Vocal confession of Christ is as necessary as faith. Whereas faith is required to receive Christ, confession is proof that faith is real. Real discipleship will not produce silent witnesses or secret Christians, but vocal witnesses. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.” To believe with one’s heart means to embrace with one’s whole being with sincere affection. Such belief necessarily results in speaking with others about Christ, as we talk most about that which we love most.
We confess Christ:
1) by public assembly with the church on the Lord’s Day;
2) Through the sacraments or ordinances of the church – in particular baptism as a believer;
3) Informally fellowshipping with God’s people;
4) in the upright manner in which we conduct our business;
5) reaching out to others in evangelism;
6) by reacting in a godly manner to temptation and trials;
7) with a steadfast confidence in the hour of death.
