I Believe In Jesus Matthew 16:13-20
Introduction What would a survey reveal? Many would say they believe in Jesus All would not mean the same thing
Confession Is Essential Condition of salvation Matthew 10:32 Romans 10:9, 10 Examples Acts 8:37 Titus 2:13
The Historical Jesus Believe He lived A man of history (Matthew 2:1; Luke 3:1, 2) Not a mythical person
The Historical Jesus Manifested the marks of humanity Ate and slept (Matthew 26:40; Mark 4:38) Sweated and cried (Luke 22:44; John 11:35)
The Historical Jesus Our confessions shows something We believe the historical records He was “God in the flesh.” (John 1:1, 14)
The Christ Misunderstood word No idea what they confessed Some think it is His last name
The Christ Meaning Literally, “anointed” (1 Samuel 10:1) Coming was foretold (2 Samuel 7:14; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6) Purpose foretold (Daniel 2:44) Place of birth (Micah 5:2)
The Christ Confession shows acceptance The one true Messiah (Matthew 24:24; 2 Corinthians 11:4) He is the Christ
Son of God Many deny His deity Modernists Jehovah’s Witnesses
Son of God Scriptures declare His deity Equal with God and accepted worship (Matthew 4:10; John 5:18; 9:38) Became a man (Philippians 2:5-11)
Son of God To confess is to avow He is God Attributes of Deity (Matthew 28:20; John 1:1; Hebrews 1:2, 3) He is either God, or a hypocrite
Savior Proved in Scriptures Why He came (Luke 19:10) Work reflected His purpose (Matthew 1:21)
Savior Accomplished what no other could Saved us by His blood (1 Peter 1:18, 19) Died for us (Isaiah 53:4-9; 1 John 1:7)
Savior Shows I believe in Him as Savior Can’t save myself (John 6:68; 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-10) Declares my dependence on Him (Acts 4:12)
Lord Overlooked by many More desire a Savior than a Lord To confess Him as Lord requires obedience
Lord Has a claim on my life To obey Him (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46) Jesus learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8, 9)
Lord To confess declares one’s willingness to submit Ruling over all (Acts 2:30-32, 36) Is He ruling in our hearts? (1 Peter 3:15)
Conclusion Confessing is a comprehensive act Have you confessed Christ?