is in our mouths (Romans 10:8-10).
We will here cite the scriptures that speak of the confession: Kom. 10:9, 10; Matthew 10:32; 1 Timothy 6:12-13; Acts 8:37; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 3:1; Php 2:10-11; Philippians 1 Jno. 3:2; Jno. 9:22; Matthew 16:16, etc. Some of these read profession in the King James version, but are all the same in Greek. It is contended by some that 2 Timothy 2:25 is a reference to the confession, and some others that might be cited. In conclusion, we may add that to solmenly and reverentially confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, is to acknowledge and accept as true and inspired the entire Bible as the word of God, for this is his testimony (see Luke 24:44, as to his testimony to the Old Testament, and John 16:13). It is to acknowledge allegiance to him as the lawful sovereign of the universe, the Messiah, Prophet, Priest and King, in the kingdom of heaven, to whom we owe all things, and to whom we must most certainly consecrate our service in all that we have and are. “The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15).
J. C. White—I am in sympathy with Brother Wilkinson. In the commission we have faith, repentance and baptism. Confession not mentioned. It is mentioned but once (Acts 8:37). Must be understood in other places.
Matheny—I have always contended that it is essential. No church will accept one who will not make it.
G. W. Cypert—I am with Brother Wilkinson. No type to indicate the confession. Not required as a condition of salvation in the New Testament. It is to satisfy the administrator.
O. H. McGavock—Believe strongly that persons must confess Christ. There is no particular form for the confession, I baptized two girls again, when they had failed to make the confession before.
J. M. Rice—Think all are agreed. None of you will baptize a person unless he will confess his faith in Christ. If it is a part of the faith, it is essential.
Lee P. Mansfield—I believe it is essential. Christ’s words prove it; so does Romans 10:9.
J. W. Kelley—I believe there is more in it than to satisfy the preacher.
G. H. P. Showalter—The eunuch satisfied Philip before Philip asked him about his faith. Philip was satisfied the man wanted to be baptized, and according to some of the argument that has been advanced this should have been sufficient. Yet he propounded the question in regard to his belief before he would baptize him. I am satisfied many believe whom I would not baptize. The devils believed. The evidence relied on to show that Acts 8:37 is an interpolation, to my mind is not conclusive.