Confession of Faith

Matthew 16:13-15, 19, 1 John 4:2-15

 

Perhaps the most quoted real estate saying is “Location, location, location.”  Location is a key determiner of the value of a home.  But what a joy for new owners when they are handed the keys to the home.  In the scriptures, Matthew supplies us with indispensable keys to understanding the text, which supplies the foundation to understand the context and importance of the confession of faith.

 

1. The Key of Location.

Jesus took his disciples to Caesarea Philippi, where Roman citizens would avow Caesar was lord in their temple.  Jesus asked who the people and His disciples believed who He was.  It was here where Peter made the declaration that He was the Christ.

 

2. The Key of Confession of Faith.

The Bible lists numerous Creeds, which are short doctrinal statements which are easily remembered and understood.  These essential teachings summarize what every Christian must avow, otherwise without the essentials of the Faith there is no Faith.  The scriptures declare that we need to avow Jesus is Lord, and follow that private confession with a public profession of the Faith, which includes the ritual of baptism.

 

3. What You Believe is What You Perceive.

What anyone believes will determine how they interpret words, actions and events.  We can see through the lens of the world or the lens of Christ.

 

4. What You Believe Influences How You Live.

What a person believes will influence their response to words, actions and events.  We can live guided by culture which opposes God or by the Holy Spirit to conform to God’s Will.

 

5. What You Believe Will Determine Where You Live.

Whether or not someone accepts the Gospel will determine whether they will reside for eternity in Heaven or live in torment in hell.